Renault will unveil an updated Renault Megane later this year, with a plug-in hybrid variant, due as part of the firm's rapid electrification expansion, spotted for the first time.
The Ford Focus rival first went on sale in 2016, but the competition has moved on since then. A new Ford Focus has since arrived, with the next-generation Volkswagen Golf and Seat Leon due next year. Renault updated the Renault Kadjar SUV late last year, recently revealed a tweaked Renault Koleos, and will launch an all-new Clio and Captur later this year.
Like the mechanically-related Kadjar, expect a subtle design evolution for the updated Megane. The front end bears the most disguise, suggesting alterations to the grille, headlights and bumper. At the rear, a reshaped tailgate and LED lighting profile will help to foster the familiar resemblance with the 2019 Clio.
Something else shared with the Clio, and a first for the Megane in any guise, will be a new hybridised variant. Launching in 2020, it will form a crucial part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance’s Drive the Future plan, which is targeting 20 electrified Renaults to hit the market by 2022.
Instead of using the Clio's cheaper, simpler conventional hybrid system, the Megan will make use of a more advanced plug-in powertrain. It will use a turbocharged petrol engine with a new electric motor system, expected to be mated to an innovative clutchless transmission rather than the more typical CVT.
It will be similar to the system launched on the next Captur SUV, and should allow an all-electric range of around 30 miles. We can see that this prototype features a charging plug on the left-hand side of the car, complimenting the fuel filler on the right-hand side.
