Renault Arkana and Megane E-Tech tests: virtuous diamonds

With 14 new electrified models by 2025, Renault is seriously initiating the partial “decarbonisation” of its range. Tests today of the “full hybrid” Arkana and the Mégane PHEV sedan.

Twenty years ago, Renault denigrated the hybrid, proclaiming loud and clear that the future of the automobile would be 100% electric. Lying that old speech, the French manufacturer has resolved to develop a hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology which has managed to convince the most skeptics. After the Captur, Mégane Estate and Clio, it’s the turn of the recent Arkana and the Mégane sedan to take advantage of the electricity fairy. The first Coupé SUV offered by a generalist manufacturer, this curious 4.57 m long machine has met with great success. According to Renault, 11,000 orders have thus been recorded in Europe since its release last March. Small technical update: “our” Arkana of the day has nothing to do with the Russian version based on an “entry” platform borrowed from the Dacia Duster.
In Europe, as in the rest of the world, the Arkana is fitted with the CMF-B base of the Clio-Captur, which allows the installation of a hybrid or hybrid-rechargeable driveline. Due to its sporty line, the SUV therefore inherited a HEV engine, full hybrid therefore, in order, according to its father François Laurent, to avoid a surge in weight, contained at 1,435 kg.
From the first hectometers carried out on the electric motor capable of traveling 3 to 4 km up to approximately 45 km / h, the road behavior proves to be of the highest caliber.. Firmly standing on its 18 ”wheels, the coupe SUV exudes a beautiful driving pleasure, which fits perfectly with the hybrid“ machine ”; which, associated with an unprecedented clutch transmission allowing up to 15 combinations of ratios depending on the driver’s demand, reveals a very appreciable smoothness of use.
Quiet, flexible and fast enough for those looking for performance, this Arkana E-Tech is seductive. Especially since, on the test route of this first grip, our consumption was established at 6 l / 100 km over 103 km of town, road and expressways, carried out at a decent pace. The 111 g CO2 / km announced by Renault therefore seem realistic and the autonomy can easily flirt with the 750 km, thanks to the 50 liters of the tank identical to the thermal versions. Better, the small Hitachi battery located above the rear axle only amputates the trunk volume by 33 liters compared to the TCe 140 and 160 (480 liters instead of 513). Add to that good suspension comfort and ideal roominess for a family of four or even five, and you have a very convincing Renault hybrid SUV Coupé. Even the price, from 31,200 € in Zen, is not exorbitant.

On the other hand, you will have to pay a few thousand additional euros to drive a plug-in hybrid Mégane E-Tech (from € 37,300, excluding bonus). Logical, the battery capacity increasing from 1.2 to 10.4 kWh – and from 30 to 105 kg – and the electric motor developing 49 kW, against 36. With 50 km announced in all-electric, even 65 km in town , this Mégane will appeal to those who operate in an urban or peri-urban environment. Rightly so, by the way. During our test carried out on the same route as at the wheel of the Arkana, we indeed traveled 45 km in electric (starting with full batteries) and consumed, in the end, 3.2 l / 100 km, according to the computer. on board. This is little. On the highway, however, that’s another story. The 1,530 kg of the Mégane soar consumption, and the “small” 39-liter tank will not be to the liking of heavy riders. But with CO2 emissions contained at 28 g / km, free registration and the absence of TVS, it will convince companies. Provided that employees are encouraged to use the electric motor properly, and therefore recharge the battery. To “fill up” with electricity, count 5 hours on a 2.4 kW socket, or 3 hours on a 3.7 or 7.4 kW socket. An equivalent recharge time despite higher power, the onboard charger of the Mégane accepting up to 3.7 kW. Finally, the last inconvenience, the large battery melts the trunk volume from 394 to 308 liters. Pity…

Verdict :

At Auto-Moto, we advocate the simple hybrid (non-rechargeable) for its measured additional cost, its practical aspects and its easy use. In this game, the Arkana fulfills its role very well. More oriented towards businesses, the Mégane E-Tech PHEV displays very low fuel consumption if it is used correctly, but suffers from a high price and a trunk that is too fair.

Renault Arkana E-Tech: the technique

Renault Arkana E-tech 145 from €31,200

Thermal engine: 4-cyl., Injection, 16 valves, 1,598 cm3, chain distribution, 94 hp, 148 Nm at 3,600 rpm.
Electric motor: 36 kW, 205 Nm.
Batterie : Lithium-ion, 230 V, 1,2 kWh, 30 kg
Transmission: multi-mode with jaws, 15 combinations.
Cumulative power (hp): 143
Cumulative torque (Nm): 403
Weight (kg): 1,435
Max speed (km / h): 172
0 to 100 km / h / 1,000 m DA (s): 10.8 / 32.6
CO2 / bonus-malus: 111/0 €
Price (from): 31,200 €

Renault Megane E-Tech: the technique

Renault Mégane E-tech 160 Plug-in hybrid from 37,300 €

Thermal engine: 4-cyl., Injection, 16 valves, 1,598 cm3, chain distribution, 94 hp, 148 Nm at 3,600 rpm.
Electric motor: 49 kW, 205 Nm.
Batterie : Lithium-ion, 346 V, 10,4 kWh, 105 kg
Transmission: multi-mode with jaws, 15 combinations.
Cumulative power (hp): 160
Cumulative torque (Nm): 344
Weight (kg): 1,530
Max speed (km / h): 175
0 to 100 km / h / 1,000 m DA (s): 9.4 / 30.9
CO2 / bonus: € 28 / 1,000
Average consumption AM / const. (l / 100 km): 3.2 / 1.3
Price (from): 37 300 €