2020 Renault Megane facelift comes with plug-in hybrid

KUALA LUMPUR: The facelift model of the 2020 Megane is here and it comes with not only cosmetic upgrades but also with a simplified RS range and a new plug-in hybrid variant. The model has been revealed in the European market. Starting with the styling updates, the facelift Megane gets brighter LED headlamps, redesigned bumpers, and new alloys. 

Inside, it gets two infotainment system options, one is a 7.0-inch horizontal touchscreen, while the other one is a 9.3-inch vertical touchscreen panel. For the digital instrument cluster, there are 7.0-inch and 10.2-inch screen options. 

On the safety front, the Megane facelift gets upgraded blind-spot monitoring system and autonomous emergency braking. Plus, it gets Highway and Traffic Jam Companion that ensures the car remains in its lane at speeds up to 160 Kmph, also maintaining a fair amount of distance to the vehicle ahead. 

Talking about the RS range, all the models are now powered by the same 1.8-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine fitted inside the outgoing RS Trophy model. It churns out a max power of 304 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm when mated to a 6-speed manual, whereas with a 6-speed DCT, its torque bumps to 420 Nm.

Additionally, the regular RS model gets a sported Sport chassis as standard, while the Trophy is the only model to come with Cup structure with a front limited-slip differential, dampers, stiffer springs, and anti-roll bars. 

The RS models also get benefitted from the RS Monitor, which displays live info about steering angle, braking, acceleration and different kinds of pressures and temperatures. Also, there is now a mechanical valve that’s responsible for controlling the sound of the car. Inside the RS models, interior patterns have been updated. The Trophy, on the other hand, gets Recaro seats as an option.

The 2020 Megane E-Tech PHEV, to be sold in Europe initially, will get a wagon body style, two electric motors, a 9.8 kWh li-ion battery pack and a 1.6-litre engine coupled with a clutch-less transmission. Its claimed all-electric travel range is 48 Km, which is short by 2 Km of the Captur E-Tech’s range that was revealed earlier in January 2020.

Also read: Renault to launch Zoe RS by 2022