The 4 and 5 models are impacting Megane sales, but Renault is working on something new. | Carscoops

      The Electric Megane E-Tech is set to receive a sporty makeover to enhance its appeal and address declining demand.

      According to the CEO of Renault, the company aims to revive sales for the Megane E-Tech, which will feature a larger battery and hot hatch styling. The updated electric vehicle is expected to be unveiled within the next 6 to 9 months.

      While Renault's recent nostalgic EVs, like the retro-themed 4 and 5 models, have resonated well with consumers, their success has overshadowed the Megane E-Tech, prompting the company to reconsider how to make this model more distinctive.

      Renault's strategy to revitalize the Megane involves tapping into its well-known expertise in producing hot hatches. At the Munich Motor Show, CEO Fabrice Cambolive indicated that the Megane will soon adopt a sportier design to attract more attention and extend its range.

      Cambolive stated, "What we are looking for is a hot hatch; that is the direction we want to move in,” according to Auto Express. He confirmed that a larger battery will be part of the updates, although he refrained from discussing specific technical enhancements for the upgraded Megane anticipated for next spring. Currently, the largest battery option for the E-Tech is a 60 kWh unit providing a modest 285 miles (459 km) of range, whereas the larger Scenic model offers an 87 kWh battery with a range of 382 miles (615 km). Additionally, the forthcoming Megane’s Nissan Leaf counterpart boasts a 75 kWh battery that achieves 303 miles (488 km).

      All three vehicles feature the same 215 hp (218 PS) front-mounted motor, also found in the Renault 5-based Alpine A290, but it remains uncertain whether the sportier Megane will receive a power boost to qualify as a true hot hatch.

      In comparison, Volkswagen’s ID.3 GTX offers a single motor that delivers up to 322 hp (326 PS / 240 kW) and accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.7 seconds, which is 1.8 seconds quicker than the Megane. Nonetheless, it is expected that the refreshed French model will at least have the appearance of a hot hatch.

      Renault’s chief design officer, Laurens van den Acker, emphasized the importance of aesthetic upgrades when implementing costly new technology, stating, “If you put a new battery in a car, which is expensive, and you don’t change the car, then it’s really hard to seduce people to pay more for it. We need to do justice to the changes under the skin by showing something on the skin.”

      Design enhancements are anticipated to include more assertive bumpers and possibly larger wheels. The mid-tier Megane E-Tech techno esprit Alpine model already boasts 20-inch wheels that look good and provide substantial grip. Recent spy shots suggest that the mid-life update will feature narrower LED lights as well.

      Cambolive hinted at the possibility of reviving the Renaultsport badge, which has been associated with a series of renowned hot hatches for over two decades before its retirement in 2023. However, he did not provide further details on whether the hot hatch initiative for the Megane is connected to that revival.

      “We are exploring some [options],” the CEO mentioned. “We will come to you with some proposals in the next 12 months.”