2022 Renault Megane goes electric: Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Hyundai i30 rival turns into E-Tech SUV to compete with Hyundai Kona Electric

Megane E-Tech can travel up to 470 km without recharging.

Renault showed off the future of its small car segment in Munich this week and, like almost every other brand, is capitalizing on the growing popularity of SUVs by turning its Megane into an E-Tech crossover.

Available in two variants: entry-level 96kW/250Nm and flagship 160kW/300Nm, the Megane E-Tech crossover targets models such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Mazda MX-30 Electric and MG ZS EV.

Acceleration information for the base Megane E-Tech is currently unknown, but the more powerful version will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, with both models having four levels of regenerative braking to extend range.

With a 40kWh or 60kWh battery installed, the Megane E-Tech will travel 299 or 470km (tested to WLTP standards) before needing a recharge, which can cover up to 300km in 30 minutes using a 130kW fast charger.

However, based on a standard 7.4kW wallbox, the Megane E-Tech will take eight hours to add about 400km of range, and like the Nissan Leaf e+ and others, the new Renault can return power to the grid (V2G).

Built on the CMF-EV platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the Megane E-Tech is the first car to be built on a completely new architecture, but it is also shared with the production-stage Nissan Ariya.

On the outside, the Megane E-Tech shows Renault family style with a prominent front badge, narrow headlights and a pronounced shoulder line.

Inside, Renault is keen to reveal Megane E-Tech's 12.0-inch OpenR Link multimedia system, which is based on Google's Android operating system and can be paired with a personal account for individual use.

However, iPhone users will still be able to use Apple CarPlay as well as built-in features such as sat-nav, music, and vehicle data display.

The upholstery used is made from recycled materials and 95% of the car can be recycled at the end of its life.

In terms of safety, Renault has installed 26 advanced driver assistance systems, including front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, lane departure warning, surround view monitor and more.

The Renault Megane E-Tech will hit European showrooms in 2022, with no Australian debut yet.

This was announced by the representative of Renault Australia. Cars Guide that Megane E-Tech "means a lot to us" but can't confirm anything else.

Renault Australia, currently distributed by independent operator Ateco, is slowly bringing back its Megane Down Under range, now available exclusively in high-performance RS guise.