There appears to be stuff missing from the Australian version of the e-tech, like where is the "My Renault" on the app store? Why doesn't the vehicle come with Google Maps installed like it does in Europe?
YES! We drove one on the weekend, with the $10k discount we were very tempted. Then found out we don't get the app or full Google integration for some reason. Still deciding if it's a deal breaker.
Serious question: How does Renault survive in Australia? I rarely see any on the road. They don't seem competitive in price or quality so why do they stick around in Oz?
I suspect that European car makers are going to struggle at these price points (about $20kAUD more than some similar Asian offerings available in OZ atm).
Thanks for another great video as usual. I do enjoy your matter-of-fact style (without the tribalist overdone hype/hate of so many other reviewers - just let viewers make their own informed decisions for their needs and preferences).
Test drove this yesterday, and although lovely to drive the price on road was an eye opener. Drove the Seal RWD premium two day prior and it's $10k cheaper than the Megane. Different vehicles, but I preferred the Seal to drive and the equipment and refinement levels in a different league. Apples with oranges, I know, but IMO the Megane is at least $10k too expensive for what it offers. It's a smallish vehicle and the equipment levels and finish were really disappointing. Sad, because I had been really keen on a Megane leading up to it's launch.
Good summary. It will be difficult to compete on price with some of the offerings coming from China … still, some people prefer to buy from a well known brand with history behind it like Renault
Agree with your price assessment. I am quite baffled with how they come up with the price/value . Based on what it delivers I guess it will be interesting how many people actually choose it and put their hands in there pockets.
Agree. I went to the launch last year in Castle Hill for this car and it’s not so family friendly. The EV5 if priced right should have great success plus it has BYD blade batteries
The car is just a standard trim Renault, does the electrification really add that much to the price? And the old portrait screen presents better. At least Renault give you fixed buttons to turn of lane assist now, previously you had to turn things off in the screen menus, but they did stay off once done the first time. Not reactivate when you restart the vehical like every other maker.
I don't get it. Is it better when screen is all the way towards the driver? I think prev gen VW ID4 had tilted toward the driver but in a new sedan they have it straight. It is quite often when my passenger sets destination or uses spotify and the screen will be kind of away from the passenger. I think it is weird.
Great video, but it seems that Renault is offering in Australia the same decontented version they offer in UK, with the smaller screen, no leather seats, cloth dashboard... too pricy in my opinion without all the equipment that we have in Europe 👍
It's frustrating they don't include navigation in the Ausralia model. In the European/UK model it uses Google Android OS and has pretty good charging navigation. I don't understand why European brands are not including it for the Australian market. It was the same with Cupra born. It's just not right.
Good point re: Cupra Born also having limited software cf. Euro release. Agreed that the Android Automotive software is reasonably good as seen in Polestar/Volvo systems
I have one of these cars in Ireland and I love it. The spec is better than the one you reviewed. Google infotainment is the best on the market. Interior finish is excellent. Far better quality than the likes of the MG4. Lovely to drive. Not one negative review of the car here or the UK. Only negatives are the boot shape and rear seat passenger room.
I have the Megane here in France and my impressions are totally different than almost every comment on this thread. I love it and so do most European reviewers. It was in fact European car of the year when it was introduced 2 years ago. Are we talking about the same car?
Thanks for the input! I think we on this side of the world have a different opinion because of several cheaper options from China that offer quite an appealing value proposition compared to the Megane
@@LudicrousFeed Well believe it or not but we have Chinese cars here as well😁! I looked at both MG and BYD, not to mention Tesla and other European brands before settling on the Mégane. I moved the look, the superb Android system and the excellent interior finish. And to add, I didn't find it particularly expensive either. Renault reduced prices by 10% in January and the French government is still giving a 4000€ grant. So there you go.
Thanks Tom, looks like a solid choice , sadly again they are imported in low volume via a third party so price will be excessive and I am tipping they will even catch on services costs. But again it adds to EV choice in Australia as the EV V ICE battle continues .
Was this the media event or have they released it for sale now? Renault really failed with the AC charge rate though at only 7.4kW when in Europe it's 22kW and the new Kona comes with 11kw(10.5kW) very poor on their part. At least the DC charge rate is better than 100kW peak mind you it's the curve that matters not the peak charge rate. I know it can tow as well up to 900kg well it is designed to. Does the compliance plate allow any other options for tyre size? Like the Kona which can take either 19 or 17".
Think it will have a hard time in the Australian market once competing cars hit market like Kia EV5 & BYD SeaLion. But at least its miles better than Toyota's efforts (hard to call the BZ4X "effort"). Unfortunately, I don't think Reno has that strong reputation, especially in Australia. As a long-time Nissan fan growing up, i kinda hold a grudge against Reno, killing the Toyota like quality Nissan once had.
@LudicrousFeed Test drove one a couple weeks back while my car was in service. Uninspired was my general impression, it does the job of being a car so that's good, I guess.
There will be people who like the brand, but to me its over priced, small infotainment screen, no LFP battery chemistry. There are Chinese brand Ev's that represent better value for money. The stalks look too busy on the steering wheel.
@Sensei_88_ I agree with you. We aren’t talking about Europe v china v South Korea . We are talking about this specific car, and it is not impressive in any way, unless you are a Peugeot fan
This Techno model is identical to the Techno model sold in France, based on a spec sheet comparison. Just to clear that up. 22kw AC charging seems to be an optional extra in France, standard on the UK model and not yet available in Australia, maybe for cost-saving reasons? Not sure. But I highly doubt cars coming off the same assembly line have been down specced for Australia. Refinement level looks quite good in your test 👍
I may be biased but considering this is the same price as a Tesla Model 3 highland (Albeit different cars) I found it very difficult to get good vibes from this Renault. Completely the other way with buttons and no navigation. I could go either way with a BYD seal but this one (ughh) 😦
Outside looks okay and interesting Inside, the only nice feature is the digital mirror option. Looks like they blew the budget on $70K worth of physical buttons and stalks. For the same on road price as a Model Y…. I think we all know what 99.9% of people will buy.
Very cheap looking interior with lots of hard plastic surfaces and instrument controls for $70k. Small screen, no navigation, and poor cabin storage. Quite disappointing by the look of it.
I don't know where your model is made but, here in France the interior is not cheap, hard plastic. Every review I have seen says that the interior is very well done and quite upmarket.
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There appears to be stuff missing from the Australian version of the e-tech, like where is the "My Renault" on the app store? Why doesn't the vehicle come with Google Maps installed like it does in Europe?
Yes the export version to Aus seems truncated compared to Euro release
YES! We drove one on the weekend, with the $10k discount we were very tempted. Then found out we don't get the app or full Google integration for some reason. Still deciding if it's a deal breaker.
Great setup with the cameras, Tom. They really complement your spoken information well. Thank you for the video.
Thanks! I'm happy with how it turned out also 😃
Serious question: How does Renault survive in Australia? I rarely see any on the road. They don't seem competitive in price or quality so why do they stick around in Oz?
That is a very valid question
Ditto with CITROEN who sell in the order of 200 +/- PER ANNUM in Australia!! HOW do they manage to stay in Oz?
I suspect that European car makers are going to struggle at these price points (about $20kAUD more than some similar Asian offerings available in OZ atm).
And Model Y has just had a price drop in Aus too … 🤔
@@LudicrousFeedplus Model Y existing inventory is available for ~63k drive away on top of the price drop
@@Clove_ParmaWow, that’s pretty cheap for a model Y.
Thanks for another great video as usual. I do enjoy your matter-of-fact style (without the tribalist overdone hype/hate of so many other reviewers - just let viewers make their own informed decisions for their needs and preferences).
Cheers! I always aim to present the facts without the bias where possible
Test drove this yesterday, and although lovely to drive the price on road was an eye opener. Drove the Seal RWD premium two day prior and it's $10k cheaper than the Megane. Different vehicles, but I preferred the Seal to drive and the equipment and refinement levels in a different league. Apples with oranges, I know, but IMO the Megane is at least $10k too expensive for what it offers. It's a smallish vehicle and the equipment levels and finish were really disappointing. Sad, because I had been really keen on a Megane leading up to it's launch.
Good summary. It will be difficult to compete on price with some of the offerings coming from China … still, some people prefer to buy from a well known brand with history behind it like Renault
Agree with your price assessment. I am quite baffled with how they come up with the price/value . Based on what it delivers I guess it will be interesting how many people actually choose it and put their hands in there pockets.
@@diycave5144 Currently $10k off the Megane!
With the EV5 Coming and judging on prices in New Zealand going to be a hard sell.
Agreed the EV5 will be very compelling in this segment
Agree. I went to the launch last year in Castle Hill for this car and it’s not so family friendly. The EV5 if priced right should have great success plus it has BYD blade batteries
The car is just a standard trim Renault, does the electrification really add that much to the price? And the old portrait screen presents better. At least Renault give you fixed buttons to turn of lane assist now, previously you had to turn things off in the screen menus, but they did stay off once done the first time. Not reactivate when you restart the vehical like every other maker.
Actually that’s a good point in that at least there’s no annoying ADAS settings that return to default on the next drive 🙄
I had a look at the display vehicle at Chadstone shopping mall Victoria, the leg room for the back seats just not big enough, plus the price......
It’s definitely a SUV/hatch on the smaller side
I don't get it. Is it better when screen is all the way towards the driver? I think prev gen VW ID4 had tilted toward the driver but in a new sedan they have it straight. It is quite often when my passenger sets destination or uses spotify and the screen will be kind of away from the passenger. I think it is weird.
Yeah I’m in two minds about the driver-orientated setup 🤔
Great video, but it seems that Renault is offering in Australia the same decontented version they offer in UK, with the smaller screen, no leather seats, cloth dashboard... too pricy in my opinion without all the equipment that we have in Europe 👍
Yes it’s a shame isn’t it. The interior is a bit underwhelming
@@LudicrousFeedLet's see if you get the upcoming R5 and R4 👏👏
It's frustrating they don't include navigation in the Ausralia model. In the European/UK model it uses Google Android OS and has pretty good charging navigation. I don't understand why European brands are not including it for the Australian market. It was the same with Cupra born. It's just not right.
Good point re: Cupra Born also having limited software cf. Euro release. Agreed that the Android Automotive software is reasonably good as seen in Polestar/Volvo systems
Great video Tom as always. Great effort from European car maker to bring it here, unlike VW…still waiting for something….
Thanks! Yes indeed, VW will have to keep their promises eventually
I have one of these cars in Ireland and I love it.
The spec is better than the one you reviewed.
Google infotainment is the best on the market.
Interior finish is excellent. Far better quality than the likes of the MG4. Lovely to drive. Not one negative review of the car here or the UK.
Only negatives are the boot shape and rear seat passenger room.
Yes it’s a shame we got the abridged version here in Australia
I have the Megane here in France and my impressions are totally different than almost every comment on this thread. I love it and so do most European reviewers. It was in fact European car of the year when it was introduced 2 years ago. Are we talking about the same car?
Thanks for the input! I think we on this side of the world have a different opinion because of several cheaper options from China that offer quite an appealing value proposition compared to the Megane
@@LudicrousFeed Well believe it or not but we have Chinese cars here as well😁! I looked at both MG and BYD, not to mention Tesla and other European brands before settling on the Mégane. I moved the look, the superb Android system and the excellent interior finish. And to add, I didn't find it particularly expensive either. Renault reduced prices by 10% in January and the French government is still giving a 4000€ grant. So there you go.
Thanks Tom, looks like a solid choice , sadly again they are imported in low volume via a third party so price will be excessive and I am tipping they will even catch on services costs. But again it adds to EV choice in Australia as the EV V ICE battle continues .
Agreed I imagine the sales volumes will be low most likely
A solid choice?
Was this the media event or have they released it for sale now? Renault really failed with the AC charge rate though at only 7.4kW when in Europe it's 22kW and the new Kona comes with 11kw(10.5kW) very poor on their part. At least the DC charge rate is better than 100kW peak mind you it's the curve that matters not the peak charge rate. I know it can tow as well up to 900kg well it is designed to. Does the compliance plate allow any other options for tyre size? Like the Kona which can take either 19 or 17".
I believe it’s available for sale in Australia now. This car was kindly loaned to me for the week from Ateco 👍
@@LudicrousFeedMissed the bit about no maps/route planning, didn't Renault include Google or Android Automotive as the EU versions include?
Think it will have a hard time in the Australian market once competing cars hit market like Kia EV5 & BYD SeaLion. But at least its miles better than Toyota's efforts (hard to call the BZ4X "effort"). Unfortunately, I don't think Reno has that strong reputation, especially in Australia. As a long-time Nissan fan growing up, i kinda hold a grudge against Reno, killing the Toyota like quality Nissan once had.
As much as I’m skeptical about the BZ4X I’d still like to test it … for science of course
@LudicrousFeed Test drove one a couple weeks back while my car was in service. Uninspired was my general impression, it does the job of being a car so that's good, I guess.
Tom, what are your thoughts on all these cars MG, BYD, Renault etc having ultrasonic sensors but Tesla dropping them. Seems odd.
It’s simple. Because Tesla is banking on an autonomous camera-based driving future
There will be people who like the brand, but to me its over priced, small infotainment screen, no LFP battery chemistry.
There are Chinese brand Ev's that represent better value for money. The stalks look too busy on the steering wheel.
It’ll be hard to compete with the Chinese brands on price
Personally, i would prefer an ioniq5 or save 20/k and get an atto
I think many would agree with you
@Sensei_88_ I agree with you. We aren’t talking about Europe v china v South Korea . We are talking about this specific car, and it is not impressive in any way, unless you are a Peugeot fan
This Techno model is identical to the Techno model sold in France, based on a spec sheet comparison. Just to clear that up. 22kw AC charging seems to be an optional extra in France, standard on the UK model and not yet available in Australia, maybe for cost-saving reasons? Not sure. But I highly doubt cars coming off the same assembly line have been down specced for Australia. Refinement level looks quite good in your test 👍
Great looking car overall from the outside ... interior could have been finished better imo though
I may be biased but considering this is the same price as a Tesla Model 3 highland (Albeit different cars) I found it very difficult to get good vibes from this Renault. Completely the other way with buttons and no navigation. I could go either way with a BYD seal but this one (ughh) 😦
Yes certainly a lot more options in the market worth considering at this price
This video cured my insomnia.
Excellent! 😴
Watching this tomorrow
Enjoy! 🥂
A very kind review for a dud of a car.
I try to look for the positives
@@LudicrousFeed why?
Someone will buy this car … and that someone may watch this video
@@LudicrousFeed are you a reviewer, or a Renault sales man?
Neither. I’m an amateur with a UA-cam channel who likes EVs 😁
$20k more than it should be. As you point out, it’s similar to the MG4 (essence?). Perhaps Renault are just dumping what they can’t sell?
I don’t think they’ll sell many at this price
Odd, we have this car in the UK and it has Google Maps as standard as the infotainment is google based. Great car though and surprised us for an EV...
We seemed to have gotten the abridged version here in Aus 🤷♂️
Like most European evs. The price is ridiculous and expensive. Most people won't buy.
It won’t be a high volume seller
megane e tech is like outdated tech with future looks, i prefer owning a stellantis cars now they are getting better, thanks for the review tom
Pleasure 🙏
So many buttons on steering wheel
Indeed
Outside looks okay and interesting
Inside, the only nice feature is the digital mirror option.
Looks like they blew the budget on $70K worth of physical buttons and stalks.
For the same on road price as a Model Y…. I think we all know what 99.9% of people will buy.
Hard to go past the value of a Model Y at this price bracket
Lfp is a must no ev without lfp
Seems like the future
Too expensive for the kit I reckon. Going to be hard to compete against the Chinese brands.
Very hard to compete on price alone
Such tinny sounding doors
I found that curious also
Yeah, the entire car had a flimsy and tinny feel to me.
Not all EVs are good...
We’ll see what else Renault offer in coming years …
“1-year/30,000km Service Intervals” - I’ll stick to Tesla…
Difficult to argue with Tesla’s “no-service” schedule 😁
@@LudicrousFeed I wish more manufacturers had it
If you set your frame rate to 50 per second you will stop the flickering from lights screen etc. You are in a 50 Hz country.
Cheers good tip
😱😱😱👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😍😍😍😍😍😍
👍
Very cheap looking interior with lots of hard plastic surfaces and instrument controls for $70k. Small screen, no navigation, and poor cabin storage. Quite disappointing by the look of it.
I was hoping for 22kW AC charging like the Zoe … 😢
I wonder if this was made by vinfast? Where was this car manufacturerd ?
The Megane E-Tech is manufactured at the Douai Renault Factory in France
I don't know where your model is made but, here in France the interior is not cheap, hard plastic. Every review I have seen says that the interior is very well done and quite upmarket.
@@brianbarcroft9167 I have a feeling we got the “abridged” version here in Aus
What a horrible car.
It’s a shame it’s an abridged version of the Euro release
It’s boring inside. Many bottoms still. Why should we spend 70k for an old school style car
That is a very good question