In a nutshell: NEW Renault E-TECH range
- Renault lifts lid on new E-TECH range.
- Clio E-TECH is a mild hybrid while new Captur and Megane boast plug-in tech.
- Renault has used F1 gadgetry to introduce new clutchless gearbox.
- First deliveries due to arrive in October.
Renault says its harnessed cutting-edge Formula One tech to drive its new range of electrified E-TECH powertrains.
The exciting system is being used to launch an all-new Clio E-TECH hybrid, Captur E-TECH plug-in hybrid, and a Megane E-TECH plug-in.
And the line-up adds to Renaults growing list of battery-powered cars, beginning with the trailblazing and ever-popular Zoe.
All of the new models are underpinned by a 1.6 litre petrol engine married to electric motors.
And Renault is quick to point out that their eye-catching new vehicles are brimming with engineering pioneered by F1 - specifically, a multi-mode clutchless gearbox and enhanced energy recovery.
The firm says: Technology thats found in an E-TECH powertrain inspired by motorsport and Renaults expertise in Formula 1 can be broken down into two categories.
The first is the way in which energy use and recovery can be optimised, while the other is the application of an innovative multi-mode dog gearbox for the first time in a production vehicle.
In operation, the clutchless gearbox allows the vehicle to start in 100 per cent electric mode, significantly reduces the gap in acceleration during gear changes which means a smoother, more refined drive in production vehicles, as well as better performance.
So lets start with the Clio E-TECH, a mild hybrid that doesnt require plugging in.
It features the regular combustion engine combined with a 1.2kWh (230V) lithium-ion battery for added power and efficiency, and features fuel economy of up to 64.2mpg while also boasting 140hp, ensuring it can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 9.9 seconds.
Its also capable of travelling 27mph in electric-only mode.
The Captur E-TECH is a plug-in hybrid featuring a higher capacity 9.8kWh (400V) battery, a total system output of 160hp and bags of torque - 144Nm from the petrol engine and an additional 205Nm of e-motor torque.
The Captur can cover a 0-62mph time in 10.1 seconds while also returning 188 miles to the gallon. And charging from zero to 100 per cent takes approximately three hours using the wallbox.
Meanwhile the Megane features the same powertrain as the Captur, but is both quicker - covering 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds - and also more efficient, returning 217 mpg.
The Clio is priced from £19,595, the Captur £30,495 and the Megane starts from £30,685.
There will be plenty of competition for all three models when they arrive on the market. Most significantly, from fellow French brand Peugeot, which has accelerated its own hybrid and electric range with the recent release of the Peugeot e-208.
The Captur, already facing fierce competition in a congested sector, will come up against the upgraded 2020 Kia Stonic SUV, while the Megane will face-off with Skoda's new Scala SE Technology, among others.
All models with the E-TECH powertrains feature a TFT Driver Information Display, Easy Link Navigation system and unique E-TECH badging.
The Clio and the Captur will boast two unique Launch Edition specifications with enhanced interior and exterior blue and copper colour packs.
Meanwhile the Megane line goes all the way up to range-topping R.S Line spec, complete with 17-inch alloys, an automatic braking system, rear parking camera and a host of stylistic flourishes.
First deliveries commence in October.
