Renault has introduced new hybrid electric and PHEV variants to their most successful models ever: Clio, Captur and Megane and claim electrification makes these vehicles an accessible and affordable choice in their line-up, writes Trish Whelan.
They join New ZOE in the brand’s growing electrified car range.
The Irish company is encouraging customers to make the switch from diesel and petrol ICE models to one of these new E-Tech Hybrid arrivals as they offer substantial savings in regard to fuel consumption (thanks to their EV expertise) while also emitting less C02.
The advanced E-Tech powertrains are inspired by motorsport and Renault’s expertise in Formula 1. All models are powered by a 1.6 petrol engine, two electric motors and a powerful battery. All have a F1-inspired multi-mode clutchless gearbox which debuts with smooth and swift responses offering strong performance along with low running costs.
Clio E-Tech Hybrid is Renault’s first hybrid vehicle and is capable of allowing up to 80pc of urban journeys on electric power alone (up to 50km in hybrid mode), courtesy of its advanced E-Tech powertrain that always starts in electric mode. This 1.6 model is the most powerful Clio with 140hp and emits 98g/km C02 and returns an official figure of 4.4 L/100kms. Renault say this is ‘an incredibly efficient petrol car with instant torque and rapid responses with a 0-100km/h sprint time of 9.9 seconds. This powertrain option is available across all Clio trim levels.The E-Tech Special Edition is priced from €28,795. Prices are before SEAI grants of €5,000 for plug-in hybrids which should reduce the cost.
The all-new Captur E-Tech Plug-in hybrid SUV (pictured top) has a combined output of 160hp and can also run for up to 50km on electric power alone which, if charged regularly, is enough for most urban journeys. It emits 30g/km of C02 and returns a frugal 1.5 L/100kms combined cycle. 2021 pricing is from €29,695 in S Edition specification (pending SEAI grant confirmation). C02 emissions are 34g/km and Renault claim a fuel consumption of 1.5 L/100kms. Charging from zero to 100pc takes around three hours at 3.6kW, ideal for use overnight. A domestic charging cable and Type 2 charger cable are provided with the car.
Renault has also launched the updated and enhanced version of the New Megane Hatch and Sport Tourer (pictured) including the launch of the new the E-Tech Plug-in hybrid powertrain. The PHEV variant emits 30g/km C02. Updates include a suite of interior and exterior enhancements such as full LED lights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, enhanced interior materials and new R.Sl Line trim level.
All models come with a comprehensive five-year warranty with unlimited mileage limit in the first two years and up to 200,000km in the remaining three. E-Tech and Z.E. powertrains are covered by an additional eight-year and 160,000 traction battery warranty.
To help customers make the switch to cleaner, lower emission cars, Renault is offering 211 customers a €1,000 Green Grant on top of the Government Grant, plus 2.11pc APR and three months’ deferred payment. The company has already put aside €2 million towards this Green Grant funding while Renault Bank are ready to lend €60 million to potential customers.
On the commercial front, the price of the newly launched ZOE small van for January 2021 will be from around €30,000. Price is awaiting SEAI grant confirmation.
