TG's best electric hatch: the Renault Megane E-Tech

What is it?

A mainstream hatch, battery-only. Renault's Megane was falling out of favour against the Golf and 308. So rather than do a new one with engines, or a choice of engines and electrified, Renault went all-in with a battery-only car. Advantages to that strategy include decent space inside a car that's shorter than your usual hatch, with a low roof-line for good aero. The proportions, with a short front overhang, look good. Again that's possible only in a dedicated EV. Its platform is shared with the Nissan Ariya, although the Nissan is bigger. This the Renault-Nissan Alliance making use of a decade's EV experience.

Give me some details about the Renault Megane E-Tech.

It's front drive, which helps efficiency because it has more regenerative braking than is safe with a rear-driver. Power is 130 or 220bhp, and you can have two battery packs, 40kWh or 60kWh, although the big motor gets only the big battery. That one isn't quite hot-hatch, but it's lively. Range is 281 miles for this performance version, and even in winter it has tricks to help you get close to that. Inside, big screens and a well-designed connected graphics setup strike you first, but they're surrounded with lots of useful quick-access hard keys.

Why should I care about the Renault Megane E-Tech?

Because it does a great job, and it reminds us that crossovers needn't be the default. The ride and handling are terrific and the steering accurate and sharp. OK, it's not a hot-hatch – there's not enough steering feel for that. But it's got a real spring in its step. It's quiet too, with good isolation from the tyres. We love the interior. Not just the design and logic of the screens, but the other controls, and the quality of the materials and design of the furniture. It's really very classy.

Why did you give the Renault Megane E-Tech an award?

At the moment there aren't enough mid-size electric hatchbacks at normal-car monthly payments. Only the ID.3 and soon the Cupra Born and we don't like their cabins. OK and the Leaf but that's not a long-distance car because its ChaDeMo connector is slow. But the Megane doesn't just win by some kind of lame default. We enjoy its cabin, great ride/handling balance, terrific refinement and fine looks. On top of that it happens to be electric. And it does the electric stuff well. Its motors use no rare-earth metals. It sustains a good charge speed, and it has a clever thermal management system for good efficiency.

For the full story pick up the Electric Awards issue of Top Gear magazine