Renault is introducing a plug-in hybrid model to its Megane hatch line-up while dropping all existing petrol and diesel versions.

The Renault Megane hatch plug-in hybrid complements the existing Sports Tourer PHEV

Joining the Megane Sports Tourer plug-in hybrid, the hatch version will be available to order from August and starts first deliveries in September.

The PHEV powertrain uses the same technology that debuted on the Clio E-Tech hybrid, drawing on input from the Alpine F1 team, and combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery and 65hp motor.

The PHEV brings both performance and economy gains. It starts the vehicle in 100% electric mode and significantly reduces the gap in acceleration during gear changes but also provides reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Both the hatch and the Sports Tourer have an official WLTP combined fuel economy of 235.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 28g/km. The new 160hp PHEV drivetrain is also more powerful than the outgoing diesel and petrol variants, and enables a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds and a top speed of 114mph. Electric-only range is still to be announced.

The PHEV also brings total cost of ownership benefits – including a Benefit-in-Kind rate of 11% for the current tax year and £0 VED costs for the first year.

Pricing is yet to be announced but the Megane hatch plug-in hybrid will be available in two trim levels – the Iconic E and the sporty R.S. Line.

Standard specification includes an electronic parking brake, front and rear electric windows, cruise control with speed limiter, 10-inch TFT driver’s display, Eco Mode, EV mode button, three driving modes and eight ambient lighting colours, and a hands-free key card.

Both models also get the Easylink navigation system with a 7-inch touchscreen (9.3 inches for R.S Line), two USB ports, Bluetooth and smartphone integration including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Standard safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist and the Visio System that incorporates lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam.

Specific Iconic trim level features include 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, and frameless rear-view mirror.

The R.S. Line version gains exclusive body-coloured R.S. Line bumpers, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and an R.S. leather steering wheel.

It also ups the safety equipment with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), rear parking camera and hands-free parking.

The arrival of the new Megane hatch plug-in hybrid is in line with the brand’s electrification strategy for the model. Renault is also planning to launch its MeganE EV crossover, also known as the Megane E-Tech Electric, in 2022.

Renault’s five-year plan revealed at the start of 2021 will evolve the carmaker into a tech, service and clean energy brand that will launch 14 core vehicles by 2025, of which seven will be fully electric. All new models will have an electric or hybrid version.