2022 Renault Megane goes electric: Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Hyundai i30 rival morphs into E-Tech SUV to take on Hyundai Kona Electric

Renault has shown off the future of its small car segment in Munich this week, and – like almost all other brands – is staking its prospects on the booming popularity of SUVs, morphing its Megane into the E-Tech crossover.

Available with two flavours, an entry-level 96kW/250Nm grade and a 160kW/300Nm flagship, the Megane E-Tech crossover sets its sights squarely on the likes Hyundai Kona Electric, Mazda MX-30 Electric and MG ZS EV.

Acceleration information for the base Megane E-Tech is currently unknown, but the more potent version will scoot from zero to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds, while both feature four levels of regenerative braking to maximise driving range.

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With either a 40kWh or 60kWh battery installed, the Megane E-Tech will travel 299km or 470km (tested on WLTP standards) before needing a recharge, which can recoup up to 300km in 30 minutes when using a 130kW fast-charging station.

Based on a standard 7.4kW wallbox though, the Megane E-Tech will need eight hours to add around 400km of range and, like the Nissan Leaf e+ and others, the new Renault can feed power back to the grid (V2G).

Built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-EV platform, the Megane E-Tech is the first car to be built on the all-new architecture, but is also shared with the near-production Nissan Ariya.

Outside, the Megane E-Tech sports familial Renault styling thanks to a prominent front badge, slender headlights and a strong shoulder line.

Inside, Renault is keen to talk up the Megane E-Tech’s OpenR Link 12.0-inch multimedia system that is based on Google’s Android operating system, and can be paired with a personal account for an individualised experience.

However, iPhone uses will still be able to make use of Apple CarPlay, as well as in-built features like satellite navigation, music and vehicle data displays.

The upholstery used is made from reused materials, while 95 per cent of the vehicle can be recycled at the end of its life.

Safety wise, Renault has fitted 26 advanced driver assistance systems including front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, lane departure warning, a surround view-monitor and more.

The Renault Megane E-Tech will hit European showrooms in 2022 with an Australian debut still left unclear.

A Renault Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide that the Megane E-Tech is "very much on our radar", but could not confirm anything further.

Renault Australia, which is now distributed by independent operator Ateco, has slowly been pairing back its Megane range Down Under, now available exclusively in high-performance RS guise.