2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech Reviews

The premium small car category (starting under $80K) is an interesting one because there are many cars that might not necessarily be cross-shopped, but in one way or another they end up being compared to one another.Our 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards category shortlist saw entrants from Audi, BMW, Cupra, Renault, Smart, Subaru and Volvo. The vehicles range from small petrol hatches all the way to small electric SUVs.Now we’re at the pointy end and it’s time to whittle it down to a winner. First up are the two runners up in alphabetical order, then the category winner.This small SUV from Audi is an oldie but a goodie and that’s how it has ended up as a runner up for CarsGuide’s best small premium car.CarsGuide reviewers love how the Q3, despite its age, still presents well with a stunning exterior design, while the driving experience is elegant, yet fun.“I think it’s such a neatly executed package, it’s hard to pick faults in that car,” said CarsGuide Deputy Editor James Cleary.However there is a new-generation model set to launch locally in early 2026 that could potentially become the new benchmark for the segment.While this French small electric SUV hasn’t stormed up the sales charts like some of its competitors, it’s a dark horse with charming driving dynamics and a stunning interior design.CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White, who had one for a three-month long-term loan early in 2025, noted it’s a car that moves the Renault brand forward in Australia.In fact, he said that everyone who sat in this tester asked if it was a Kia, which he believes is a massive compliment to the Megane E-Tech.The few things holding this car back are the mediocre AC charging rate, plus the Australian-specification car does miss out on things like connected services, which are offered overseas. Thankfully Renault has committed to addressing the latter with an update in 2026.Although it’s been a couple of years now since the current-generation X1 launched in Australia, it still stands out as a segment benchmark, therefore making it a clear choice for CarsGuide’s best premium small car of 2026.“Previously the Q3 was my favourite in that category, I think the X1 does move the game forward,” said CarsGuide Deputy News Editor Tom White.It not only offers class-leading petrol-powered variants, but the availability of electric powertrains in the same body style. All of them have stellar driving dynamics and high-tech interiors.Additionally, besides its compact exterior dimensions, the X1’s clever interior packaging and available storage space makes it almost feel like a mid-sized SUV. You can see why this is now the best-selling BMW in Australia.

Renault has announced the Duster small SUV is returning to the Indian market in new-generation guise.This Indian-built version of the Renault Duster features some notable differences over the European-built, Australian-specification version.Most notable is slightly different exterior styling, including altered front and rear fascias, revised LED headlights, LED tail-lights that are connected by a rear light bar, ‘Duster’ script written out on the grille instead of ‘Renault’, all-black 18-inch alloy wheels, plus the availability of a panoramic glass sunroof.This Indian-specification Duster is launching in a special Launch Edition guise, which features green exterior paint with yellow highlights.Inside there is a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system that has Google Built-in, interior ambient lighting, plus synthetic leather upholstery with front seat ventilation.Additionally there are new safety features such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go and a proper surround-view camera are offered. This is on top of the standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and traffic sign recognition.In India three powertrains are set to be offered. A 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 74kW and 172Nm is mated with a six-speed manual transmission, a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 119kW and 280Nm is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as a 1.8-litre hybrid engine.It’s understood all three powertrains offered in this Indian-specification Duster are front-wheel drive only.In Australia the Duster is currently offered with a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch and front-wheel drive, or a 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive."Renault Australia sources Duster from Europe," said a Renault Australia spokesperson. CarsGuide understands there are no foreseeable changes on this. The European-built Renault Duster only launched in Australia in the middle of 2025. Two trim levels are offered – Evolution and Techno – with both powertrains offered on each.Until the end of 2025 a total of 207 examples of the Duster were sold. While this does place it at the lower end of the small SUV segment in terms of outright sales, it did outsell the Jeep Compass (147 sales) and almost the Renault Arkana (226 sales) even with only around six months of sales.

The Renault/Nissan alliance will lean deeper into their ties in China for ultra-rapid vehicle development, according to a new report from industry source Automotive News.While Nissan has been open about its need to lean into its Chinese joint-ventures for rapid global vehicle development off the back of a range of successful models in China, its alliance partner Renault has started the process of decoupling from its Chinese ventures.However, the French giant maintains a development centre in Shanghai, established in 2019, from which it leverages the Chinese market’s speed and competitiveness to develop next-gen electric cars and hybrids.According to Automotive News the development cycle of these new models is just 16 months from concept to production, as part of a push by Renault to be more competitive with Chinese brands making rapid inroads into Europe.Brands like GWM, BYD, and Chery have ultra-rapid design cycles that often shorten generational changes to well below the usual seven-to-10 year mark that traditional automakers often stick to, with updates and facelifts regularly rolled out.The first models to benefit from the knowhow of the Shanghai development centre are a range of new city cars based on the upcoming Renault Twingo E-Tech. The electrified city car will spawn an equivalent Nissan (the next-generation Micra) and a low-cost spin-off for the Dacia brand.It will mean the Twingo is designed in France, built in Slovenia, with spin-offs developed in Shanghai.The model is the company’s most affordable mainstream electric car, with the equivalent of an AU$33,446 starting price in Europe. In the same vein as a BYD Atto 1, the Twingo is equipped with a 60kW electric motor, features 263km of driving range and has a relatively impressive 360-litre boot.Part of Renault’s mission with the retro Twingo was to reduce weight for an electric car, thereby having a lower rate of energy consumption and requiring smaller batteries which form a bit part of the cost. To that end, the city hatch has an LFP battery with just 27.5kWh capacity, which is smaller than some plug-in hybrids.The battery is so small the car doesn't even come with DC charging capability, but a 50kW DC port can be optionally equipped, reducing charge time to just 30 minutes. It can also optionally be equipped with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, allowing a power output of up to 3700W for external devices.It is unclear whether Renault’s Australian importer has designs on the Twingo, although it has previously stated it plans for Renault to be primarily an electric car brand going forward, earmarking re-badged Dacia models (like the recently-launched Duster) as the future of its combustion cars.Meanwhile, Renault has effectively exited the Chinese domestic market, wrapping up its joint-venture with Dongfeng. It has various strategic interests in Asia, including a partnership with Geely on a spin-off combustion engine business, Horse Powertrain, and it has re-configured its South Korean manufacturing base.Formerly Renault Samsung Motors, the Korean factory is now also a joint-venture with Geely, which produces new Renault models for the global market, as well as vehicles under the Geely umbrella, like the Polestar 4.Horse Powertrain, meanwhile, will build engines in Europe and China for Renault and Geely models, as well as for Dacia, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Lynk & Co, Proton and even Mitsubishi.French brands have struggled to compete in Australia's new-car landscape that's being re-defined by aggressive Chinese carmakers.Renault sales were down 17.8 per cent by the end of 2025 compared with 2024, while arch-rival Peugeot fared even worse, down 28.8 per cent in the same period.Citroen, meanwhile, exited Australia in November 2024 after 102 years following a long period of slow sales.

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

Renault has officially revealed its new flagship SUV.The Filante will launch in South Korea in March 2026, before heading to South America and the Gulf states in the 12 months following.We still have no details on a potential Australia launch, but it has been tipped for “global ambition” by the brand and is manufactured in right-hand drive in South Korea, which are good signs.Renault Australia has been contacted for comment as to whether we could see the Filante launch in Australia and when that might be.We have also got new details on the Filante and its specifications.It gets an upgraded hybrid set-up, which uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and dual electric motors.To power the wheels, there is a petrol engine producing 110kW and 250Nm, along with one electric motor producing 100kW and 320Nm.This set-up combines for a total system output of 184kW and 565Nm.The other electric motor starts the petrol engine and keeps the 1.64kWh lithium-ion battery charged.Renault said fuel economy should sit about 4.6L/100km on the Filante.New photos reveal the Filante’s striking exterior design, with a sloping roofline and rear spoiler, along with cut-out grooves on the bonnet and doors.There is a panoramic glass roof and “lounge-style seats”, with three digital screens spanning across the dashboard.The Filante will come with emergency steering assist, a smart rearview mirror and full automatic parking as part of gear available on the new SUV.It will be built on a Geely-developed CMA platform, which underpins vehicles such as the Volvo XC40, Renault Grand Koleos, Polestar 2 and several Lynk and Co models.The Filante will be built at the brand's Busan, South Korea, facility.Renault has already confirmed its Scenic E-Tech SUV down under, which falls under its' ‘International Game Plan 2027’.The Filante is also part of this game plan for the brand.As part of Renault’s strategy, the brand is targeting one in three sales outside of Europe to be for hybrid or electric vehicles by 2027.

Many brands are now realising it isn’t feasible to go all-electric for all markets and as a result are pivoting to offer hybrid technology alongside.As reported by Autocar, Renault is the latest and could rework its next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) to also offer range-extender (REEV) powertrain technology, which it is tentatively calling ‘Super Hybrid’.“We’ve got a two-leg approach,” said Renault product boss Bruno Vanel to Autocar.“The direction is towards EVs, so we are focusing on EVs and the efficiency of the vehicles, but it doesn't prevent us from looking at solutions like the one Horse has presented.”At last year’s Munich Motor Show, Horse Powertrain, which is co-owned by Renault Group and Geely, revealed a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that can be installed in an EV and act as a generator to charge the battery pack.“Things which extend the electric range of EVs look to us to be a very interesting and probably relevant solution to go towards an electric world - for the south of Europe, for example, or for people who cannot charge every two or three days,” added Vanel.“It could be a very good solution for the C- and D-segment and the next platform we are developing.”Renault is currently working on a new platform, originally designed to be EV-only, which will underpin its forthcoming mid-size vehicles.At this stage the first vehicle on this new platform will be a production version of the 2024 Embléme concept and it’s reportedly due around 2028.It’s worth noting that Renault has not disclosed any plans to adapt its current EV platforms or models to accommodate REEV powertrain technology.A number of carmakers are using the term ‘Super Hybrid’. Though the exact implementations vary from brand to brand, they largely all encompass some form of plug-in hybrid (PHEV).In Australia MG uses Super Hybrid on the PHEV version of its HS SUV, Chery uses it on the PHEV versions of its Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 SUVs, plus Jaecoo uses it on the PHEV versions of its J7 SUV.Although it doesn’t use the exact term Super Hybrid, Leapmotor is currently the only carmaker in Australia to offer REEV powertrain technology. It’s currently offered in the mid-sized C10 SUV.Previously REEV powertrains featured in a version of the BMW i3, as well as the Holden Volt.“Super Hybrids can help people to get into the electric world with less anxiety than they have today,” said Vanel to Autocar.“When you are talking about cars with more than 1000km of range, you know that even if you don't find a charge point, you can still drive."

Renault has announced a new hybrid luxury large SUV called the Filante. Few details have been revealed about the car at this stage, but it will feature state-of-the-art technology and roominess, according to the brand. Renault has released one photo of the Filante, which is mostly shrouded in smoke.The teaser shows a sloped roofline and a rear spoiler, highlighting an overall sporty design.Renault says the Filante nameplate “alludes to shooting stars, outer space and journeys”, which lines up with the French meaning of the word being "shooting," "flying," "falling," or "spinning”. Renault has drawn further inspiration from its Etoile Filante record-breaking speedster, which on one run in 1956, reached an average speed of more than 300km/h over 1km and 5km distances.Etoile Filante means “shooting star” in French. Renault also says the name refers to its 'Filante Record 2025', which was a concept car that set a new record for energy efficiency late last year.The Filante will be manufactured at Renault’s biggest Asian factory in Busan, South Korea where it will be initially marketed highlighting a more sustained push outside of Europe for the brand. "Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is so important to Renault. Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027 to be designed in Korea,” Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea said.“It illustrates our vision of a distinctive and daring crossover, a bold expression of Renault's global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the brand's French roots." It will be built on a Geely-developed platform and have a hybrid powertrain, similar to the new-generation Koleos SUV also built at the Busan facility. The car forms part of the brand’s more than $5 billion ‘International Game Plan 2027’, being one of eight new models planned by the French-based company for launch outside of Europe. Renault recently confirmed the return of its iconic Scenic nameplate as the first of its 2027 initiative, with an all-electric Scenic E-Tech SUV.With driving range between 430km and 625km (WLTP), and a starting price tag of $55,990 (before on-road costs), deliveries on the Scenic E-Tech in Australia are scheduled to start this month. The range-topping Esprit Alpine ($65,990, before on-road costs) will launch before the Techno EV60 and Techno Long Range EV87 variants.It is unclear at this stage whether we will see the Filante in Australia, but given it will be manufactured in right-hand drive and Renault has already brought across the Scenic E-Tech, there are positive signs. The Filante will be officially unveiled in Seoul next week. 

The Dacia Duster is finally here! Well, it's actually here as the Renault Duster, but who cares when this well-liked small SUV has a reputation for off-road adventuring? And the Duster arrives as a family- and budget-friendly small 4x4 that is easy on the eye, very practical for day-to-day life and is reportedly capable off-road. Could the Duster be a legitimate rival for the Suzuki Jimny?

Some of Australia's favourite models will see their safety ratings lapse in 2026.

What might be a legitimate challenger to the Suzuki Jimny’s “Best Fun Small 4WD” title, the Renault Duster (aka the Dacia Duster in other markets), is here.