Frugal & fun?

The Renault Megane goes electric - does it have an edge over the Cupra Born?

Renault Megane E-Tech 60kWh

Techno Price: £38,495

Powertrain: Single e-motor, 60kWh battery, 217bhp

0-62mph: 7.5 seconds 

Test economy: 3.7mi/kWh

Charge speed: 130kW (15-80% in 30 mins)

Cupra Born 77kWh e-boost V3

Price: £43,680

Powertrain: Single e-motor, 77kWh battery, 228bhp

0-62mph: 7.0 seconds

Test economy: 3.9mi/kWh

Charge speed: 135kW (5-80% in 36 mins)

THERE aren't many names that are more recognisable across the automotive landscape than Mégane. Renault has been using the badge on its hatchbacks since the mid-nineties, when the first generation replaced the 19, and since then 1.3 million Méganes have been sold throughout Europe.

But now there's an all-new model, and it's gone electric. The Megane name now does without an accent and has the E-Tech badge attached, and the new model has a tough challenge ahead of it. It needs to establish itself all over again, and in the face of some old and new rivals. Our early encounters have shown promise, and with a fairly low kerbweight by EV standards, it's even quite sporty to drive.

If Megane is one of the oldest names in the family hatchback class, then Born is among the newest. Cupra is SEAT's performance-brand offshoot, and its entrant into the all-electric segment aims to add a little spice to the mix. This makes it the perfect foil for the Megane in this contest.

Can the Renault create enough impact in a class which seems to get busier and more overflowing with talent by the week? Or will the Cupra deliver enough driver involvement to help it top the segment?

Renault Megane

All-electric hatchback turns on the style and benefits from firm's EV knowledge to deliver a great drive