Renault Launches New Hybrid Range In Ireland

Renault Ireland has expanded their portfolio with the launch of a new hybrid range of popular models like the Clio, Captur and Megane.

The new Renault ‘E-TECH’ cars mean that the brand can now compete in the growing market for hybrid vehicles. The new offering is focused around the compact Clio supermini, the popular Captur compact SUV and the Mégane estate, with a Mégane hatchback hybrid expected in 2021. The offering will comprise of a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, depending on model.

Based on 2021 pricing, the new Renault Clio E-TECH hybrid will retail from €24,995. It uses a 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid powertrain to produce 140 hp, CO2 emissions of 98g per km (WLTP), and fuel consumption rated at 4.4 litres per 100 km (WLTP). It will be available in four trim levels at launch: Dynamique, Iconic, RS Line and Special Edition. Motor tax for this model from January will be €170.

There is E-TECH badging on the B-pillar and boot lid to differentiate the hybrid from the rest of the Clio range, plus the option of a Hybrid Blue pack that features blue detailing on exterior and interior trim. Clio E-TECH also comes with a 7.0-inch TFT Drivers Information Display, complemented by a 7.0- or 9.3-inch Easy Link touchscreen display, dependent on trim level. The digital instrument cluster is unique to Clio Hybrid models, displaying specific hybrid animations such as battery levels and energy flow, with a larger 10-inch version available.

Next up is the new Captur E-TECH plug-in hybrid, which will retail from €29,695. Based on the second generation Captur, which launched earlier in 2020, it has 160 hp and CO2 emissions of 34g per km (WLTP), meaning motor tax will be €140 for this model from January. As a plug-in hybrid, it can offer buyers the ability to drive on electric power alone for up to 50 km.

It comes in two high-specification trim levels: S Edition and E-TECH Special Edition.

Captur E-TECH plug-in hybrid retail buyers can currently avail of a €600 grant from the SEAI towards purchase and installation of a home charging point. Renault says charging from zero to 100 per cent takes approximately three hours at 3.6 kW.

The new Renault Mégane Sport Tourer is the final hybrid model to join the range this year and will use the same 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid powertrain as the Captur E-TECH to put out 160 hp. CO2 emissions are a little less than the Captur equivalent at 30 g per km (WLTP) but motor tax is the same at €140 per year. Pricing is expected from €29,990 though this will be finalised once the Government confirms supports for plug-in hybrid vehicles. Like the Captur E-TECH, it will offer buyers the opportunity to charge up and drive for up to 50 km on electric power alone.

The Renault Mégane range has also been comprehensively updated for 2020/2021 with a suite of interior and exterior enhancements such as full LED lights, redesigned front and rear bumpers, enhanced interior materials and new R.S. Line trim level.

Renault Ireland is offering a number of incentives to promote their new electrified range, along with the new all-electric ZOE and electric LCV range. Patrick Magee, Country Operations Director, Renault Group Ireland, said: “Despite with happens with Government grant funding for electric vehicles for 2021, we are serious about providing our own grant through our €1,000 Green Grant Offer and our Bank has committed to €60 million to finance cars from our electrified range. We have to push this along and reduce the older car park in this country and move towards getting more hybrids and fully electric vehicles on the road and helping to reduce CO2 levels”.