I have looked at Renault's latest hybrid versions of Clio, Captur and Mégane which now have the addition of E-Tech in their names. 

As a step in electrifying and reducing consumption and emissions in its car fleet, Renault now offers three of its models as hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It is about Clio hybrid and Captur and Mégane plug-in hybrid. This is a necessary step in order to meet the new tough demands placed on the automotive industry.  

Personally, I have nothing against the electrification of cars. On the contrary, which you have been able to read about in several of my recent articles. In addition to being positive for the environment, electric cars are usually more fun to drive. In my test drive of, for example, the Renault Zoe, this is clear. Read the article here and you will understand why. 

Charges the battery while you drive

this time it does not apply to fully electrified cars but to hybrids, partly a regular hybrid, partly two plug-in hybrids. The difference is that a hybrid charges the battery while you drive, while a plug-in hybrid can be charged using an external power source. 

But this time it does not apply to fully electrified cars but to hybrids, partly a regular hybrid, partly two plug-in hybrids. The difference is that a hybrid charges the battery while you drive, while a plug-in hybrid can be charged using an external power source. 

The downside of plug-in hybrids is if you don't charge the car regularly. Then you just drive around with a heavy unused battery that causes a weight handicap and a higher consumption in the long run. If you choose a plug-in hybrid, you should therefore be able to charge the car, either at home or at work. 

Should the battery run out, the car goes into a full hybrid mode where both the petrol engine and the regeneration of brake energy are allowed to charge the battery. 

Long in motorsport

Hybrid technology has existed for a long time in motorsport, where it was mainly about energy management and the reuse of lost energy. A technical solution Renault is proud of is their "dogbox" gearbox, which is now available for the first time in a regular production car. It lacks a clutch, instead you let the electric motors take care of starting from a standstill and they also adjust the revolutions in the driveline when shifting. This provides both a smoother ride and reduced consumption. 

Clio E-Tech Hybrid

Clio belongs to the smaller cars in Renault's model range. In the hybrid version, you get a smooth experience where the electric motor works seamlessly together with the petrol engine. The total output is 140 horsepower, which is excellent for the car's compact format. 

There are three different driving programs. In the My Sense mode, the car always starts on electricity, which provides optimized driving in an urban environment. You get away quickly at the exit when the traffic light changes to green.
In Eco Mode, the car saves on power and it feels like the car's throttle response becomes tougher. Even the gears are adapted to save energy in the best possible way.
Sport Mode is exactly what it says, you get access to all the power with quicker throttle response and alert shifts for best acceleration. Compared to the regular Clio, the Clio E-Tech feels both more fun and smarter.  

Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid

As one of Renault's best sellers in the hot compact SUV segment, the Captur is an incredibly important model. Now they have made it even more attractive with plug-in hybrid technology. 

If you drive purely on electricity, the Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid manages about 50 km. That's plenty for most people's daily driving needs. A smart function I mentioned earlier is that if the battery runs out, the car will function as a full hybrid and thus you can still use the advantages of the electric motor. 

Save on electricity

Captur also has different driving modes. In Pure mode, pure electric operation applies as long as the battery has a charge. There is of course both My Sense and a sport mode as well, but unlike Clio there is another mode called E-Save. Then you can save on electricity and let only the petrol engine work. This is an advantage if you are out on the road and want to save on electricity until you enter a city. 

My test drive of the new Captur can be read here. Compared to the regular model, I would absolutely go for the E-Tech because of its versatility. 

Mégane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid

With over seven million units sold, Mégane is one of Renault's best-selling models. Mégane is in its fourth generation and is now also available as a Plug-in Hybrid. 

Works the same way

A total output of 160 horses makes Mégane E-Tech really fun to drive. On pure electricity, the car manages 65 km, slightly longer than the Captur. Just like the Captur, the Mégane E-Tech has the same driving modes that work in the same way. My Sense, Pure and Sport as well as E-Save. 

It is not only in city traffic that you notice the advantage of an electric motor. Even when driving on the motorway, you get an extra electric boost when, for example, overtaking. 

For a better environment

With its new E-Tech hybrids, Renault offers a number of its models more adapted to the times we face. Lower consumption and electricity operation for a better environment in a format that suits you best. 

Renault Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid

Basic price	From SEK 338,900
Engine	Four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine with turbo + electric motor, Total 160 hp. Torque 144 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, Smart multimode Gearbox, front wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 10.1 sec. Top speed: 186 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	6.2 l/mile
Weight	1,564 kg
Guarantees	5 years

Clio E-Tech Hybrid

Basic price	From SEK 259,900
Engine	Four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine with turbo + electric motor, total 140 hp. Torque 144 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, Smart multimode Gearbox, front wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 9.9 sec. Top speed: 186 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	4.3 l/mile
Weight	1,238 kg
Guarantees	5 years

Mégane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid

Basic price	From SEK 357,900
Engine	Four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine with turbo + electric motor, Total 160 hp. Torque 144 Nm
Transmission	Front engine, E-TECH Multimode automatic transmission, front wheel drive
Acceleration	0-100 in 9.8 seconds. Top speed: 183 km/h
Fuel consumption mixed driving according to the manufacturer	6.6 l/mile
Weight	1,266 kg
Guarantees	5 years