Renault’s decision to transform the Megane into an electric SUV while simultaneously killing off its R.S. division rubbed many enthusiasts the wrong way. Fortunately, the French car manufacturer hasn’t completely forgotten its history of building some world-beating performance cars, recently showcasing a special Megane E-Tech inspired by the iconic Renault Clio Williams. In the world of hot hatches, the Clio Williams is regarded as royalty. Indeed, it is widely considered one of the greatest hot hatches ever, and following its introduction in 1993, redefined what people thought a hot hatch could do.
Slotted beneath the revised bodywork of
the Clio Williams is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out
145 hp at 6,100 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Renault also
comprehensively revised the Clio’s suspension system for use in the Williams,
resulting in one of the most reactive, precise, and enjoyable hot hatches to
drive.
To celebrate the Clio Williams at a recent
JASP event in Madrid, Spain, Renault presented a special Megane E-Tech with a
design inspired by the Clio. The Clio Williams still stands out today thanks to
its dark blue paint finish and contrasting gold wheels. The special Megane
E-Tech is bathed in the same shade of dark blue and has been adorned with some
gold accents, most notably across the front fascia and along the rocker panels.
While it doesn’t have gold wheels like the Clio, it still looks the part.
The new Megane E-Tech shares
very little in common with the Clio Williams other than its badge. It is
underpinned by the same CMF-EV platform and electric powertrain as the Nissan
Ariya and is offered in 129 hp and 215 hp configurations. Renault says the
entry-level 40 kWh battery pack is good for 299 km of WLTP range
while the larger 60 kWh provides a range of up to 470 km.
