The Next Renault Megane And Scenic May Include Hybrid Version

Renault could also offer petrol versions of the new Megane and Scenic after bosses confirmed they are preparing a new platform to underpin the next generation of their C-segment cars.

Although it is predominantly created as an electric architecture, Renault boss Fabrice Camboliv told Britain’s Autocar that the new platform is also designed to accommodate plug-in hybrid and extended-range powertrains.

Camboliv said it will be a “dedicated EV platform,” but “if [EV sales] don’t grow as expected, maybe we can complement this EV pace with some extensions like extended range or plug-in hybrids, and we’re working on that.”

The launch date of the new platform will probably be around 2030, Kamboliv said. When it arrives, it will be joined by four new models, although not all are expected to be on the new platform. He said, “Of the eight [cars promised in our ‘Renaulution’] plan, four have already been launched, and we want to launch four more.”

Kamboliv added that “the next challenge, after the launch of the first line of C-, B-, and A-segments, will be how to renew our C- and D-segments,” and although “the special electric platform works very well in the B-segment,” a multi-energy plan is best for the larger models.

Groupe Renault CEO Francois Provost recently said that this new platform and the next wave of cars are important for the brand “to continue our mission to rule the C-segment and especially to grow in Northern Europe.”

While Provost and Camboliv were tight-lipped about which cars would get the platform, the timing opens the door for it to be used in the next-generation Megane and Scenic.

Camboliv said the hybrid powertrains would use a setup where the electric motors do the driving and the gasoline engine acts as a generator for the battery—similar to how Nissan’s e-Power system works.

The key reason for this is to allow customers to get to know the electric drive, but without fear of range.

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