Renault’s Electrified Brussels Double Act

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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9th January 2020

Renault will debut two electrified powertrains at 2020 Brussels Motor Show including a self-charging hybrid and a PHEV.

The urban focused Clio E-Tech hybrid will target city dwellers with little access to EV charge points while the larger crossover Captur E-Tech PHEV is more likely to appeal to the suburban family commuter able to charge vehicles in their garages or on drives. The French automaker adds that a PHEV version of the Mégane will also soon be released.

The Clio claims impressive midrange acceleration performance from its hybrid powertrains with a rolling sprint from 50mph to 75mph in 6.9 seconds. It employs regenerative braking to claim for 80% of the time spent on city roads to remain in all-electric mode, for a consumption saving of up to 40% compared with an internal combustion engine in the urban cycle. In all-electric mode, the Clio can travel up to 38mph. With its 1.5-liter dCi 112bhp gasoline engine, the car boasts CO2 emissions of less that 100g/km on mixed cycle rated under the WLTP.

Renault’s best selling Captur gets a PHEV powertrain with an increased battery capacity, of 9.8 kWh and 400V, meaning it claims to run 100% electric for 30 miles with a top speed of 85mph. It is also fitted with a pure electric driving mode to encourage use of emission free travel.

However, in sport mode the car deploys both electric motors plus its 1.6-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine for maximum acceleration although the manufacturer has yet to release any performance figures. It, too, claims a 40% fuel saving over an equivalent ICE powertrain, delivering 188mpg (156mpg) and emitting CO2 at about 34g/km on the WLTP.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_