It seems that, after years of intense electrification, Renault has decided to bring back part of its tradition – the petrol engine. But not just any way. Future generations of the Mégane and Scénic models will retain their electric soul, but will once again receive a combustion engine, ingeniously used as an energy generator. An elegant compromise between past and future, between innovation and reality.
The story begins a few years ago, when Renault launched the Mégane E-Tech Electric, a model that announced a new direction: a modern, fully electric range, adapted to the needs of a changing world. The Scénic E-Tech followed, just as ambitious, with the promise of clean, quiet and efficient mobility. But as the years passed, the market began to look different than planned.
While smaller electric models, such as the upcoming Renault 5 or Renault 4, have generated enthusiasm and consistent orders, the Mégane and Scénic have not been able to conquer the European public as quickly. Many drivers still want the freedom to go as far as they want without having to look for charging stations. And Renault has listened to this voice.
François Provost, CEO of the Renault Group, admitted in a recent interview that “larger cars remain a priority.” And if the full transition to electric doesn’t happen at the desired pace, there is a middle ground: hybrid or range-extender systems, where the gasoline engine no longer directly sets the car in motion, but rather powers the battery. An ingenious way to extend autonomy without giving up the advantages of electric propulsion.
In short, the classic engine becomes a kind of "shadow assistant", a partner that only comes into action when needed. It is no longer the main hero, but a discreet ally of modern technology. Renault calls this approach a pragmatic evolution, an adaptation to the real pace of the market and the needs of European customers.
The new generations of Mégane and Scénic will be developed on a completely new platform, common to other models such as Austral, Espace and Rafale. Thus, the French brand aims to offer more diversity, but also efficiency in production. And for design enthusiasts, there is good news: before the new generations appear, the current Mégane E-Tech will receive a facelift, scheduled for 2026.
Looking to the future, Renault seems to understand that not everyone is ready to make the full electric transition. And in this transition, hybrid and generator systems can be the bridge that connects two worlds. A world where clean energy meets practical mobility.
For drivers in Romania, this decision means more freedom of choice. Those who fear the lack of charging infrastructure will be able to choose a Mégane or a Scénic with extended autonomy, without giving up the advantages of electric driving.
So Renault is not backing down, but adapting its pace to the path it has to travel. And in this new stage, Mégane and Scénic are transformed from symbols of the past into a manifesto of balance: a balance between reason and progress, between reality and the dream of clean mobility.
The new generation will not be just a car, but a natural step towards a future where petrol is no longer a dependency, but a support. A future where innovation still carries the familiar scent of the classic engine, but breathes the fresh air of electrification.