Facelifted Renault Megane spotted testing ahead of 2020 launch

The facelifted Renault Megane has been spotted in camouflage. Styling changes are very small, but a hybrid version will be introduced for the first time when the revised model is launched in 2020. The new Megane is expected to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before going on sale early next year.

These spy shots show that most of the Megane’s design will remain untouched, as Renault hasn’t gone to the trouble of covering up the bodywork. In a similar vein to the facelifted Renault Kadjar, only the front and rear ends will be tweaked. We’ll see a subtly different front bumper and altered headlights and while this car doesn’t have the recognisable C-shaped daytime running lights, it’s expected that these will stay for the facelift.

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Around the back, new, smaller tail-lights will bear a resemblance to those on the new Renault Clio, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The tailgate now has a wider opening, although it looks like there’s still a large lip to haul heavier items over.

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The main changes will be under the bonnet, where a hybrid Megane will be offered for the first time. It’s expected to use a similar setup to the new Clio hybrid, which combines an 89bhp petrol engine, a 1.2kWh battery and an electric motor. We’d expect the Megane to feature a larger engine, though - possibly the 138bhp 1.3-litre engine from the current range. The hybrid will have regenerative braking to recapture lost energy when braking, and will be able to run on mostly electric power in urban areas.

A plug-in hybrid model is also a possibility, as a PHEV version of the latest Capture is already confirmed. This version would feature a much larger battery to allow the Megane to travel around 30 miles as an electric vehicle. Elsewhere, the engine range will stay the same.

It’s likely that the interior will be treated to a midlife refresh to keep pace with the newest on the market. Following on from the Clio, a digital instrument cluster is an expected addition, while the portrait infotainment touchscreen may be rejigged to better support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plusher materials are expected too.

Read our current Renault Megane review to find out more about the car.