Renault Megane Key Cards
Renault has always been on the forefront of technological innovation. The hands-free cards that it makes are a good example. Their plastic cases are minimalist and conceal sophisticated electronic components that continually communicate with the vehicle they are paired to.
But they are prone to wear and wear and tear. The technology is also more difficult to use than traditional keys.
The Renault Megane
Renault was one of the first car makers to offer a complete range of electric vehicles in its showrooms. It has sold more than 400,000 Zoes across the globe, and these have run over six billion miles. The brand has also created a data cloud from this, with each vehicle communicating back to the mothership every time they drive, so that Renault can analyse driver behaviour and battery usage. This level of maturity has been reflected on the Megane too and is a beautiful and comfortable hatchback. It's not as enjoyable to drive as a sporty petrol GTI however the Megane has the kind of comfortable and calm that makes it a great commuter and motorway cruiser. The 220bhp model's nippy performance, coupled with the multi-link suspension, makes for a smooth and quiet ride.
The entry-level Expression+ comes with a lot of equipment. It's got a digital display in place of analogue instruments, air-con, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrade to Dynamique Nav and you'll be able to fold mirrors with power, a 7.0in touchscreen with a customizable infotainment system with sat-nav and dual-zone climate control as well as front seat height, adjustable lumbar, as well as keyless entry. You can also add cool night-time ambient interior lighting as well as a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.
The driving modes of MULTISENSE can be set to suit your mood. From neutral to sport every setting alters the way the car behaves, altering steering feel and throttle sensitivity when you do so. The most remarkable feature of this system is that it can also adjust the amount of brake regeneration it employs, from none at all to moderate, medium and aggressive. This can save the energy of long motorway drives and still slow the car down to a crawl in traffic.
The Megane plug-in hybrid is a fantastic choice for those who wish to make the most of the Megane's green credentials. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine serves up zero-emissions motoring at a standstill and the addition of an electric motor boosts the output to 178bhp. This combination delivers a total economy of 57mpg. It can also be driven in "hyperdrive" for more relaxing and economical motorway cruise.
The Megane comes with rear seats that are perfect for families. The rear seats are large. However, taller passengers might find their heads are in contact with the roofline. There's plenty of room for luggage, though and the boot is a decent size too. It's a little smaller than rivals like the MG4 EV or Cupra Born but it still has a remarkable amount of space 491 litres. The Renault estate body style is available if you're looking to increase the space. It comes with 183 extra litres. The capacity can be increased to 1,231 litres when the rear seats fold flat. If published here looking for an even more customized setup, they can include a rear seat that can be turned up and down to create a storage space on the boot floor. This is a useful feature, but it can increase the cost.
The Renault key card
Renault key cards have been in use for some time now and are a great means to open and start your vehicle without having to take your keys out of your pocket. They work by using RFID technology to communicate with the immobiliser system and send a code that allows you to open the doors or start the engine. These keys are a more secure alternative to traditional ones as they aren't able to be copied, or altered.
However, these new gadgets may face problems in time. Since they're fragile and small, it's not uncommon to break them or lose them as a result of normal wear and tear. This is particularly true if the cards are tucked away in a pocket that is tight and squeezed repeatedly or sat upon. This can cause the transponder chip inside the card to come loose and stop it from sending that all-important signal to the immobiliser system which recognizes your Renault as being authorised to open or start.
Renault key cards can display messages such as "card not detected" or stop working completely. The internals of the card may be damaged due to the constant use of the card or pressure on the circuit board. Professional locksmiths who specialise in Renault key cards will be able identify the problem and repair or replace the card as required.
It's always an excellent idea to have an extra Renault key card in your possession, in the event that you lose the one you normally drive with. It is possible to contact an locksmith who can cut and program a brand new key card for your Renault at a fraction the price dealers charge.
The majority of locksmiths that specialize in Renault vehicles keep a large number of spare key cards in their inventory and are able to replace yours the same day as you contact. You can save money by not having to wait weeks for the dealer in France to purchase a replacement key. These specialist locksmiths can also repair second hand Renault cards that have been damaged by previous attempted repairs or even accidental ones! They are usually able to repair these second-hand cards and re-programme them to your Renault with up to 70 percent less than the main dealer.
