Renault Megane Key Cards
Renault has always been at the forefront of technological innovation. Its hands-free cards are a case in point. Their minimalist plastic cases conceal sophisticated electronic components that continuously 'communicate with' the car to which they are linked.
However, they are prone to wear and wear and tear. It can also be more difficult to use than traditional keys.
The Renault Megane
Renault is among the first manufacturers to introduce an entire range of electric vehicles into its showrooms. More than 400,000 Zoes have been sold all over the globe and have travelled over six billion miles. The company has also built a cloud of data from this, with each vehicle reporting back to the parent company every time they drive, so that Renault can monitor driver behaviour and battery usage. The Megane, an elegant and comfortable hatchback, has benefited from this maturity. It's not as enjoyable to drive as a more sporty petrol GTI, but the Megane has the sort of calm and relaxed attitude that makes it a great commuter and motorway cruiser. The 220bhp version's quick performance and multi-link suspension allow to give you a responsive cornering experience, as well as a smooth and quiet ride.
There's plenty of equipment to choose from also, and the entry-level Expression+ is very well equipped. It has an LCD display that is digital in place of analogue instruments, air conditioning cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity. Upgrade to Dynamique Nav and you'll get power-folding mirrors as well as a 7.0in configurable touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and dual-zone climate control, front seat height and the ability to adjust the lumbar and keyless entry. You can also get swish nighttime ambient interior lighting as well as a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system.
You can opt for MULTI-SENSE driving modes to suit your mood, too. Each setting, ranging from neutral to Sport, alters the way that your car operates. It also alters the steering experience and throttle response. The most striking feature of this system is that it can alter the amount of brake regeneration it employs to vary from nothing to mild, medium and even aggressive. This could save lots of energy during long motorway trips and still slow the car to a crawl in traffic.
People who want to make the most of the Megane's green credentials will be delighted by its powerful plug-in hybrid system also. Its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine provides zero-emissions motoring at a standstill and the addition of an electric motor increases the output to 178bhp. This combination gives an economy figure of around 57mpg and it can even be driven in a 'hyperdrive' mode for more relaxing and economical motorway cruising.
Families looking for practicality should check out the rear seats in the Megane too. They're quite spacious, though taller passengers might find their heads brushing the roofline in the back. There's plenty of room for luggage, however and the boot is a decent size as well. It's smaller than competitors such as the MG4 EV and Cupra Born however, it can still hold a surprising 491 litres. If you're looking for more room the estate body style gives you an additional 383 cubic litres. The space can be expanded to 1,231 litres if the rear seats fold flat. For those who want a more customised set-up you can add a rear seat that can be flipped up and down to create a storage space in the boot floor. A handy feature however, it will push up the price.
The Renault key card
Renault key cards have been around for some time now and they're a great way of opening and starting your vehicle without having to take your keys out of your pocket. They utilize 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 safer alternative to traditional keys as they are not able to be copied or altered.
However, these new gadgets may face problems as time passes. It's common for these small fragile gadgets to become damaged or lost due to normal wear and tear. This is particularly true when they're stored in a pocket that is tight and then squeezed repeatedly or even placed on. This can cause the transponder chip inside the card to come loose and stop it from sending that all-important signal to the immobiliser that recognizes your Renault as authorised to open or start.
Another issue that may occur with Renault key cards is that they may display messages such as "card not detected" or stop working completely. The internals of the card may be damaged due to constant use or pressure on the circuit board. Professional locksmiths who specialize in Renault key cards will be able diagnose these issues and repair or replace the card if needed.
It's always a good idea to have an extra Renault key card on hand, in case you lose the one you normally use to drive with. You can then contact locksmiths who can cut and program a new key card for your Renault at a fraction of the cost of what dealers charge.
renault clio key replacement who specialise in Renault vehicles will have an extensive inventory of spare key cards in stock and can be typically able to replace your key the same day that you contact them. You will save money by not having to wait weeks for the dealer in France to get a replacement key. Locksmiths are also able to repair damaged Renault cards, whether they were damaged by an accident or previous attempts to repair. These locksmiths are often able to repair these second-hand cards and reprogram them to your Renault for up 70% less than the main dealer.
