Tired of being overlooked by buyers who are
in the market for a practical hot hatch, La Regie has just introduced a model
that finally bridges the gap between its entry-level Mégane models in
attractive GT Line trim and the hardcore Renaultsport models at the top of the
food chain. Enter the Mégane GT 220.
Unlike the GT Line variants, which are
essentially all show and very little go, the Mégane GT 220 boasts a legitimate
claim as a hot hatch through its shared DNA with the RS. It houses the same
2.0-litre turbopetrol, four-cylinder motor that does service in the
range-topping models. In detuned GT 220 guise, the unit develops 162 kW and 340
Nm of torque - which puts it right on par with the ever-popular Volkswagen Golf
GTI.
The
Renault Mégane GT 220 is a visual standout from every angle, inside and out
Like that perennial class champ, the Mégane
GT 220 hides its performance potential behind looks that can best be described
as understated. That said, the styling isn't boring. Grafted onto the revised
Mégane face are white "eyeliner" stripes in the headlamps, a new
grille with GT logo underneath the Renault diamond and satin-silver finishes on
the faux bumper vents, door handles, exterior mirrors and rear diffuser-aping
insert. That same finish has also been applied to the 18-inch dual five-spoke
alloys, but overall the Mégane GT 220 doesn't exactly proclaim its standing.
The cabin has similarly been fashioned in a
stylish but not overtly sportily themed way. The front seats, in optional
two-lone leather finish on this particular unit, are very comfortable while
offering supportive bolstering.
The
GT220-specific dashboard trim add a nice visual touch, as does the “Renault
Sport” script on the dash
The rest of the interior has been lifted in
terms of ambience by way of silver accents on the facia (underlining a slab of
carbon-like trim) on the door handles and around the audio and dual-zone
climate-control units. The multifunction steering wheel, also finished in
two-tone leather with white stitching, boasts a thick, grippy rim with
perforated sections around the quarter-to-three and ten-to-two positions.
Renault's R-link infotainment system takes pride of place above the ventilation
outlets at the top of the facia, and features such niceties as traffic-camera
warning, live traffic updates and weather forecasts.
There's a capacious boot it's one of the
biggest in its segment at 328 dm3 - but that comes at the expense of rear
legroom. The majority of the test team found a sit-behind-self test difficult.
Good
head and leg room make the front seats a pleasant place to spend time
A familiar cough follows the pressing of
the start/stop button alongside the keycard slot, and RS enthusiasts will be
pleased to hear the induction sound that results from blipping the throttle, as
well as the meaty feel of the clutch. Discreetly ambling about town, there's
nothing that gives an indication of the Mégane GT 220's sportiness. The
suspension is complaint enough to iron out most road imperfections despite the
low-profile 18-inch Dunlops that are wrapped around the alloys.
Pressing on, there's a real sense of
urgency as the revs move past 2,000r/min, but that's not just limited to the
first few ratios because the response is there in all forward gears. What's
peculiar about the powertrain is that motive force doesn't taper off, because
the turbopetrol feels stronger as the revs build before hitting a soft limiter.
As can be expected, overtaking acceleration is therefore swift. We also managed
to beat Renault's 0-100 km/h claim of 7.6 seconds by three-tenths.
With
162 kW of power and 340N.m of torque, the GT220’s 2.0 litre turbo four-pot
delivers great thrust from down low, and with minimal turbo lag
The Mégane GT 220's handling and braking
prowess are similarly impressive. Obviously, RS levels of grip and stopping
ability are too much to ask for, but it still exhibits characteristics that
some of the strong segment players don't, such as consistent braking performances
and neutral handling that progresses unto easily corrected understeer.
Test summary
Renault South Africa has managed to bring
the Mégane GT 220 in at significantly less than the segment benchmark,
Volkswagen's Golf GTI. In a similar way to the entry-level Ford Focus, the GT
220 might be able to draw in potential customers who think a Mégane RS is a
little too hardcore and uncompromising. Strong standard specification also
counts in the GT 220's favour. In fact, if your budget doesn't stretch to the
Golf, the Renault makes a worthy alternative.
