TIRED of being overlooked by buyers who are in the market for a practical hot hatch, La Régie 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 N.m of torque – which puts it right on par with the ever-popular Volkswagen Golf GTI.
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 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 CAR test team found a sit-behind-self test difficult.
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 2 000 r/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.
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.
