Renault Megane GT 220 2013 Review

Renault's red hot Megane RS 265 is about as good as it gets in terms of hot hatches, one of if not the best handling front-wheel drive cars on the face of the planet.

But for many people the three-door rocket is a little too hot, especially for those with families who need something a bit more restrained and a bit more practical.

Enter stage right the Megane GT 220 wagon from the Renault Sport go-fast department that adds rear doors and a luggage area capable of carting the family trappings.

It's not the full monty, but perhaps represents a workable solution for those who like their cars.

The GT boasts a 162kW turbocharged 2.0-litre engine (220 horsepower in the old money) and sports tuned chassis, together with some visual enhancements to match. The only thing missing from a practical point of view is an automatic.

VALUE

It's a limited edition and Renault has secured a couple of hundred GT 220s, each with a numbered plaque. Arriving in June the wagon will be priced from $36,990, with grab bag of goodies that can be added as part of a Premium pack for another $5000 there are no other options.

The wagon is already well equipped in standard form, with dual zone climate control, fog lights, auto lights and wipers, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and flashy black 18 inch alloys. The Renault Sport trip computer, carbon-fibre look dash, aluminium foot pedals, red-stitched leather wheel and 8 speaker audio system are icing on the cake.

The pack adds two-tone leather front seats, a panoramic sunroof, high-powered bi-xenon head lights, front parking sensors, plus a reversing camera. Satellite navigation and lane departure warning round out the package.

TECHNOLOGY

Although it misses out on an auto, it will be Renault's first model to feature fuel-saving, stop-start technology. The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, essentially a detuned version of that in the RS, produces 162kW of power at 4750 revs and 340Nm of torque from 2400 revs.

The engine is paired with a six-speed manual only. In terms of performance, the dash from 0 to 100km/h takes 7.6 seconds and it has a top speed of 240km/h. The wagon has a 60-litre tank, uses 7.3 litres/100km and takes premium unleaded although 98 is recommended.

It weighs in at 1464kg and the chassis is based on the Sport chassis available for the Megane RS, with suspension that has been tuned specifically for the task along with specially calibrated electric steering. The glossy black 18-inch wheels are different, but the tyres are the same 225/40s as those fitted to the RS. The brakes have also been beefed up, with 320mm ventilated Brembos at the front and 260mm solid discs down the back.

DESIGN

At 4.7 metres the wagon offers a load length of 1670mm with the rear seats folded and 1100mm between the wheel arches, with 994mm behind the rear bench seat. The front passenger seat can also be folded to accommodate extra long objects.

SAFETY

Gets a full five stars for safety and a full complement of six airbags, including curtain airbags unlike the Clio and Clio-based Captur that makes do with four. Electronic stability and traction control are standard, along with ABS, brake assist, brake force distribution and hill start assist.

DRIVING

Performance is strong. Obviously not as strong as the RS 265 but strong enough to satisfy most enthusiasts minus the hardcore edge of the RS. That edge by the way begins to grind after a while if it's too harsh which is why many manufacturers offer electronically modulated suspension and drive trains.

In reality you can drive the GT hard with confidence and there is plenty in the tank for overtaking, so it won’t' get caught on the wrong side of the road.

VERDICT

No complaints here. Renault's forte is special editions and this is another worthy edition. Too bad it doesn't come with the option of an auto, but that is not going to stop enthusiasts from buying it though it could make it a little harder to get through to the keeper.

Renault Megane GT 220

Price: from $36,990
Weight: 1464kg
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged, 162kW/340Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Thirst: 7.3L/100km
0 to 100km/h: 7.6 seconds