Test drive Renault Megane GT: dark blue
First impressions of the French with all-wheel drive and 205 hp
Sporty styling with accentuated spoilers, large aluminum rims and impressive tailpipes on either side of the rear diffuser. At first glance, the Renaultsport staff seem to have done a tremendous job creating the first sporty variation of a compact model using the alliance's state-of-the-art CMF platform. Renault-Nissan.
In fact, the intervention of the sports department goes much deeper under the dynamic shell. Along with a sports chassis with a modified power steering, larger diameter front brake discs and 4Control active rear steering, under the hood of the Renault Megane GT there is a modification of the unit known from the Clio Renaultsport 200-1,6, a 205-liter turbo engine with 280 hp. and 100 Nm in combination with a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission. Thanks to the launch control function, the acceleration time of the Renault Megane GT to 7,1 km / h from a standstill is reduced to XNUMX seconds even in the hands of a layman, as well as the ability to quickly shift several gears down with one touch in stop mode. - an interesting novelty that encourages a dynamic style of driving on sections with difficult turns.
Practical athlete
The interior has dynamic accents, but with its five doors, the GT is not inferior to other Megane versions, offering easy access and ample space for second-row passengers, as well as a large flexible boot with a maximum volume of 1247 liters. The driver and his companion are seated on sports seats with good lateral support and have in front of them the well-known dashboard of the fourth generation of the French compact model.
The big differences start with the push of the small RS button under the center console's 8,7-inch infotainment screen, where the steering controls turn red and change their configuration with a tacho focus, and the Renault Megane GT growls with a happy note of aggression. At the same time, steering response is noticeably aggravated, the EDC begins to hold gears longer, and the engine reacts more sharply to movements of the driver's right foot.
4Control's impact on the Renault Megane GT's road behavior takes a certain amount of getting used to, but this is undoubtedly beneficial as it greatly reduces the natural tendency to understeer in forward gear in tight corners and adds a solid dose of safety when overtaking at high speeds. or obstacle avoidance, which will undoubtedly appeal not only to drivers with high sporting ambitions. The same goes for EDC's work, which does a great job of relieving the driver from the daily chores of shifting gears, and pretty decently when speed is required in a split second.
Overall, the Renaultsport engineers have managed to create a car for people who love fast and dynamic driving, but in their priorities, the requirement of comfort and practicality outweighs racing ambitions. Everyone else will have to be patient and wait for the next RS from Dieppe, which will have to make up for the lack of EDC and 4Control with more serious driving skills.
Text: Miroslav Nikolov
Photo: Miroslav Nikolov
