Renault is known for revamping their Megane range on a fairly regular basis and they have recently done so again for 2014.
Renault is known for revamping their Megane range on a fairly regular basis and they have recently done so again for 2014.
I have no problem with this in principle as it keeps things fresh and up-to-date but it must be hell on the car's resale values with models changing so often.
The range is now built around only three cars: the top-of-the range Megane GT Turbo that produces 162kW, mid-range GT-Line Turbo with 97kW and the base level Dynamique 81kW.
For this test, I test-drove the GT Turbo, a challenger for VW's GTI. No easy task ahead then.
On the surface the Megane has the goods in the form of six airbags; ABS coupled with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA); cruise control plus speed limiter and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with electronic anti-slip regulation (ASR) and three-point ISOFIX seat anchorage on side rear seats all as standard.
Also standard across the range are other technologies like dual-zone climate control, fingertip controls behind the steering wheel, integrated navigation system including Live services, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auto locking/unlocking system and rear park assist. All this completes a package that is exceptional at the suggested retail price of R329 900.
The chassis is derived from the performance plus Megane Renault Sport (RS) but with specific suspension settings and specifically calibrated power steering.
The brakes have been adapted to the GT Turbo's performance levels along with high-performance tyres. This means that this Megane can still hustle between A and B, with a less frenetic manner then we are used to on the RS models. I reckon the Megane would give the GTI a good go through the twisties.
In this company, it is also all about the power and performance numbers. The Megane runs a 2.0 litre turbocharged powerplant that produces a decent 162kW of power between 4 750 and 6 500 rpm and 340Nm of torque between 2 400 and 3 500 rpm. Numbers that are once again on par with the haloed GTI. The top end came in almost spot on at the claimed 240 km/h with a 239.74 km/h recorded.
Here comes the big surprise: the 0-100 km/h claim of 7.6 seconds was smashed by a full second with me recording a 6.64 second run. Now this is only 0.3 seconds off the class leading GTI DSG and it is quicker than the manual version by more than 0.5 seconds.
So this Megane won't be easily bullied in a straight line either.
The Megane GT comes with Renault's industry-leading five-year/150 000km Warranty and a standard five-year/90 000km Service Plan and almost ticks all the boxes in this test. Where it falls short compared to SA's favourite, the GTI, is that it is starting to show its age on the inside and the all-new GTI just feels so much better.
I still don't see a die-hard GTI type fan rushing off to a Renault dealer to buy the new Megane, but a person who wants to save close on R100 000 over the GTI (same spec level at the Megane) has a decent car to consider at the right price now.
Road Test Fact File
> Model: Renault Megane 220 GT Hatch
> Gearbox: 6 Speed Manual Transmission
> Engine: 2.0 Litre Turbocharged
> Power: 162 kW @ 4 750 – 6 500 rpm
> Torque: 340 Nm @ 2 400 – 3 500 rpm
> Licensing Mass: 1 284 kg
> Power to Weight: 126.168 kW / Tonne
> Power to Capacity: 81.081 kW / Litre
> 0-100 km/h: 6.64 Seconds
> ¼ Mile: 14.80 Seconds @ 159.72 km/h
> 1 Km: 26.65 Seconds @ 199.99 km/h
> 60-100 km/h: 3.51 Seconds (in 3rd Gear) / 4.94 Seconds (in 4th Gear)
> 80-120 km/h: 5.32 Seconds (in 4th Gear) / 6.92 Seconds (in 5th Gear)
> 100-200 km/h: 20.89 Seconds (from 3rd Gear)
> True Top Speed: 239.74 km/h @ 5 750 rpm in 6th (Clock 244 km/h)
> Fuel Consumption: 7.3 litres / 100 km Claimed (10.3 litres Test Average)
> Fuel Tank Size: 60 litres
> Fuel Range: 822 km Claimed (583 km On Test)
> CO2 Emissions: 169 g/km > Warranty: 5 Years / 150 000 Km
> Service / Maintenance Plan: 2 Years / 30 000 km Service Plan
> Priced From: R329 900
> Test Date: 2 September 2014
For more information and latest pricing visit renault.co.za
