2016 Renault Mégane GT first drive

Where it all goes a little south for the performance-focused GT, however, is with regards to its handling and performance. While its steering has adequate heft and precision for a powerful hatch, and is a snappy 2.3 turns lock-to-lock, there’s precious extra weighting in faster corners. There’s little feedback either, resulting in a numb, disassociated feeling. 

At lower speeds the 4Control system permits the front and rear wheels to turn in opposite directions, effectively pivoting the car and improving agility. At higher speeds the wheels steer in the same direction, bolstering stability during high-speed lane changes.

On the motorway it’s a great benefit but on slower, more challenging roads, the GT's tail-steering effect can be too rapid, pronounced and disconcerting, making the Mégane’s responses harder to judge.

There’s plenty of front-end grip, however, and the body’s movements are controlled well, although many may find it softer than expected. Stopping power is decent, although a lack of pedal feel and well-defined bite detracts further from the GT’s focus. 

A performance hatchback needs to have a suitably willing and evocative powertrain if it’s to be a true success, but the Renault Clio RS 200’s turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and EDC transmission has never been particularly well received. Little has changed, so it remains similarly ho-hum here. 

The key gripe is with the EDC gearbox. Driven gently, it unobtrusively shuffles through its ratios and is rarely annoying. Push a little harder, however, and it can hesitate, slur or intermittently shift far harder than you might expect. Its inconsistency soon grates, while sluggish manually commanded shifts will irk those expecting Volkswagen DSG-like responses. 

We can’t fault its launch control system, though. In Sport mode, stand on the brake, pull both paddles, pin the accelerator, release the brake. It grants repeatable, controllable and swift standing starts. Traction is good, but you do get some torque steer following hefty throttle applications on undulating or rougher surfaces.

The engine, unfortunately, doesn’t sound that good, particularly when approaching the 6400rpm redline. It has a coarse nature to it at higher crank speeds, which curtails your inclination to explore the upper rev range. In the mid-range it’s got a fairly pleasant warble, but it’s far behind the likes of a Focus ST in terms of aural appeal.

That said, it puts down pretty decent numbers. A torque output of 207lb ft isn’t much compared to many 2.0-litre alternatives, but the Mégane pulls eagerly in gear and otherwise feels suitably sprightly. Four driving modes are offered, allowing you to adjust aspects including the accelerator response and steering weight, and there are noticeable differences.

Of course, hatchbacks must also be practical. Fortunately, the new Mégane has a lot in its favour. It's easy to get comfortable, thanks to a wide range of adjustments, spacious footwells and a wide cabin. There’s a dead pedal on the left, too, improving comfort over longer distances, while a customisable digital dash clearly relays what’s going on.

In the back there’s plenty of room and even 6ft-tall passengers won’t struggle. That said, there’s only really seating for two adults abreast, and those passengers will have their forward view dominated by the towering fixed headrests on the front seats.

There’s better news when it comes to the boot. There’s a bit of a lip to overcome when you’re loading luggage into it, but it offers a lot of space. At 384 litres it’s bigger than a new Vauxhall Astra’s boot, and just bigger than a Volkswagen Golf’s. As standard, the seats split and fold 60/40.

Renault claims that the Mégane GT will return 47.1mpg, which, in conjunction with its 50-litre tank, will grant a range in excess of 500 miles. Even if you were to only average 30mpg, however, you’d still be able to travel a sensible 330 miles between stops. 

Our car was also fitted with Renault’s new 8.7in touchscreen infotainment system, which will be offered as an option outside of the higher trim levels. It looks smart and the media, navigation and configuration functions all work well. We found it occasionally unresponsive, though, which isn’t ideal when driving. At least Renault has retained conventional temperature control dials.