Slick 'n quick Megane GT
By: Henrie Geyser
The Renault Megane GT slots perfectly into Renault's extensive model line-up - not quite as rebellious as the Clio Sport and substantially cheaper than the Megane Sport or the wildcat Megane F1, but still a lot of fun to drive.
The Megane's cheeky derriere and low, broad stance pulled the right strings for me when I first saw it at Auto Africa a few years back and I still think it is one of the classiest lookers on the road.
The GT is a step or two ahead of the standard 2.0-litre Megane, but this just gives it a nice edge without moving into the street boy-racer class.
Its distinctive looks, excellent roadholding, well-balanced steering, creamy six-speed shift and high revving engine all combine nicely to create an exceptionally pleasant driving experience.
It has a nice touch of French flair and it's sporty nature is appealing, without being in your face: attractive 17-inch alloy rims on Michelin, four doors, tapering roof-line, large air dams up front and the twin exhaust outlets below the GT branding.
In terms of fancies the Megane GT has virtually a full house, with one omission - it doesn't have traction control and it is not even available as an optional extra.
Which is a pity, because under hard acceleration wheel spin in first and second gear is almost unavoidable unless you want to burn the clutch.
What it does have is a punchy 2.0-litre engine that produces a perky 120 kW and 270 Nm, with torque peaking from as low down as 3 300 rpm.
The gear cogs are well-spaced so that fast, open road touring is quiet and economical in higher gears. In fact, a lovely car for a person who regularly drives long distances… just a pity that its price tag of R222 000 puts it way beyond the average rep's car bracket.
We didn't do consumption testing, but Renault is confident that the GT will use only about 7.7 km litres/100 km although this obviously depends on one's driving style. The tank holds 60 litres.
Other brag-worthy points about the GT is that has been awarded a 5-star EuroNCAP (new car assessment programme) rating and that it comes with driver and front passenger airbags as well as lateral and curtain airbags, plus ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. It even has headlamp washers up front.
Cockpit comfort is enhanced with well-designed seats, enough space for legs and shoulders, full climate control, keyless entry and electric front windows and folding door mirrors. And a surprisingly spacious luggage area of 330-litres.
The GT is chic and quick, and as delightful as a cup of strong coffee and a fresh croissant at a pavement café on a summer morning in Paris.
The word is out on the street that Renault has been putting in some serious effort to get rid of its tarnished image for shoddy service and poor customer relations. If they can get that to the same high level as the finish and performance of the Megane GT then it won't take long for the Renault brand to re-establish its popularity and good sales.
Like the rest of the Megane clan the GT comes with five-year/100 000 km warranty, a five-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, 24-hour roadside assistance (which a friend of mine assured me really works well!) and even a courtesy car when you really need it.
More by Henrie Geyser
More...ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Henrie Geyser has worked as a journalist in Cape Town, London and Windhoek for the Argus Company (now Independent Newspapers) and spent 12 years at The Cape Argus in Cape Town. He then owned and ran a public relations consultancy for 13 years. He joined the online publishing industry through iafrica.com, where he worked for five years as News Editor and Editor. He now freelances for a variety of print and online publications, on the subjects of cars, food and travel, among others; and is a member of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists.
Connected by: Uninet
muti
del.icio.us
stumbleupon
yahoo
google
facebook
newsvine
Digg
Reddit
GoGuide
