Mégane gets GT brag badge

The new makeover has given the model racier look.

And the spruced up models certainly look the part even though the go doesn't quite match the show. Based on the Dynamique equipment level, the new GT Line Sports Pack adds sporty styling to make it stand out from the mainstream Mégane models, but the changes are purely cosmetic.

What makes it different are go-faster features such as a new bumper with a reshaped central air intake, front fog lamps which are housed in dark metal coloured recesses on either side of the bumper, black headlamp backgrounds and grey mirror housings.

At the rear, the colour-coded lower section of the bumper incorporates a contrasting aerodynamic diffuser which pays homage to the sportier Renault models.

A far racier look

Brag tag 'GT Line' badging on the grille and the tailgate also separates this model from the rest of the Renault siblings.

The cabin, too, has been given a racing touch and sports the same sexy front seats as fitted to the Mégane RS.

Other brm-brm trim include an analogue speedometer and a white-faced rev counter with red needle.

Racing style pedals, polished carbon door handles and 'GT Line' badging on the dashboard, head rests and front door sill round it all off very handsomely.

Racing style pedals, polished carbon door handles and ‘GT Line’ badging on the dashboard, head rests and front door sill round it all off very handsomely.

click to enlarge

However, under the bonnet the engine in the new Mégane GT Line Hatch and GT Line Coupe is the same 1.4 TCe (Turbo Control efficiency) cheeky power plant that drives the current 1.4 litre Megane CC, Coupe and Hatch.

Although it kicks out the sort of power (96kW) and torque (190Nm) one would expect from a larger engine the 1.4 TCe's CO2 emissions rating is lower than that of a conventional 1.6 litre engine, but it falls far short of the seriously enthusiastic engines that drive the Megane RS 250 Sport and Cup models as well as the Clio Sport and Special Edition Sport models.

Like the others in the Mégane clan the engine is partnered with a smooth, rapid-shift six-speed manual transmission.

The GT Line models score well when it comes to hugging the tar thanks to the same 'Sport' chassis that does duty in the Mégane Coupé which is 12mm lower than standard Méganes. It also has the same stiffer springs and dampers, and the tweaked MacPherson-style suspension of the Coupe.

To round it off the GT Line models ride on sporty 17-inch alloys wrapped in 205/50 R17 rubber.

Some star qualities

The GT Line slots in neatly between the standard and high performance models and it has some star qualities of both worlds. It looks good and it handles really well.

Like the others in the Mégane clan the engine is partnered with a smooth, rapid-shift six-speed manual transmission.

The price tags of both new models are also not high enough to put your credit card on life-support and you get a lot of bang for your bucks, including a classy Carminat TomTom integrated navigation system (see footnote below), cruise control with speed limiter, dual-zone climate control as well as a top class Arkamys 3D Sound audio system with Bluetooth and multifunction connectivity.

The GT Line's impressive package of safety features encompasses ABS brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), six airbags, twin side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, as well as new-generation head restraints.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with understeer control is available as an option and although pricey it is strongly recommended because the very nature of this cute Frenchy encourages lead-footed tendencies.

The models and prices are:
Mégane GT Line Hatch: R249 900
Mégane GT Line Coupé: R259 900

It looks good and it handles really well.

Included in the purchase price are a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty, a five-year/100 000km service plan and six-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Footnote:

The Renault Mégane GT Line models are the first to debut an advanced TomTom LIVE navigation system which will eventually be fitted to other Renault models.

"Renault is once again proving itself as a pioneer of innovative, cost-effective on-board satellite navigation systems," says Xavier Gobille, managing director of Renault SA. "We are the first to offer an integrated satnav system with the ability to deliver real-time traffic updates and rerouting."

Ready to use in an instant once activated, simple to operate and easy to update, this system is ideally suited to South Africa's rush hour constipation.

The LIVE version employs an integrated SIM card that links to live satellite updates and feeds. It adds innovative connected services, including HDTraffic, considered the best real-time traffic information service in the world.

Renault Mégane GT 2011 (no sound)

Renault Mégane review - CarBuyer