Renault Megane GT review

'Warm hatch' version of coupe Megane, 178bhp turbo 2-litre, 0-62mph in 7.8sec

Evo rating
Price
from £21,320
  • Rides and steers well
  • Doesn't sparkle like the Renaultsport version

Those with longer memories will recall the minor cult that was the ‘warm hatch’. In response to rising insurance and petrol costs in the early ’90s, a raft of sub-hot hatches came along offering sporty styling and a background flavour of performance. We’re talking Clio RSI, Citroën ZX Furio and Astra SRi.

In an economic climate not dissimilar to the early ’90s, it’s of little surprise that the warm hatch is back – say hello to the Renault Mégane Coupe GT TCe 180. The fact that Renaultsport has had a hand in its development – we’re huge fans of both the RS Mégane and Clio – means there’s reason to be optimistic about this car, too. It even looks good, individual and stylish, riding on its 18in, graphite-coloured ‘Jetow’ wheels.

Inside, Renaultsport-spec seats are fitted with specific GT cloth and there are aluminium pedals, a Renaultsport wheel and polished carbon trim. Climate, cruise, TomTom satnav, and a hands-free keycard are standard.

It seems odd that a funky-looking three-door hatch with 178bhp should be considered a warm hatch, but thanks to the phenomenon of upsizing that’s what we’ve got here. With 0-62mph taking 7.8sec and a top speed nudging 140mph it’s on the hotter side of warm, and such is the amount of torque available at low rpm (221lb ft at 2250rpm), the GT makes a fine cruising and overtaking companion.

It steers with precision, but lacks a little of the weight and feedback of the full Renaultsport version, and it grips and contains body roll in a perfectly acceptable manner. The only unruliness comes from torque-steer, which is present under hard acceleration in the first three gears. The GT doesn’t try too hard to impress, which makes you wonder if this is one of those cars that reveals its talents slowly during the ownership experience rather than on a short test drive at a dealer.

Partnership
Need to sell your car?
Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.

It’s a likeable car, then, but it has one problem – its brilliant big brother. The full-on Renaultsport Mégane is a couple of grand dearer, but it is worth every extra penny.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 1998cc, turbo
Max power178bhp @ 5500rpm
Max torque221lb ft @ 2250rpm
0-607.8sec (0-62mph, claimed)
Top speed139mph (claimed)
On saleNow

Most Popular

Car pictures of the week: evo’s Car of the Year contenders
eCoty – the contenders
Features

Car pictures of the week: evo’s Car of the Year contenders

evo’s Car of the Year issue hits newsstands next week – here's a preview of what you can expect
2 Dec 2023
Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test
Best car tyres 2023
Features

Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test

Which tyre should you choose for your performance car? This year’s evo tyre test puts eight strong contenders through their paces to find the very bes…
1 Dec 2023
The Tesla Cybertruck has finally landed, but it’s more expensive than promised
Tesla Cybertruck
News

The Tesla Cybertruck has finally landed, but it’s more expensive than promised

After years of setbacks, Tesla has delivered the first production examples of its controversial Cybertruck pick-up
1 Dec 2023