2015 Renault Megane GT 220 Coupe first drive

The new Renault Megane GT 220 is based on the existing GT Line TomTom, but gets more power and firmer suspension. The objective was to create something quicker and sharper to drive than the GT Line, but easier to live with than the even harder-riding, full-fat Megane Renaultsport 275.

The GT 220 uses the same Renaultsport 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol as the 275, but it's detuned to produce 217bhp and 251lb ft of torque. In the process it has become slightly more efficient. Average combined fuel consumption is now 38.7mpg and its CO2 emissions are 169g/km.

Renault offers customers the GT 220 as a five-door hatchback, estate, and, in this case, a three-door coupe. They all have a more aggressive look, with deeper bumpers that incorporate a bigger air intake at the front and an aerodynamic diffuser at the rear. They also have dark grey door mirrors and 18in alloy wheels. 

It sounds exciting, but how does it fare against similar performance offerings such as the Seat Leon 180 FR or Ford Focus ST?

Even though this is a detuned engine, it’s still a joyful thing. It pulls well, sounds great and loves to rev, becoming particularly eager above 4000rpm. Indeed, the whole drivetrain feels very well engineered.

The clutch action is positive, which makes the GT 220 easy to get off the line, and the gearbox’s six ratios are spaced perfectly to keep the engine in its power band. It’s just a shame that the long throw of the gearlever takes the edge off the experience.

Happily, Renaultsport has also spent time improving the chassis and brakes. The steering has been recalibrated to work better with the new dampers and tyres that are specific to the GT 220. The brakes use bigger discs than the GT Line, front and rear, as well as the same master cylinder as the 275 to give them a more progressive feel.

It all adds up to a car that is a real delight to use on winding country lanes. The steering might not give much feedback, but it’s accurate and well weighted. This gives you the confidence to push the chassis, and it rewards you by cornering with little body roll and offering lots of grip. There’s no limited-slip differential, so you have to deploy the power gently on damp roads to limit torque steer, but generally traction is good.

The front will wash wide if you push too hard, but the chassis’ playful nature means a gentle lift of the throttle trims it back to your chosen line. Give it a real lift mid-corner and it will oversteer, although sadly the ESP can’t be completely disabled to exploit this.

The suspension might not be as harsh as that of the 275, but there’s no escaping the fact that this car is set up for speed rather than comfort. For the most part, the ride is firm but tolerable for a sporty offering but, particularly at speed, there’s a constant bouncing over ridges and expansion joints, which can become wearing.

There is also a fair amount of wind and tyre noise on the motorway, plus that close-ratio ‘box means the engine spins at close to 3000rpm in top at 70mph.

The Megane’s cabin is acceptable rather than great. There are some nice touches as part of the GT 220 package, like the aluminium pedals and polished carbon finishes throughout. However, other than the soft-feel dash, there are lots of lower-grade materials everywhere else.