New Renault Megane GT diesel adds economy to excitement

Renault has bolstered the appeal of its sporty Megane GT by adding what’s claimed to be the most powerful 1.6-litre diesel engine you can buy.

While the petrol Megane GT appeals with its Renaultsport-inspired looks and involving drive, fuel efficiency has never been its forte. Now, though, Renault has added economy to the GT’s talents, boosting the Megane’s appeal next to sporty diesel versions of the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus hatchback.

Under the bonnet is a new twin-turbocharged dCi 165 diesel engine, joining the TCe 205 petrol that was previously the only engine option for the GT. The diesel engine produces 163bhp, enough for 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds. Perhaps more important, though, is its 61.4mpg overall fuel economy.

Along with CO2 emissions of 120g/km, this places the Megane GT diesel squarely in competition with the Volkswagen Golf GTD. Both cars occupy the 26% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bracket for company-car users and the Megane GT’s starting price of £27,740 is very close to the Golf’s, too.

The Megane GT diesel is fitted with a dual-clutch, six-speed automatic gearbox, which allows fast clutchless manual changes if the mood takes you. There’s also Renault’s Multi-Sense system, which allows you to tweak the accelerator and engine response, as well as the steering weight and speed of gearchanges, in addition to personalising the instrument display and ambient interior lighting.

Megane GT dCi 165 details & availability

The Megane GT Nav dCi 165, to give it its full name, boasts the same standard equipment as its petrol sister model, including a strong Renaultsport flavour to its styling. There’s a deep front spoiler with honeycomb mesh grilles and air scoops, with a matching air diffuser at the back flanked by twin exhaust pipes . Dark metal 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted and a special Iron Blue paint colour is available for £645.

The sporty feel continues inside, with sports seats designed for greater lateral support when cornering. They’re set off by blue stitching and a chequered logo, while the Renaultsport emblem appears on chrome door sill plates.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is Renault’s R-Link infotainment system, with a portrait-orientated 8.7-inch touchscreen. It provides access to DAB radio, Bluetooth streaming and TomTom Live navigation, as well as a parking camera. Other interior equipment includes dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel and a hands-free keycard.

The Renault Megane GT Nav dCi 165 hatchback is available now, priced from £27,740. A Sport Tourer estate version is also available from £29,040, boasting identical fuel economy and the same 26% BiK rating.