Renault Megane GT Line Nav
The Renault Megane GT Line is a sportier Megane but it's still no hot hatch. You’d be better off in all respects with the Dynamique model.
Renault has a way with sporty hatchbacks that borders on genius. Renaultsport versions of the Clio and Megane have the beating of most rivals for pure driving fun. But when it comes to semi-sporty models like the Megane GT Line, the company’s touch is not so sure. The standard Megane is a comfortable car to be in, but GT Line versions are simply too firm thanks to their sports suspension and bigger wheels (17 or 18 inches, depending on engine).
What’s more, there aren’t really any significant gains in how well the Megane drives. There are 1.4 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines and 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0-litre diesels delivering up to 178bhp. The 2.0-litre units are unique to GT Line models. As well as the suspension and styling changes, dual-zone air conditioning, parking sensors and sports seats are also included, but the Megane GT Line is nowhere near as good value as Expression or Dynamique versions.
Good points
Lowered suspension, bigger wheels and bodywork changes certainly sharpen up the Megane’s looks and handling. It’s the same inside, where there are sports seats, aluminium pedals and changes to the trim and upholstery. You can’t claim that you’ve ben short-changed with the standard spec, either. Pretty much everything you would want is here.There’s a really good engine range, delivering strong punch, smooth running and, if you choose carefully, low running costs. The 1.4 turbo petrol and 1.5 diesel offer the best balance, but the 2.0-litre engines provide plenty of performance if you’re prepared to face the higher fuel and tax bills.
Bad points
GT Line doesn’t go far enough to turn the Megane into a hot hatch, but it does spoil the car’s comfort, and that’s where this trim falls down.Otherwise, the failings are the same as those in any other Megane: There’s not enough space in the back, particularly when it comes to headroom and the boot isn’t big enough.It’s not as good to drive as a Ford Focus or as good to own as a Volkswagen Golf and secondhand values are relatively weak, so make sure you take advantage of the big discounts available when buying.
What you get
- Alloy wheels
- Electric folding wing mirrors
- Rear parking sensors
- Passenger & Driver airbag
- Front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Auto climate control
- Leather steering wheel
- Height adjustable driver's seat
- Front electric windows
- AUX stereo input
- DAB Radio
- Cruise control
- Sat nav
- Automatic wipers
- Reversing camera
- Sports suspension
- Sports seats
- Rear electric windows
- Bluetooth
Our choice
The 1.4-litre turbo petrol or the 1.5 diesel, depending on whether it’s a private car or one to be used for business, in which case fuel and tax savings will make up for the diesel’s higher price.
