Sporty new Renault Megane revealed

A new, sporty version of the Renault Megane is now available. The Renault Megane GT 220 is a slightly less powerful version of the Megane Renaultsport hot hatch.

The new Megane GT 220 is based on the Megane GT Line TomTom, but is powered by a 220bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The car doesn't carry the badge of Renault’s tuning arm, Renaultsport, but the department has had a hand in the model’s development.

That means stiffer Renaultsport suspension for a sportier drive than the standard GT, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 220bhp – up to twice as much as the Megane GT. The GT 220, which is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 149mph.

That puts it in competition with the MINI Cooper and Kia Pro_cee’d GT, rather than traditional hot hatches such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST.

But unlike those models, there’s a full range of bodystyles available. The Renault Megane GT 220 is available as a five-door hatchback, coupe or Sport Tourer estate.

Renault says the Megane GT 220 can return 38.7mpg on average and emits 169g/km of CO2. That should make it slightly easier to live with day-to-day.

Standard equipment includes more powerful brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels and new bumper designs. Inside you’ll find sports seats, a sporty thick-rimmed steering wheel and carbon and aluminium trims.

More practical features include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, sat-nav, Bluetooth, a rear parking camera and an uprated Arkamys audio system.

Options include the Malta Blue paintwork pictured here, leather upholstery and Renault’s Visio System which includes lane departure warning and automatic main beam headlights.

Renault Megane GT 220 prices