Renault Megane Review: 2014 Model | Megane | Car Buyers Guide

Renault Megane GT Line

Renault told the world at the International Motor show in Frankfurt (IAA) that it had intentions of unifying the Megane range. To make this happen Renault made changes to each Megane to make them fall into line. This week we look at the tweaked Renault Megane GT Line.

Style
This is a very stylish hatch which demands passers-by to have a glance at its near-perfect curves. The exterior of the Megane Coupé certainly does hold a more dynamic stance than before. The new Megane Coupé has a new front-end with a more prominent Renault badge.

The front lights stretch into the more curvaceous bonnet while the under-lay of the front bumper is more aggressive. Under the front grille reminds me of the styling of the Volkswagen Golf GTI but less angry. The side of this vehicle hasn't massively changed from its predecessor,  it reminds me a lot of the style of the Volkswagen Scirocco, nicely curved and in and around the same length.

Interior
Inside the Megane Coupé GT line is actually very nicely laid out. There is plenty of leg room to the front and although this is a coupé I found that two adults will fit comfortably enough into the rear - this of course is at the cost of some legroom to the front.

The sports seats to the front are a nice touch and the red-line running the length of the dash is very attractive. The onboard screen however seemed like an after-thought on the dash board and the plastics themselves didn't appear to me to be the most attractive in the world.

One item which really bugs me inside this Renault and indeed I found it to be annoying the last time I drove the Fluence too, the coffee cup holders are impossible - in that it's hard to get the coffee cup in and out of them.

Drive
Although this GT line Megane Coupé offers high enough torque and bhp figures it doesn't really offer the power you'd expect.This particular vehicle offers just under 110 bhp and maximum torque of 260Nm. It takes 12.10 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h.

Although this wouldn't be the most powerful vehicle in the world it does handle very well, delivering a very enjoyable ride. In terms of actual road handling the Megane didn't throw up many surprises either, the steering was just how I like it, precise, not too stiff and not too loose. Another bonus to the journeying with this vehicle is its 6-speed gearbox, I found it to be very smooth. The ride is possibly a bit too firm, but overall I found the drive-comfort of this vehicle to be beyond satisfactory.

CO2, Price, etc.
The stats on this vehicle are very important when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions. For the look and feel of this vehicle you wouldn't expect it to deliver in terms of fuel consumption in the way that it does, but I have to say that the figures do impress me. On paper Renault tells us that the GT Line Megane Coupé 1.5 dCi offers a combined drive (between urban and extra urban) of 3.5 litres per 100km, now to be honest I didn't achieve this in the vehicle itself, but I did find that the 60 litre tank offered a lot of bang for the buck in terms of how far it took me.

To tax this vehicle is very inexpensive with a staggeringly low CO2 emissions figure of 90g/km - this is impressive. To top it all off, for what you get in terms of style and drive from this vehicle, its price tag is not too off-putting. Prices for the vehicle I drove start in and around the €24,990, which makes it a chunk less expensive than a Volkswagen Scirocco with much better economy figures.

The CBG.ie verdict
While I am a fan of this particular car I would prefer it if it offered more in terms of power. Apart from that, I am impressed by this particular car. The handling is sweet, the style is spot on and the coffee-cup holders are annoying!

Compare specs to an alternative car!
€ 27,000 when New

Key Facts

New Price
€ 27,000
Make

Renault

Model
Megane
Variant
1.9 dCi 130hp Monaco
First Launched
2008
Transmission
Manual
Engine & Transmission
6 speed manual
Fuel type
Diesel
Body Type
Hatchback

Running Costs

Tax
637
Tax Band
B2
Average L/100km
4.25
Fuel Tank Capacity (L)
60
Fuel Tank Range (km)
1412
CO2 emmissions (g/km)
134

Performance

Driven Wheels
Front
Engine (L)
1870
Break Horsepower
130
Top Speed
205
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
9.5
Cylinders
4
Fuel Tank Capacity (L)
60
Engine Position
Front, transversely
Number of Valves
2
Aspiration
Turbocharging
Torque
300

Space & Practicality

Doors
5
Seats
5
Boot capacity (L)
1162
Kerb weight
1215
Tyre Size Front
1215
Wheel Base
2641

Safety

Isofix
Yes
Euro NCAP Star Rating
4

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