Renault Megane RenaultSport GT220 2013 Review - International

What we liked:
?>> Enthusiastic engine performance?
>> Balanced handling
?>> Affordabe price?

Not so much:
?>> Manual only
?>> Ride get lumpy at low speed
?>> Dash and centre console needs updating

We don’t seem to really latch on to hot wagons in Australia. In fact, with some rare exceptions we still don’t really seem to be embracing the whole wagon thing these days. In Europe, not only do they love their wagons, they adore the hotted up versions too, which pretty much explain the existence of the Renault Sport Megane GT220.

Now, Renault Australia is taking a punt and adding the GT220 to its line-up in June. Its purpose is twofold: to introduce the Megane wagon to Australia (mainstream guises will be added shortly); and to pioneer the 'warm but not hot' GT family of Renaults Down Under. Just 200 limited edition GT wagons are headed our way.

GT models are developed by Renault Sport just like the RS models. GT is below RS in the marque's hierarchy and performance capability. But it’s pretty fair to say the GT220 isn’t toned down too much from the brilliant RS Megane hatch that has proved immensely popular in Australia (so popular that we only rank behind France in terms of sales of that model -- although we aren’t in the top 10 globally overall).

No wonder Renault Australia thought it was on to a good thing when the specs of the GT220 were perused.

Under the bonnet the GT220 gets the same F4R four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the RS, although it is detuned to 164kW/340Nm (from 195kW/360Nm). And like RS, the only gearbox choice is a six-speed manual.

It rides on a ‘Sport’ specification chassis rather than the harsher 'Cup' version the RS265 employs in Australia. That also means it misses a limited slip front diff and the tricky PerfoHub front strut that does such good job of limiting torque steer in the high-powered front-wheel-drive RS.

The GT220 costs $36,990 ($41,990 with the premium pack), accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.6 secs and drinks 95 (or the recommended 98) RON fuel at a claimed combined average of just 7.3L/100km with the aid of start-stop -- a technology this car debuts in Australia for Renault.

There’s a decent amount of equipment especially in the premium version with its sat-nav, bi-xenons, leather and lane departure warning (and more).

So, all good really, and the nice thing is the driving experience is pretty darn positive too. As usual, it left us pondering the genius of Renault Sport and its ability to take mainstream Renaults and turn them into something truly desirable.

We should presage what comes next by saying much of our driving was on freeways, most of it was with four adults onboard and it was all in France. Quite how it will translate to the Australian experience we’re not brave enough to venture with certainty, other than to suggest it’s a rare Renault Sport that disappoints here or anywhere.

While this is a bit of an RS-Lite deal, the nice thing is the GT220 (the number denotes power output in horses) retains enough of the right ingredients to be happily familiar.

The engine produces solid, if not spectacular urge (four-up remember), whooshing loudly from the exhaust as it builds steam. It feels strong and flexible in its delivery, capable of punching hard out of tight corner in third gear or galloping along at 130km/h plus on the Autoroute in top.

It the throttle is used hard and early from low down in the rev range there is the occasional hitch as if the stability control system is cutting in harshly to cool over-enthusiasm. There is also torque steer as you accelerate from corners, but it’s more about communication than being a wrist (and deal) breaker.

Communication is also provided though the gearbox. It requires the driver to shift with authority but rewards with a satisfying clunk as it slots home. The clutch pedal is light and the connection with the gearbox good. The throttle and brake pedals are perfectly located for heel and toe changes.

A specifically tuned electric-assist power steering system provides accurate and meaty inputs at speed, really allowing the driver to hunker down into the comfortable seat and feel connected with the car.

It’s a step back from the RS265 with more roll and less fierceness about the connection, but it is capable of being hustled along confidently with no sense of waywardness from the rear-end while the front turns in nicely.

There are some solid impacts provided by the suspension, but only on laterals (think freeway concrete joins) can the ride ever really be described as jolting. It is too stiff for comfortable low speed ambling, but the pay-off comes as speeds rise. But then so does the amount of tyre noise from the 18-inch rubber.

The GT220 is very much like the RS in making its best play in the driving rather than making you feel particularly welcome in the cabin. That’s especially so in terms of the curious slanted instrument panel and the centre console and stack that offer only a minimum of storage.

But the wagon has a real advantage over the hatch in the spacious rear seat which easily accommodates two adults in terms of head, elbow, knee and foot room and provides them with big windows to see out of. Further back the tailgate opens easily to reveal an ultra-low loading height.

Renault Australia is hoping this ease of use will encourage a whole bunch of family buyers turned off by the three-door RS265’s lack of flexibility to be attracted to this car. And they have a real chance of doing just that with the GT220, which is another impressive effort from Renault Sport.

The manual gearchange is a negative for some and likely to be a deal breaker for a few as this is likely to be a car often used in urban areas.

But just think of those rare trips away up-country and ponder the fun you will have, all with a load onboard… Hot wagons suddenly make more sense don’t they.

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