2014 Renault Megane Review: GT-Line Hatch
August 12, 2014
What’s Hot: Beautifully-sorted chassis and handling, impressive turbo engine.
What’s Not: Limited rear legroom; audio-control hidden behind the wheel.
X-FACTOR: Euro styling mated with a classy interior and quality build - plus, it’s a little out of the ordinary.
Vehicle style: Small five-door hatch
Price: $26,990
Engine/trans: 97kW/205Nm 1.2 litre turbo | 6spd EDC dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption listed: 5.6 l/100km (95RON) | tested: 6.8 l/100km.
OVERVIEW
The Megane is Renault Australia’s best-selling model. Having spent some time in the latest GT-Line hatch, we can understand the French brand's upbeat expectations for its new Megane hatch and wagon line-up here.
With Renault’s Australian sales up 53 percent year-to-date, the arrival of the new Megane range is sure to add some sales impetus to the French nameplate in this country.
There are no fewer than 17 variants in the revitalised Megane family range. They are all well-priced, generally well-kitted and drive particularly well.
We chose the GT-Line hatch with its impressive new 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine for this test.
The engine is mated to a Getrag six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
THE INTERIOR | RATING 3.5/5
Quality: While the entry-level 'Authentique' Megane models are pretty bland and uninspiring inside the doors, the same cannot be said for the GT-Line.
The first thing you notice is the quality look to the seats; with contrasting black leather and lighter-grey cloth-inserts, they are every bit as good as they look.
As well as the leather, there is a stylish blend of plastics and tasteful chrome highlights. Surfaces generally are appealing to the touch, and the sense is of a quality, well-built interior.
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