PERFORMANCE just got a whole lot more attractive thanks to a new move by Renault.
The French car maker has expanded its range of performance models with the arrival of GT 220 variants of the Megane Hatch, Coupe and Sport Tourer.
Powered by a 220bhp version of the Renaultsport 2.0-litre turbo engine and featuring a Renaultsport-engineered chassis and 18-inch alloy wheels, the cars herald a new entry level to the world of Megane performance driving.
The GT 220 is based on the Megane GT Line TomTom, but delivers up to twice as much wallop and has more dynamic driving characteristics thanks to stiffer springs and dampers and larger front brake discs from Renaultsport.
The 16-valve turbocharged engine drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and the car can blast from 0-62 in 7.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 149mph.
Yet with Renault’s Stop & Start technology as standard, the GT 220 can return a Combined fuel figure of 38.7mpg, with CO2 emissions of 169g/km.
The Renaultsport-tuned chassis on the GT 220 includes specific front and rear dampers that use the calibration and valving based on those used on Megane Renaultsport.
And the GT 220 also features Renault’s Anti-Skid Regulation and Understeer Logic Controld river aid systems, plus ABS with emergency brake assist.
As for styling there’s a special GT bumper design, with a reshaped central air intake and integral gloss black cross bar that carries the number plate while the rear bumper has a lower section finished in body colour.
In the cabin the Renaultsport influence comes through in the sports seats and upholstery, the thick leather-rimmed steering wheel with thumb indents and stitching detail and the analogue dials and aluminium pedals.
Standard kit includes dual-zone climate control, cruise control, speed limiter, auto headlights and wipers, LED daytime running lights, sat-nav, Bluetooth, a rear parking camera and uprated Arkamys 3D sound system.
Prices are £23,245 for the Megane Hatch GT 220 up to £24,245 for the Sport Tourer. The GT 220 Coupe is £24,230.
