What's the news?
Renault has introduced a hot diesel to its Megane GT range, joining the existing 205hp petrol turbo model. It's called the (deep breath) GT dCi 165 Auto EDC and it uses a new twin-turbo version of the 1.6-litre dCi diesel engine.
The extra turbo boosts power from the standard car's 130hp to 165hp, with torque climbing to 380Nm. The GT dCi 165 Auto EDC is capable of 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 214km/h, yet still returns NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of 61.4mpg and Co2 of 120g/km. The figures for the Sport Tourer are 8.9 seconds, 133mph, 61.4mpg and 124g/km respectively.
We don't know yet whether or not the new model will come to Ireland, but it seems likely as we already have the petrol GT on sale.
The new dCi 165 GT boasts Renault's trick rear-wheel steering system, which should help it to feel significantly more agile than the standard hatch. At speeds of less than 80km/h in Sport mode and 60km/h in other modes the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, by up to 2.7 degrees at the back, giving the GT the manoeuvrability of a shorter-wheelbase vehicle. At higher speeds the front and rear wheels steer in the same direction, turning by up to one degree at the back, for greater stability. 4Control calculates the angle of the rear wheels 100 times a second and adjusts them as necessary.
The suspension has also been lightly tweaked, with specific springs, dampers and anti-roll bar settings by Renault Sport.
The styling has been beefed up too. At the front, a wider lower air intake with a honeycomb-pattern mesh is flanked by lateral scoops. Dark metal, diamond cut 18-inch alloy wheels and door mirror housings match the finish on the front air scoops and rear diffuser. The 'Iron Blue' metallic body colour is exclusive to the GT & GT Line.
Inside, the GT's sports front seats feature additional lateral support to the base and backrest and integral headrests, blue top-stitching and a chequered logo. The upholstery options - in fabric or Alcantara - provide hints of blue, whilst the steering wheel is leather. The GT features an auto-dimming rearview mirror and chrome door sill plates with the Renaultsport logo, but that's the UK-market spec, so Irish cars may differ.
Safety kit includes the Visio system (which means lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and automatic high/low beam in Renault-speak), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction and understeer control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), speed limiter, and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.