When the keys of a refined and sporty European coupé get handed over to the motoring guide, it's always a special moment. So we really looked forward to see what magic the French car makers had worked and how it would feel over a longer test drive than normal - to Cape Town with a few side trips and then back.
The version we test drove was the Mégane GT-Line Turbo 97W, which is distinguished from other models in the range by a stylish red strip along the dashboard.
The keyless locking and unlocking system was the first treat and pushing the sporty start button reminded one that this is really a sporty driver's car.
LOOKS
The car has the stylish lines and distinctive design to be expected from a Renault Mégane and one has to agree with the manufacturer's description of refined yet assertive.
At the front the well known diamond-shaped badge dominates the black grille and underscores the brand's new design identity. Front LED lights complement the design and add a finishing touch of aggression held in check.
On the outside, New Mégane GT-Line Turbo 97kW asserts its energetic and upmarket character via its stand-out front bumper which includes LEDs, while its rear bumper boasts integra-ted diffuser and 17" dark grey alloy wheels. Refinement and coherence are the key words here with the side mirrors and exterior doors handles also coloured dark grey.
SAFETY
The range has been designed in order to underpin Renault's leadership in progressive technology by focusing on delivering the highest level of safety combined with the most updated and intuitive on-board experience.
SPECIFICATIONS
Renowned for delivering world-class safety for driver and passengers alike, Renault's New Mégane GT-Line Turbo 97kW also offers the most comprehensive list of standard specifications: ABS coupled with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which, in the event of loss of control due to excessive speed or slippery road conditions, assists in the regaining of control by reducing engine power and braking on independent wheels; front, side and curtain airbags (plus anti-submarining airbags on coupé) and ISOFIX child anchors on the two side rear seats.
Also standard across the range are intelligent technologies ensuring the most updated and intuitive on-board experience, like dual-zone climate control, fingertip controls behind the steering wheel, integrated navigation system including Live services, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auto locking and unlocking system and rear park assist.
ENGINE
Renault was the first motor manufacturer to introduce turbo technology into Formula 1 in 1977. The core of the new turbo 97kW power plant is a very low inertia turbo output while ensuring a very high level of durability. The engine boasts direct fuel injection coupled with a high tumble strategy as inspired by Formula 1. The flow of the fuel mix inside the combustion chamber is optimised for fast, stable combustion.
The result is an exceptional output for a 1,2 engine of 97kW at 5 500rpm and maximum torque of 205Nm available between 2 000 and 3 000rpm, improved further thanks to its overboost function with peak torque at 225Nm.
DRIVING
Delivering excellent performance
(0 -100 km/h in 9,7sec) and maximum speed of 200km/h, the driving plea-sure provided by the Renault's power plant stems from its extreme responsiveness with 90% of its maximum torque available from 1 500 rpm.
Highly fuel efficient with very low consumption of 5,4-litres per 100km, yet it generates only 124g CO² per km.
Even though the new Turbo 97kW engine comes packed with cutting-edge technologies, Renault engineers have kept in mind the importance of lowering maintenance costs. One of the key elements underscoring this is the replacement of the cambelt with a lifetime timing chain which requires no maintenance.
INTERIOR
Inside, the refinement of the New Mégane GT-Line is reflected in its combination of cloth fabric and leather seats with GT-Line signature on the front headrests, Renault Sport clusters and a subtle red line integrated into the dashboard with GT-Line signage.
Additional intelligent features include front and rear electric windows and side mirrors, dual climate control, cruise control plus speed limiter, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, Radio CD MP3 with USB port plus fingertip controls located behind the steering wheel.
A convenient on-board experience is ensured thanks to the integrated navigation with Live connectivity and the Renault key-card with hands-free locking and unlocking function. The Live services include: HD Traffic updates with route optimisation as it is constantly connected via satellite. The system picks up traffic congestion and proposes a modified route enabling the driver to avoid slow-downs and get to the destination efficiently.
CONCLUSION
The New Mégane GT-Line Turbo 97kW is described as the mid-line model, but there was nothing average about the technology.
The car offers outstanding fuel efficiency and all derivatives of the New Mégane range are available in five-door hatch or three-door coupé variants. The two body shapes offer exactly the same specifications and the recommended price is also the same.
On-board Tom Tom makes it easy for the driver to find addresses or attractions thanks to the easy search engine that will find all matching locations in the surrounding area or at a specific destination. The system can also deliver daily and up to five-day weather forecasts to adapt or plan accordingly.
The automated locking and unlocking function is most convenient. The Renault smart key-card only has to be nearby in a pocket or a handbag, the driver places a hand on a door handle and the car automatically unlocks. Once inside, the start button does the rest and the engine switches on.
At destination, the driver switches off the engine and leaves the car. Once the driver is a few metres away from the vehicle, it automatically locks its doors.
DETAILS
As with all products in the stable, the New Mégane MY2014 line-up comes standard with Renault's industry-leading five year or 150 000km warranty complemented by a standard five year or 90 000km service plan.
The company has a stockholding of over 17 000 spare parts in its warehouse located in Rosslyn outside Pretoria with 95% of parts ordered, picked and delivered to every Renault dealer countrywide in under 24 hours.
Pricing
(Including service plan) The three derivatives that make up the New Mégane Model Year 2014 range are available in hatch (five doors) or coupé (three doors) body shape options. Both body shape options offer the exact same specifications and are identically priced. The New Mégane MY2014 GT-Line Turbo 97kW we drove in coupé is likewise available as a hatch at R279 900.
Options available are: 17" alloy wheels - R3 000; sunroof (coupé fixed) - R8 000; sunroof (hatch electric) - R10 000; leather pack - R12 000; rear camera (GT coupé) - R5 000 and metallic paint - R2 500.
The 2014 Mégane GT-Line was made available for the test drive by Seaman's Renault. To view the model or arrange a test drive, phone 044 873 2039 or pop in at their showroom in C J Langenhoven Road in George. Seaman's also has a showroom in Knysna to arrange a test drive - 044 382 2807.
The Mégane GT-Line is distinguished from other models in the range by a stylish red strip along the dashboard.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo news'
