Renault Megane range extended with sporty GT 220

A new, sportier version of the Renault Megane, the GT 220, has gone on sale in hatchback, Coupe and Sport Tourer forms, with prices starting at £23,245.

The GT 220 sits below the Renaultsport in the Megane range and will rival other warm hatchbacks such as the Kia Proceed GT.

Next generation Renault Megane Sports Tourer unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motorshow

Powered by a 220bhp version of the Renaultsport 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, the GT 220 covers 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 149mph.

The new model is based on the Megane GT Line TomTom but delivers up to twice as much power and features a Renaultsport-tuned chassis with stiffer springs and dampers, as well as larger Renaultsport front brake discs and 18-inch alloys.

The GT 220 uses the same rear bump stops as the Megane Renaultsport, and specific front and rear dampers on the GT 220 have calibration and valving based on its faster sibling.

Cosmetic changes include a special GT bumper design with a reshaped central air intake and an integral gloss black cross bar around the number plate.

Inside, sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel come as standard, as do analogue dials and aluminium pedals. Interior door handles, outer air vent surrounds and the dashboard have a polished carbon finish.

Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights, Renault R-Link sat-nav, Bluetooth, USB, a rear parking camera and an upgraded Arkamys 3D sound system all come as standard.

Renault’s Stop & Start technology also comes as standard, and official figures claim the GT 220 can return 38.7mpg, emitting 169g/km of CO2.

Optional extras include heated leather seats and Renault’s Visio System, which includes lane departure warning.

The GT 220 will also come with Renault’s four-year or 100,000- mile warranty, as well as a three-year paint warranty and 12 years’ corrosion cover.

The Megane hatch GT 220 is priced from £23,245, the Coupe GT 220 costs £24,230 and the Sport Tourer GT 220 comes in at £24,245.

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