2013 Renault Megane GT Hatchback Photos, engines & full specs

Renault struggled to get more customers for its compact-sized model Renault on the European market and introduced the GT lineup in 2013.

The third generation of the Megane lineup broke covers in 2008, and customers liked it. But then, during the world financial crisis, sales were slow. Afterward, the French automaker did everything it could to recover and gain momentum when the market bounced back. One way that Renault considered improving sales was to expand the GT trim level to the five-door version, which it unveiled in 2013. As a result, customers who dreamed about having a sporty but also family-friendly hatchback could get this car and enjoy driving it. While it wasn't exactly a hot hatch, it was good enough for most situations.

Along with the facelifted version of the Megane's third generation came a restyling for the front bumper that was enhanced with the addition of LED daytime running lights. The GT version added a new apron with an A-shaped center air intake and a pair of side scoops that flanked it. A set of light-gray inserts adorned the air dam, creating an even sportier look for the car. In addition, the upper grille, painted in piano black, sported a silver GT badge in the middle, underneath the carmaker's logo. Another element that differentiated the GT from the rest of the range was the black headlamps' background.

From its profile, the GT boasted its 18-inch aluminum wheels wearing 225/40 tires from Michelin. Renault also lowered the ground clearance for the GT version to the same level as the Megane Coupe. But that wasn't all. A set of aerodynamically profiled side sills and satin-silver elements for the door mirror caps and handles emphasized the car's sporty character. At the back, the automaker added a roof spoiler at the top of the tailgate, while underneath the rear bumper was a neatly concealed diffuser.

Inside, the front bucket seats with high-bolstered areas and thigh support emphasized the vehicle's sporty character. Full-leather upholstery was available for all seats. Fronting the driver was the same instrument cluster as in the rest of the Megane range, with a speedometer in the middle flanked by the tachometer on the left and a digital display on the right for various information from the car's onboard computer. Atop the center stack, Renault installed the display for the infotainment system that could've been controlled by a small turning knob and a few buttons around it housed by the center console. In the back, the split/folding bench seat could accommodate three adults for short trips or two for longer journeys.

Under the hood, Renault installed a choice of gasoline and diesel engines ranging between 160 PS (158 hp) and 220 PS (217 hp) paired with a six-speed manual transmission that sent all the oomph to the front wheels only. A four-wheel steering system known as 4Control was also available.