Photo: Guido ten Brink / SB-Medien
The Opel Astra just won the European Car of the Year Award, but we like the Megane more, both as an ordinary hatchback and an estate. In fact, we'd say it's our second favorite compact estate after the Leon ST.
This beauty made its official debut this morning at the Geneva Motor Show and was completely overshadowed by the Audi Q2, Aston Martin DB11, and all the latest supercars. However, we think Renault has made a better wagon than Peugeot, Opel, Skoda or the Korean carmakers.
The reason being that it's available as a GT model with a dual-clutch gearbox and the same engine as the Clio RS. Not only that, but the gearbox is faster, and there's a lot more torque available.
Renault made a pretty ballsy decision to come out with a hot version right out of the gate. Rated at 205 PS thanks to a 1.6-liter turbo, the GT Sport Tourer can't hope to match the Golf R Variant and Leon Cupra ST. However, those are seriously expensive cars.
The GT spec models also come with 4Control, an all-wheel steering system that only a few other cars offer at the moment. It monitors steering input up to 100 times a second, swiveling in parallel with the fronts for stability and faster corners and the opposite way at parking speeds to decrease the turning circle.
Big wheels, silver mirrors, black honeycomb grille, silver roof rails, Alcantara seats, interior mood lighting and aluminum paddles behind the steering wheel - with these things added, you won't be sorry for not buying a German car.
Of course, if you are not as crazy about speed as us, the new Megane Sport Tourer can also be ordered with 1.5 or 1.6-liter diesel engines producing up to 160 PS. Thanks to a GT Line body kit, you can have those and the sporty look at the same time.
What we like:
What we don't like:
The reason being that it's available as a GT model with a dual-clutch gearbox and the same engine as the Clio RS. Not only that, but the gearbox is faster, and there's a lot more torque available.
Renault made a pretty ballsy decision to come out with a hot version right out of the gate. Rated at 205 PS thanks to a 1.6-liter turbo, the GT Sport Tourer can't hope to match the Golf R Variant and Leon Cupra ST. However, those are seriously expensive cars.
The GT spec models also come with 4Control, an all-wheel steering system that only a few other cars offer at the moment. It monitors steering input up to 100 times a second, swiveling in parallel with the fronts for stability and faster corners and the opposite way at parking speeds to decrease the turning circle.
Big wheels, silver mirrors, black honeycomb grille, silver roof rails, Alcantara seats, interior mood lighting and aluminum paddles behind the steering wheel - with these things added, you won't be sorry for not buying a German car.
Of course, if you are not as crazy about speed as us, the new Megane Sport Tourer can also be ordered with 1.5 or 1.6-liter diesel engines producing up to 160 PS. Thanks to a GT Line body kit, you can have those and the sporty look at the same time.
What we like:
- Huge trunk
- Bold design and paint
- Improved interior
What we don't like:
- The center tablet screen
- Needs more exhaust pipes
- It arrives in winter 2016
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