Renault’s Megane has received more than just sharp looks for its fourth generation.
First, let’s talk about how the new Megane drives. We tested both the GT version and a regular model with a diesel engine. Normally, there would not be significant differences between the two, but the GT comes with the segment’s first ever rear-wheel steering system. Yes, you read that right, the Megane GT has rear wheel steering, and it is a standard feature for this version of the model.
The rear wheel steering system, called 4Control by Renault, takes minutes to get accustomed and feels like magic. It never bothered us, and the car needed less steering input in corners than a regular model would have required. On a road with many turns, this will be a blessing to drive, but it remains fun even on shorter trips with fewer corners. Compared to a standard model, you can feel the difference.
The Megane GT only comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection unit, which is mated to a seven-speed twin clutch gearbox. The pair provides strenuous acceleration, and the velocity increased proportionally to how long you keep the throttle pinned to the floor, but the level of soundproofing makes it feel like it is not as fast as it is.
Photo: Renault Romania
The linear power and torque delivery, along with the perfectly-timed shifts also dim the feeling of brute power you would expect from a car that has “RenaultSport” written on the back. Do not worry, as the Megane GT is just as fast as its makers say it is, but you do not feel it as much as one would imagine at first because it is also a comfortable car to drive.
Renault offers multiple operating modes, all selectable from the Megane’s R-Link system, and they have even included a launch control function. The French hatchback has a precise steering feel, without opposing too much resistance, the suspension is masterfully adjusted for a balance between sporty road holding and comfort. Drivers can set individual driving models, which allow adjusting elements from steering and suspension behavior, to engine response and the color scheme of the digital gauge cluster.
The suspension is stiff enough to provide you with confidence while driving, without giving you an unwanted massage when driving on bumpy roads. Mind you, it is not magical, and you will still feel bumps, but not as hard as in a hot hatch, while driving feel is improved when compared to the regular model. We do not even have to mention the significant increase in handling and feel from the previous generation Megane, even when compared to the GT Line model.
Photo: Renault Romania
When fared against other cars in the segment, Renault’s proposition holds its ground as well as it contains the imaginary line the driver mentally draws in corners. Understeering is a rare occurrence, but still possible if you push things too far while going faster than you should be. Common sense driving will eliminate any understeering while driving at a brisk pace.
The tech side of the Megane 4 is rich enough to get a separate chapter, as the French brand has put its best features in this model. The GT trim level is the top of the line, and it comes almost fully loaded with what one could order for a Megane IV. To mention a few, aside from the usual dual-zone climate control, central locking, keyless-go, and other systems like these, the Megane can get apps on its tablet-like multimedia unit, and users have all the commodity features at hand.
The most interesting tech feature of the Megane IV is its forward collision warning. It measures and displays your follow distance compared to the vehicle in front. As you should know, two seconds is the recommended following distance, and the Megane has revealed that I was too close to the car in front, at about 1.3 to 1.6 seconds. The system can apply the brakes if the driver does not respond to the generated visual and audio warnings.
All in all, the Megane IV GT is one of the best propositions in the segment when referring to versions that are not entirely oriented for performance. The latter comparison will be reserved for the upcoming Megane RS. Compared to its competitors, the Megane GT’s blend of dynamic behavior and comfort sets the bar high enough even for the most demanding customers.
Editor's note:
In case you haven't noticed, we have a brand-spanking new test drive format, which aims to give you a lot more information about each car that we drive. Short drives will still be delivered as a single text, but most of the cars we get our grubby hands on will get the full treatment, spanning across five different chapters.
The Interior Assessment chapter plans to tell you all about a vehicle's cockpit, whether it deserves that moniker or if it's simply a “cabin.” Design evaluation revolves around the exterior looks of the cars we drive, while Driving Take will try to put you in the driver's seat and show you what it's like behind the wheel.
Last, but definitely not least, the Everyday Living chapter is all about car ownership, including fuel economy, overall costs and driving comfort. All these details and more are then rounded up and delivered in the surprisingly named Roundup, which is the final test drive chapter and conclusion at the same time.
Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland. Full profile
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