What’s not?

• The 1.6-litre turbo is a development of that fitted in the Clio RS. The fact it produces over 200PS and the emissions are just 134g/km is impressive, but its engine note (when your turn off the optional sounds!) isn’t very sporty and it gets quite thrashy at top revs.
• Again, like the Clio RS, the Megane GT is mated to Renault’s answer to the Volkswagen Group’s DSG – the EDC transmission. Fine when pottering round, but work the 1.6-litre turbo petrol harder and even on the paddles, it gives inconsistent and sometimes frustratingly slow changes.
• Renault was very keen to tell us about the electronic 4Control, four-wheel steering system fitted as standard to the GT at the launch. Only working at low speeds, it allows the front and rear wheels to turn in opposite directions to aid agility. In practise, we’re not convinced, as on the twisty Portuguese test route, when combined with the GT’s sharper steering, the effect was too quick and made the car feel like it’s going to spin end on end. Not confidence inspiring!
• We weren’t convinced about the chassis modes of the Megane GT either. Throttle response is horribly snappy in sport; we found the best compromise was either Neutral, or the Comfort modes.
• Whilst the dash and tops are finished in soft, slush finish, if you move down the Megane’s dashboard you’re met with harder, shinier, scratchier plastics which don’t look as plush.
• It’s obvious that Renault have worked hard to improve the quality, shame they didn’t think of properly dampening the Megane’s front doors which close with tinny, cheap sounding clang.
• The 7-inch touch screen R-LINK2 system seemed slow to operate and was overcomplicated to use.
• UK prices and specification have yet to be decided, as the Megane won’t reach UK shores until next summer, but the GT we drove is expected to cost a strong £25,500.

Renault Megane 205 GT review verdict

In GT form the new Megane has a lot going for it, with its attractive new look, impressive technology and affordable running costs despite the performance.

However, as a performance hatch, even with the work Renaultsport has done, it is hard to recommend because of the disappointing engine and transmission combination fitted.  Let’s hope Renault and Renaultsport learn from the mistakes made with this car and that the hottest Renaultsport Megane isn’t as disappointing to drive.

Low down on the Renault Megane 205 GT

Rear view of the new Renault Megane 205 GT – we won’t get the chance to see this until summer 2016