Test drive: the new Renault Megane GT hot hatch

It’s a fierce looking Megane. Is this the new RS?

Nope. The fourth-generation Renault Megane enters the market with a GT version topping its range, and it’s the fastest, most exciting model until the RS lands in 2017.

Like the rest of the new Megane range, it’s five-door only, and comes with a huge suite of tech available, with everything from crash avoidance and self-parking to head-up displays and adjustable driving modes available.

This GT has something a bit more special up its sleeve, too, in the shape of four-wheel steering. It combines with your choice of 163bhp diesel or 202bhp petrol power, and the sole option of a paddleshift.

Sounds complex.

Indeed, it’s a far cry from the simplistic fun of old Renault hot hatches, but the end product is really quite likeable.

The four-wheel steering - 4Control in Renault speak - means it feels wieldier than its size suggests (it’s wider and longer than any Megane before it). Rather like the system in Porsche’s 911 GT3, at low speeds it turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to those at the front, making it easier to manoeuvre and more nimble in tight corners.

Above 50mph, the front and rear wheels angle in the same direction, to boost stability - and therefore confidence - in faster corners.

It works, too; the Megane GT has always been a fine handling thing, and it feels sharper still, the 4WS blending in surprisingly naturally. Fun and exhilaration aren’t abundant - it’s not a full-fat, Focus RS or Golf R rival, after all - but it’s tremendously easy to drive this thing quickly.

So how quick is it?

We’ve only driven the petrol thus far, which will make up about a quarter of GT sales. Its 1.6-litre turbo engine produces 202bhp and 206lb ft, enough to yield a 7.1-second 0-62mph time and 145mph top speed.

Those feel about right in the real world, though the engine isn’t one you’ll relish revving out. There’s plenty of torque, and it feels effortless to access it, but stray too close to the redline and the noise can get a bit coarse. Better to shift up early, enjoying the short, tightly stacked ratios of its seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

Is it better than the Clio 200’s ‘box?

It’s considerably less sluggish, yes, to the point you might feel compelled to pull at the paddles rather than leave it to do its thing as an automatic. Which does make us wonder if a manual would be more fun yet, were it available.

What that means for the next Megane RS is unclear - Renaultsport spokesmen wouldn’t be drawn on whether 4WS or paddleshifting gearboxes will make it to the next RS, though they seemed pretty adamant it will retain its raw, driver-focused nature.

What about the rest of the tech?

The Megane’s infotainment screen - available in landscape or massive, 8.7in portrait form - is wonderfully simple to use, with smartphone-like pinch-and-zoom and big ‘buttons’ that are simple to read and press while driving.

Less successful is the ‘Multi-Sense’ drive select system. With a mildly dizzying selection of modes - Neutral, Comfort, Sport and customisable Perso - it confuses more than it satisfies. The only overtly noticeable step change between modes is the introduction of synthesised engine noise should you go for Sport, something we’d prefer to avoid.

The TFT instruments can also be personalised, thanks to several different layouts and five different colours. You can, should you wish, have a massive purple rev counter to accompany some purple mood lighting on the door cards.

What if I don’t want odd sounds and lurid lights?

Avoid fiddling, and the car will stay in its perfectly acceptable ‘Neutral’ mode with subtle blue lighting in the cabin. Fine by us.

And away from such fripperies, it’s a pleasant place to be, with plenty of rear space and a massive boot. The perks of being five-door only.

The hugging front sports seats are simply fantastic, too, and the whole interior pervades a classiness and build quality one wouldn’t have associated with Renault five years ago.

Does that mean it’s expensive?

Um, we don’t know. The Megane arrives in the UK in June 2016, and prices and proper spec details won’t emerge for a few months yet.

This GT is very good, and the high quality of its cabin and tech curiosity of its four-wheel steering should hopefully be enough to increase public awareness compared to the underrated, off-the-radar Megane GT it supercedes.

But it’ll need to be priced well, too: the outgoing GT typically has thousands lopped off its £23,000 to goad buyers in, and the further north of £20k its replacement heads, the closer into the arms of Golf GTIs and Leon FRs buyers will be sent.

It’s one we recommend keeping your eye on, though…