Most of us, if given a choice, would like to be seen in sporty-looking cars or even better, to own one. Automakers seem to have understood this point, and that's most probably why this highly-desirable trait has been heavily utilised and emphasised on almost every new model and car ads that we have come across.
And here's another example. Renault calls it the Megane GT-Line.
Basically, the GT-Line is meant for people who want a sportier version of the regular hatchback, but yet with everyday practicality without the extremity (both in terms of costs and performance) of the ultra-hot variant - the Megane RS.
Up close and Personal
Up front, the new GT-Line resembles more of the RS than the 'average Joe' diesel hatchback, which we sampled six months ago. You can easily tell that the new car is tactfully 'dolled-up' with accessories from the RS' parts bin - especially in the cabin, where it gets the hot hatch's sports steering wheel.
And here's another example. Renault calls it the Megane GT-Line.
Basically, the GT-Line is meant for people who want a sportier version of the regular hatchback, but yet with everyday practicality without the extremity (both in terms of costs and performance) of the ultra-hot variant - the Megane RS.
Up close and Personal
Up front, the new GT-Line resembles more of the RS than the 'average Joe' diesel hatchback, which we sampled six months ago. You can easily tell that the new car is tactfully 'dolled-up' with accessories from the RS' parts bin - especially in the cabin, where it gets the hot hatch's sports steering wheel.
While short of Recaro racing seats, the driver (and one lucky passenger) will still be elated to find body-hugging sports seats in the GT-Line.
On top of sporty treatments, the hatchback is now equipped with a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen that links up with the multimedia systems on board, such as Bluetooth telephony function and the reverse camera.
However, one may find the touchscreen too far-placed, requiring the driver to perform 'sit-and-reach' to operate. This makes it less intuitive to use, especially on the move.
On top of sporty treatments, the hatchback is now equipped with a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen that links up with the multimedia systems on board, such as Bluetooth telephony function and the reverse camera.
However, one may find the touchscreen too far-placed, requiring the driver to perform 'sit-and-reach' to operate. This makes it less intuitive to use, especially on the move.
The Drive
Underneath its decorated sheet metal, the Megane's drivetrain remains unchanged, with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel dispatching the drive to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 110bhp and 240Nm of torque may not be impressive figures, but they make for peppy pick ups with maximum torque kicking in from just 1,750rpm. The downside is that the pulling force has a relatively short rev band, and will taper off quickly before you hit the next gear.
While that leaves us yearning for more performance from the hatchback, it is over twisted roads where the GT-Line truly shines.
Thanks to the Sport chassis, the squishy-squashy body rolls from the standard hatch have been eliminated. That makes the GT-Line more eager to attack corners, so much so that if it had real emotions, it will now beam a genuine grin instead of putting on a bitter face. As such, the car is also more involving and satisfying to drive.
As with most diesel cars, one of the GT-Line's charms has got to be its fuel efficiency. During our test drive, we clocked an average economy of 17km/L despite 'sporty' driving.
Underneath its decorated sheet metal, the Megane's drivetrain remains unchanged, with a 1.5-litre turbodiesel dispatching the drive to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 110bhp and 240Nm of torque may not be impressive figures, but they make for peppy pick ups with maximum torque kicking in from just 1,750rpm. The downside is that the pulling force has a relatively short rev band, and will taper off quickly before you hit the next gear.
While that leaves us yearning for more performance from the hatchback, it is over twisted roads where the GT-Line truly shines.
Thanks to the Sport chassis, the squishy-squashy body rolls from the standard hatch have been eliminated. That makes the GT-Line more eager to attack corners, so much so that if it had real emotions, it will now beam a genuine grin instead of putting on a bitter face. As such, the car is also more involving and satisfying to drive.
As with most diesel cars, one of the GT-Line's charms has got to be its fuel efficiency. During our test drive, we clocked an average economy of 17km/L despite 'sporty' driving.
Even after travelling for more than 200km, the trip computer told us we could do 700km more - which means it could possibly hit 1,000km on a single tank of fuel with a more 'eco' driving style.
Conclusion
We like how the the regular Megane has turned into a warm hatch with the help of sporty decorations from its RS hot hatch, and more importantly a more dynamic drive thanks to the sportier setup.
While it doesn't accelerate like how a hot hatch does, the Megane GT-Line handsomely hands out driving pleasure, once again proving that you need not risk your driving license (by speeding) to have fun on wheels.
At $117,999 (as of 22nd January 2015), the GT-Line is asking a petty $4k premium over the standard hatchback. Considering the load of 'goodies' it has, we reckon that's a steal.
Conclusion
We like how the the regular Megane has turned into a warm hatch with the help of sporty decorations from its RS hot hatch, and more importantly a more dynamic drive thanks to the sportier setup.
While it doesn't accelerate like how a hot hatch does, the Megane GT-Line handsomely hands out driving pleasure, once again proving that you need not risk your driving license (by speeding) to have fun on wheels.
At $117,999 (as of 22nd January 2015), the GT-Line is asking a petty $4k premium over the standard hatchback. Considering the load of 'goodies' it has, we reckon that's a steal.
