The Renault Megane Renaultsport might get the plaudits as a car for thrill seeking enthusiasts, but Renault is now offering something that can offer 80 per cent of the R.S.’s abilities in a far more practical package. Welcome the Renault Megane GT.

The Renault Megane joins the Twingo, Clio and Laguna in the GT club which offers buyers the option of something sporty without the hardcore spills of low ride heights and big running costs.

And the new Renault Megane GT range is the first time a sporty Megane has been offered in all bodystyles – coupe, five-door hatch, Sport Tourer estate and Coupe-Convertible. Unlike the fire-spitting Megane Renaultsport, the GT is available with a choice of a punchy diesel or rapid petrol engine.

The Renault Megane GT wears its performance ethos on its sleeve, as any good hot hatch should. Our test cars were finished in a handsome, and bespoke Malta Blue hue, which complemented the anthracite wheels and roof rails perfectly. As you’d expect, there’s racy new bumpers which are joined by discreet GT badging and satin black trims which replaces the standard car’s chrome.

Sports seats

It’s suitably sporty inside too, with supportive front seats, a thick, leather-trimmed steering wheel from the Megane Renaultsport, as well as a host of badges dotted around.

We tested both engines, and their performance is more than enough to match the beefed-up looks. The 160bhp “DCI 160” 2-litre diesel is said to be one of the most efficient engines in its class and, in our short test drive, we found it to be as punchy, refined and flexible as the very best of its rivals.

Full Gallery: Renault Megane GT

Its 280lb/ft of torque comes on song at 2,000rpm, and will happily rev to 5,000rpm, making for an 8.5 second 0-62mph dash and a 136mph top speed. The Megane’s CO2 emissions of 155g/km is more than its rival, the Seat Leon FR TDI, and the Seat betters the Renault for fuel consumption with the French car returning around 49mpg combined.

The 180bhp 2-litre petrol engine is another strong performer, offering a 7.8 second run to 62mph and a 142mph top speed. Like the diesel, power delivery is smooth and strong, but while the diesel left us wanting more at the top end, the petrol is still capable of delivering.

Running costs are higher, as you’d expect, with emissions of 174g/km and an average fuel consumption figure of 37.2mpg.

Renaultsport suspension

This power is controlled by a suspension set-up fine tuned by Renaultsport which features springs adapted to each bodystyle and specific dampers with settings based on the Megane RS. The smooth Spanish roads of our test route flatter firm cars, but early indications show a good ride/handling balance, with plenty of grip afforded by the same Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres as feature on the Megane RS.

Steering calibration is designed with the GT’s tyre and wheel combinations for extra feel, and the brakes are larger than standard.

Confusingly, Renault also offer the Megane GT Line, which is a £1,300 option pack available on Dynamique models which gives some of the full-fat GT’s looks and a sport chassis.

The Renault Megane GT offers plenty of the Megane Renaultsport’s abilities in a more flexible package that’s easier to live with, especially if your circumstances demand extra doors or a bigger boot. If you’re looking for a warm hatch (or coupe, estate or convertible), then the Megane GT makes a great deal of sense.

Key facts:

Model tested: Renault Megane Coupe GT TCE 180 3-door 6sp manual
On the road price: £22.410
Price range: £16,855 – £24,025
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne