Description

The third generation of the Renault Megane was as C-Segment car launched in 2008 and received a facelift in 2014.

In 2010, Renault launched the Mégane III GT to compete in the warm hatch market, sitting below the most powerful Megane RS. It was fitted with either a 2.0 liter petrol TCe 180 engine producing 180 hp (132 kw) and 300 Nm of torque, or a diesel turbo 2.0 liter producing 160 hp (118 kw) and 380 Nm of torque. Both engines were mated to a six speed manual gearbox. The petrol powered Megane III GT accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 7,8 seconds and could reach a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

The front suspension featured a MacPherson-type arrangement coupled to the new ‘horned’ subframe, a layout which had been engineered to deliver impeccable directional precision by restricting lateral movement of the engine subframe in relation to the body structure (three times more rigid than Mégane II). The rear suspension was based on a programmed-deflection flexible beam, with a closedsection beam that is both lighter and more compact than a multi-arm solution for equivalent stiffness. The car was fitted with 18 inch wheels wearing Dunlop Sport Maxx TT 225/40 ZR18 tyres seen on Mégane RS and larger brakes (296 mm at the front and 260 mm at the rear).

Visually the car came with redesigned bumpers, new air intakes, tinted headlights with black background, lower rear bumper with a diffuser, ‘GT’ badging and 18-inch Dark Metal-coloured Jetow aluminium wheels. . Inside the car came with sport seats, aluminium faced pedal set, leather trimmed steering wheel, and analogue rev counter in the dashboard.

In 2014 the car received a facelift with visual and mechanical updates resulting in slightly more powerful versions. The Renault Megane III GT 190 was fitted with an updated turbocharged 2.0 engine produced 190 hp (140 kw) of power and 340 Nm of torque resulting in better performance 0-100 acceleration in 7,7 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). Visually the car featured redesigned headlights with black background, new bumpers, new grille and updated interior trims, following the updates of the rest of the facelifted range.

Renault also launched an even more powerful version available in 5-door hatchback and estate bodystyle, the Renault Megane III GT 220 fitted with an updated turbocharged 2.0 engine producing 220 hp (162 kw) of power and 340 Nm of torque. The fastest member of the GT range accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 7,6 seconds and could reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph), benefiting from stiffer suspension setting.

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