Monday, November 20, 2017

The New Renault Megane GT - It Will Be On Display At Renault's Petaling Jaya Showroom From The 21st of November Onwards

One of the more interesting cars that was displayed at the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2017 was the Renault Megane GT. The car was displayed at the autoshow by Renault Malaysia distributors TC Euro Cars and it the first time the all-new Megane has set foot in this country.


 The all-new Megane was first launched sometime at the very end of 2015 with sales starting mid-2016. So it had taken its time in showing off its stylish looks in this part of the world. I suppose this is because the market for the brand is still pretty small, but after having a closer look at it I must say that it is pretty good looking for a C segment hatchback. I really dig those headlights with the nice 'C' shaped driving lights and the vents up front.

Granted, it may not have had the cachet and reputation like its Megane R.S sibling (which incidently was just launched over in Europe) and the fact that their display was actually slightly overshadowed by the fact that Honda Malaysia decided to launch their all-new Civic Type-R a few steps away but I would have to say the slightly understated styling appealed to the sensible me. The not so sensible me loved the fact that the Type-R was be-winged, be-spoilered and looked like it was one of those homologation specials from the late 1980s and 1990s. 

So, the Megane GT....

It should be sold here because it could be a more affordable 'baby' R.S. It is also loaded with technology as it has a 205ps and 280Nm torque. All from a 1.6liter turbocharged engine mated to a 6 speed dual clutch gearbox. Bloody good fun I think as it would do 0-100kmh in around 7.1 seconds.

It also features four wheel steering and a whole lot of equipment  too.

Whilst the Megane GT isn't officially on sale here at the moment, TC Euro Cars state that there is every intention of bringing it in soon. First step may be to bring in small numbers as and when there is demand. But this is not officially confirmed as yet as I believe pricing has to be finalised. From what I heard, it could be priced somewhere in the RM180,000 price range. Quite okay for a fully imported warm hatch (note that the RS is the hot Megane here).

Anyway, TC Euro Car will be showcasing it at Renault Petaling Jaya from the 21st of November onwards. Do head over there and show your interest so that they may decide to hasten the process of officially bringing it in!


RENAULT MEGANE GT, SPORTY PERFORMANCE WITH DISTINCTIVE STYLING…EVERY DAY

Kuala Lumpur, 9 November 2017 The dynamic and striking new Renault Megane GT is currently on showcase at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017, which is taking place from 9-12 November.

Created in collaboration with Renault Sport Technologies, the new Renault Megane GT seeks to open up a whole new world of driving thrills and sportiness to as many motorists and car enthusiasts as possible. It represents an intermediate performance road car offering to the all-out high performance credentials of the iconic Megane R.S..

The new Renault Megane GT’s distinctive appeal comes from a perfect blend of expertise and technologies from Renault Sport, combined with its striking looks and sporty interior including signature Renault Sport cues.

Equipped with 4CONTROL technology – a first in the C segment, combined with a finely-tuned suspension, the new Renault Megane GT delivers a genuinely spirited ride that is still comfortable and perfectly suited to everyday motoring.

“Today, we are displaying the new Megane GT to showcase the latest face of the new generation Megane, which features dynamic lines, sports-focused interior and powerful engine. The Megane GT will give Malaysians a sense of the Megane R.S. to come in the future.We also are displaying the latest Renault line-up with the new Renault design philosophy such as the Captur, Koleos and Clio GT Line,” said Kuan Kim Luen, CEO, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.

Performance and superior handling, inspired by Megane R.S.

Under the bonnet of the new Megane GT is the Energy TCe 205 petrol engine, mated to a seven-speed EDC dual clutch automatic transmission to provide powerful driving performance while optimising efficiency and fuel consumption.

Delivering maximum power of up to 205 PS at 6000 rpm and peak torque of 280 Nm from as low as 2,400 rpm, the new Megane GTis capable of achieving a century sprint in 7.1 seconds while offering fuel efficiency of up to 6L/100km[1].

Developed with the special know-how that only Renault Sport Technologies can provide, the new Megane GT draws inspiration from Megane R.S. and incorporates technical solutions that have been adopted to ensure a perfect balance between driving enjoyment and comfort.

The new Megane GTfeatures the bespoke chassis and is the first vehicle in its segment to employ the 4CONTROL system with four-wheel steering, specially calibrated by engineers from Renault Sport.

The 4CONTROL system is a Renault innovation that controls the alignment of the rear wheels, providing exceptional driving enjoyment and combining sporting responsiveness with safety.

At speeds of less than 80km/h in Sport mode and 60km/h in other modes, the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, by up to 2.7 degrees at the back, giving the new Megane GT the manoeuvrability of a shorter-wheelbase vehicle. At higher speeds, the front and rear wheels steer in the same direction, turning by up to one degree at the back, for greater stability. 4CONTROL calculates the angle of the rear wheels 100 times a second and adjusts them as necessary.

Rounding up the chassis package is a special set of calibrations (for dampers, springs, ESP, brakes, etc.) that maintains the same high levels of comfort and versatility.The suspension of the new Renault Megane GT has also been fine-tuned by Renault Sport engineers.

The new Megane GT also incorporates new technologies specially developed by Renault Sport, namely Multi Change Down, which enables rapid downshifting, as well as Launch Control for a much more efficient getaway from a standing start.

Dynamic lines and exterior styling

The new Renault Megane GT’s assertive stance is founded on well-balanced proportions – 4356 mm long, 1814 mm wide, with wider tracks and a wheelbase of 2670 mm that is longer than rival models.

Thanks to its strongly sculpted shoulders, the new Megane GT radiates the sensuality embedded in the design genes of the Renault brand. Taut and precisely defined lines along the lower part of the body and bonnet align towards the front to enhance the dynamic poise of the car.

The new Megane GT features Renault’s frontal identity, including a large, upright diamond logo and a broad grille, while quality chrome trim has been employed both at the front and along the sides (window surrounds, side badging and door handles).

Two chrome-plated exhaust tailpipes echo the style of the twin air scoops at the front to provide a sense of symmetry. These tailpipes flank a diffuser that takes its inspiration from the world of Formula 1.

To further reinforce the brand’s visual identity, the new Renault Megane GT features a distinctive lighting signature both front and rear, by day as well as by night.

At the front, Pure Vision full LED headlamps with daytime running lights provide a C-shaped signature that extends down to the bumper to assert the car’s frontal identity whiledelivering a significant improvement in night-time vision compared with halogen lighting systems.

The rear LED light unit feature tail lights that are permanently illuminated. This novel horizontal signature helps accentuate the car’s width. Thanks to new Edge Light technology, it provides a slender 3D brush stroke effect that emits a deep red light.

‘GT’ badging on the front grille, ‘GT’ and‘Renault Sport’ badging on the tailgate as well as 17-inch alloy wheels complete the dynamic looks of this performance hatchback.

Driver-oriented and refined cockpit-style interior

Particular attention has been paid to the finishingand quality of materials in order to ensure enhanced travelling comfort aboard the new Renault Megane GT.

A suite of high-tech features clustered around the driver picks up on the idea of the L-shaped cockpit. The dashboard features a seven-inch colour TFTinstrument display, plus a portrait-format seven-inch R-LINK 2 touchscreen within easy reach on the centre console.

Special focus has been placed on the quality and harmony of the cabin environment. The centre console is broad and tall and incorporates a fore/aft adjustable armrest. The soft-touch high density foamselected for the dashboard extends in a continuous sweep to the door beams. It also extends from the lower edge of the dashboard to the centre console.

Carefully sculpted genuine ‘haute couture’ seats – a segment best – envelopeoccupants, with optimum comfort and support ensured by the use of dual density foam.

The new Renault Megane GT also features MULTI-SENSE technology, which allows users to further personalise their driving experience. It does this by modifying accelerator pedal and engine response, adjusting the speed of the gearshifts performed by the EDC automatic transmission and controlling the cabin lighting environment.

It is easily accessible via the R-LINK 2 interface, which provides instant access to four different driving modes – Sport, Neutral, Comfort, Perso, with customisable interior lighting of red, sepia, blue and purple. There is also an R.S. Drive button,which activates the Sport Mode for even more spirited driving enjoyment.
Elegant real satin-finish chrome detailing throughout the interior, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with aluminium paddle shifts, GT black and blue upholstery, 'GT' badging on the dashboard trim strip and front head rests as well as 'Renault Sport'branding on the door sills complete the carefully-appointed interior of the new Megane GT.

Packed with innovations and features for enhanced convenience and safety

The new Renault Megane GT is equipped with a standard kit of features and driving aid technologies including:

·         Renault R-LINK 2 multimedia system with USB connectivity and hands-free Bluetooth kit with music playback
·         3D sound by Arkamys with 8 speakers
·         Hands-free card that offers keyless entry with start, stop and walkaway lock functions
·         Automatic wipers and headlights
·         Follow-me-home lighting
·         Reverse camera
·         Automatic dual zone air conditioning
·         ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
·         ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (traction control)
·         Six airbags (driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger chest-level, front and rear head level curtain airbags)
·         Hill Start Assist
·         Cruise control & speed limiter
·         Paddle shift
·         Aluminium accelerator and brake pedals
·         7-inch TFT colour instrument display
·         Idle Start Stop

The new Megane GT was brought in specifically for display at the Malaysia Autoshow Event 2017, and will also be on display at selected Renault showrooms in upcoming weeks. The schedule will be available on the Renault Malaysia Facebook page.

For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.myor www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.




[1]Based on New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) for combined cycle

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