Pleasing mix

Despite its name, the Renault Megane Dynamique was not much to write home about in dynamic terms. In fact it was somewhat boring. The new Megane GT replaces it now and from the outset seems a more refined proposition too.

With that aerodynamic bumper with integrated lower front air-dam, extended sills and a rear spoiler, it does have a more aggressive stance. The rear apron with twin centrally mounted exhausts also looks good, but as any tuning guru will tell you, this does not add performance. The dark, metallic surround embossed with the ‘GT’ logo does however add to the intent.

Driving the GT was however a pleasing affair, with ride and feel under normal road going conditions more than acceptable. It’s not always easy to marry positive road holding with a comfortable ride.

In fact apart from feeling stable, it indicated little to what it is capable of — when cornered hard, the GT is a surprisingly able car.

This was especially evident when throwing the GT into a bend with a steep approach and steeper exit, the apex rippled with bumps — a favourite I use when seeking the outer limits of road holding. The GT was exemplary, and no doubt due to the stiffened and lowered suspension. In fact GT's been lowered 10mm while front and rear spring rates are some 24 percent stiffer.

And, no, it’s not a wild and manic as the R Sport 2.0 T but offers a modicum of performance for those seeking some excitement on a dull Monday morning drive to the office. Zero to 100 is achieved in 9.2 seconds up here in the oxygen depleted Highveld atmosphere, but will challenge a Volvo S60 2.0T or VW Jetta 2.0T FSi.

Throttle response is good and in fact one of the features of the GT. It is easier to drive at lower speeds, being less extended in the engine department than the more manic R Sport 2.0T. In fact it proved far easier to drive over the rougher road surfaces when under power, the R Sport being more unstable due to the front-wheel-drive set-up not able to contend with the higher outputs as its jerks hither and thither erratically.

In fact even with the most up to date anti-slip controls, it’s a problem to keep around 165kW under strict control. The more sedate GT instead stays where you intend it to be.

The interior is not up to that of either of the two abovementioned rivals but does have some flair, though lacking somewhat in finish here and there.

One thing is clear though, Renault has chosen the correct route to supply a car that fits between the manic habits of a 100bhp per litre mode and that of a more sedate and safe 80. At around 100bhp per litre, it’s either the AWD or RWD arrangements that will handle all the extreme dynamic needs more safely.