Renault has launched a new diesel GT Mégane alongside its existing 202bhp petrol flagship model.

The new diesel GT Mégane joins the existing 202bhp petrol flagship model.

Priced from £27,740, the GT dCi 165 Auto EDC is available in both hatchback or Sport Tourer estate versions and is said to provide the most powerful 1.6-litre diesel available on the market today, with the new twin-turbo engine delivering 163bhp and 280lb.ft.

Married up to Renault’s six-speed Efficient Dual-Clutch (EDC) gearbox, the GT dCi 165 Auto EDC is capable of 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds with a top speed of 133mph but with official NEDC combined cycle fuel consumption of 61.4mpg and CO2 of 120g/km. The figures for the Sport Tourer are 8.9sec, 133mph, 61.4mpg and 124g/km respectively.

Ride comfort and handling has been enhanced thanks to specific springs, dampers and anti-roll bar settings by Renault Sport and the GT dCi 165 Auto EDC also features 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering, which means that the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions, by up to 2.7 degrees at the back, at speeds of less than 37mph. This rises to at 50mph in Sport mode while at higher speeds the front and rear wheels steer in the same direction, turning by up to 1 degree at the back, for greater stability. This is underpinned by the 4Control system, which calculates the angle of the rear wheels 100 times a second and adjusts them as necessary.

Bespoke design features include a wider lower air intake with a honeycomb-pattern mesh, rear diffuser, dark metal, diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and the option of an Iron Blue metallic body colour – exclusive to the GT & GT Line range – at £645. The interior brings sports front seats with lateral, leather steering wheel and the Renaultsport logo.

Equipment includes the R-LINK2 multimedia system with an 8.7-inch portrait display and access to TomTom LIVE services, hands-free keycard, automatic dual zone climate control, full LED headlights and a rear parking camera with front & rear parking sensors.