%%% 9LK @KËJ JK@CC 8EEFP@E>

cell-like black and white, Personal is similar, only with a digital rev-counter across the top of a digital speed indicator in the centre, while Sport turns everything red and converts the speedo into a massive rev counter wrapped around the speed display.

Screen

Needless to say, being a grown-up child, Sport was the one I chose for the first and what quickly became the last time.

Faced with what appears to be a nuclear bomber cockpit of a screen while sitting in proper sports seats you’re all ready for action. And that’s when it all goes wrong.

Put your foot down and even though the exhaust note changes from its standard gentle breeze to something like a strong wind, and the car takes off surprisingly quickly, having more than a few minutes of fun is made impossible by the Mégane’s standard seven-speed auto box.

As soon as you’re forced to slow down, and you’ve probably noticed that happens a lot on UK roads, it holds the car in second or third gear, so you end up driving around with it feeling and sounding like it’s waiting to pounce, even in 30mph limits. To be fair the Mégane GT is a brilliant highspeed cruiser, but the only thrills that’s likely to provide is when you’re trying to escape from Pc Gotcha.

Sorry, but I couldn’t bear the agony of permanently driving around like an angry teen.

Sound

The bland dashboard displays produced by Neutral and Personal modes also annoyed me, so I settled for Comfort.

It at least lived up to its name, but gave the exhaust its lightweight sound.

Its 4Control four-wheel steering system, which turns the rear wheels in the opposite way to the front at speeds of up to 50mph, provides phenomenal handling, especially on twisty, country roads.

Inside, it’s loaded with kit and has got stacks of rear legroom for a car the same size as a Mini Clubman.

Its 2ft 8in boot extends to 5ft with the rear seats folded flat, the door pockets, centre console and glove box are a decent size and both front seats have map pockets (wine bottle holders) on their backs.

Trouble is, its three exterior Renaultsport and two GT badges should be replaced with ones saying “School Prefect”.