Renault's new Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will use the largest glazed roof in its class when it makes its debut at the
Geneva Auto Salon next month. It completes the Mégane range and will be the first to use Renault's twin-clutch gearbox.
The glazed upper section of the folding roof gives the impression of greater interior space when the roof is raised. It folds away under the rear deck in the same way as the
previous Mégane CC's roof did and takes just 21 seconds to fully retract. Surrounding the glass roof are satin-effect roof rails to give the appearance of a fully glazed top.
Renault has moved the rail of the windscreen 60mm forward compared to the old model's to make it easier and safer when getting in and out of the new Mégane CC. There's also a new glass wind deflector positioned behind the rear headrests - which is apparently a first for this sector - to reduce wind buffeting at higher speeds. With the roof up, Renault also boasts that the latest Mégane CC has the largest boot in its class, offering 417 litres of luggage volume, while there are 211 litres of boot space with the roof folded.
The only engine that will be available with the new EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) twin-clutch, six-speed gearbox will be the 1.6-litre 108bhp turbodiesel. Using this optional gearbox reduces emissions by as much as 30 percent says Renault, compared to a standard automatic transmission.
Other engines in the line-up include 128- and 158bhp turbodiesels, as well as Renault's 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit with 128bhp. There will also be a 108bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and 2.0-litre petrol with 138bhp that will be available with Renault's continuously variable transmission.
Prices are expected to start at around £20,000 when the Mégane CC goes on sale in the UK in the early summer.
Alisdair Suttie - 5 Feb 2010