| Concept car world debut | 2008 Geneva Motor Show | Renault Mégane Coupé concept |
Renault announced that it had a concept in store for us in
Geneva and when the wraps finally came off the Mégane Coupé it was generally agreed that it was one of the day's star reveals.
This concept is more than just a flight of fancy too, as Renault admits that there will be a new coupé based on the next generation Mégane, joining the forthcoming Laguna Coupé in an attempt to inject a sportier image into Renault's line-up. Saying all that, it's unlikely that the showroom model will retain many of the concept's intricate detailing, such as the elegant opening doors inspired by a dragon fly's wings, nor the radical 'fire red' interior.
However, we're hopeful that the concept's overall stance and rear haunches are retained, as they lend the car real presence. The rear end in particular is worthy of any sportscar with its distinctive 'tube' lighting. Elsewhere, LED technology is used extensively, while Samsung was enlisted to help with a keyless entry system linked to the driver's mobile phone.
We expect to see more of the new Mégane at the
Paris Motor Show in September.
Shane O' Donoghue - 5 Mar 2008