There was once a time when open-topped cars were associated very closely with sports cars, but that nexus has been long broken by cars such as the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet. ‘Sports’ is one thing and ‘convertible’ now quite another. Renault, which claims to have invented the folding glass roof, has given the new model a longer one, now in black tinted glass to contrast with the body colour. Extensive engineering work has gone into stiffening the underbody in the interests of much-needed torsional rigidity and the roof mechanism itself is brilliant, even better than on the previous model. The CC is powered by the same rather dated 2.0-litre four-cylinder used in the hatch and the only transmission offered is the CVT, which further detracts from driving pleasure. But the Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is safe, stylish, well-equipped at $45,990 and will accept four occupants at a pinch, with a little more space to offer than its predecessor.
Megane Coupe-Cabriolet
Released: November 2004
Ended: June 2006
Family Tree: MeganeThe previous Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was launched with an entry price of $48,990 in 2004. Its folding steel and glass roof was not merely novel but highly effective. GoAuto was impressed with its ingenuity, especially considering the modest price. But, with the roof folded away, the body revealed a lack of torsional rigidity. The same basic engine as the current car produced 98kW of power and 191Nm of torque. There was a choice of six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.
Get the full story: Renault Australia lifts the lid on its stylish Megane Coupe-Cabriolet
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