The new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet comes with a glass roof that the brand are hoping elevates it to the next level of elegance in the affordable folding hard-top segment. The glass roof is certainly a new and somewhat unusual concept, but as the saying goes, those who dare win, right? This is a car that is looking to boldly go where no one else has been, but the question is, are you bold enough too? Let’s take a closer look at what the Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet offers.
Great Handling
There are a few niggling problems associated with roofless coupes, such as poor handling, but the engineers here have managed to keep a lid on handling as much as possible by stiffening the chassis, as well as the suspension. This means that the body is 80% stiffer than its predecessor, whilst a MacPherson strut front suspension helps to enhance lateral rigidity. Moreover, steering is further aided by an electric power steering system that helps with feedback.
With this all in mind, few probably anticipate that the 2015 Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet is going to be particularly quick, and they’re right not to. The popular 1.2-litre TCe petrol develops 130bhp and ambles along to 60mph from rest in 11.2 seconds. Not particularly impressive numbers, but the flip side of this is that the new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet has good roll-on pace. You’ll have to really rev the petrols to get the best out of them, which naturally means running figures might get a little out of hand.
The Roof
There have been a few revisions in terms of how the Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet looks, such as a revised front end, but most buyers will be interested to hear all about that roof. The designers have not only implemented a glass roof, but they’ve also decided to go for the unusual tactic of making their new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet look like a convertible whether the roof is up or not. When you raise the roof, the glass becomes bubble-like, which helps to emit air into the Cabriolet. You feel nice and airy, which is great.
The roof is really easy to operate too, takes 21 seconds to fold down. It’s 21 seconds of pure artistry, believe us, with the result being a superb looking Cabriolet. Space inside is pretty good, with a forward windscreen designed to create more room, whilst access is easy and accommodating. Once you’re inside, you’ll find a familiar looking interior that has borrowed much from the Megane hatchbacks. This is a good thing, because it means you’ll be treated to some quality materials. Boot space is not great, with just 211-litres of it on offer, but you can improve it to 417 once the roof is up.
Facts and Figures
The new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet is for sale at around £23,800 and rises to about £26,545. Buyers will be able to get hold of a used Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet for a little bit less. Standard equipment includes the coveted R-Link infotainment touch, whilst optional features include dual-zone climate control, keycard keyless entry, as well as the Carminat TomTom satellite navigation technology. Renault have also prioritised safety here, with ESP stability control coming as standard, whilst running costs have been kept down despite the extra weight of the new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet, with the 1.6-litre dCi 130 returning 62.6mpg.
Final Thoughts
Affordable folding hard-tops are getting better all the time, and what’s more, they’re also becoming cheaper to run too. There was a time when an affordable hard top came with a few ‘problems’ but these have been by and large eradicated, and whilst the new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet isn’t the pinnacle, it’s a very good, and thanks to a snazzy, unusual and forward thinking glass roof, it’s also got a pretty cool USP.
If you want to get hold of the new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our Renault lease deals.
