Welsh Motoring Writers
  • Home
  • About us
  • News
  • Car Reviews
  • Blogs
  • Contact
  • Members
  • Blog

Renault Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet

10/18/2010

 
Picture
Before mobile phones were invented people wouldn't dream of writing in text slang, so why do those born in a 'pen and paper' generation insist on trying to be 'cool'?

How many times when growing up did your parents lecture you about pronunciation should you ever start sounding like a character out of Eastenders? Why is it these same people will happily bash the words "Wanna meet 4 a T or C?" into their oversized Nokia 3310 when they mean "Do you have time to meet up for a tea or coffee?"

At the weekend it was my girlfriend who received a 'cool' text message from her mum. It read: "Wat u up 2?" At the time I was taking her for a drive around the South Wales coast in the new Renault Megane Coupé-Cabriolet, so she wrote back (with a bit of encouragement from me): "At the beach topless!"

It was of course designed to get a reaction, as what she really meant was: "We are driving the coastal roads with the roof down."

Her parents, of course, knew I was test driving a cabriolet for the week and replied: "LOL!"

But it was Elinor and I who had the last laugh, for it was us who had the roof down in October as we drove from Cardiff to the Gower on the weekend. My point being that cabriolet can be driven as dropheads even during the winter months.

Don't be fooled by those who tell you they are a waste of money because you will only take the roof down a few week of the year - a significant advance in design technology means you can now enjoy alfresco driving without getting frostbite.

But in a market which is now quite crowded - Ford Focus CC, Volkswagen Eos, Vauxhall Astra Twin Top and Peugeot 308 CC, to name but a few - can the new Mégane CC steal a march on its rivals?

Now in its third generation, the Mégane CC, like the previous version, comes with a folding roof containing a glass panel overhead. But while the cabin is airy and the interior is stylish and sleek, there is still almost zero room for any rear seat passengers.

But you have to remember that this is a Coupé-Cabriolet and if you want the joy of driving with the roof down you have to make compromises. Introduce a folding hardtop and you will loses practicality, it doesn't matter which manufacturer you plump for.

The car I was testing was the 1.4 TCe petrol engine, with a top speed of 124mph, 0-62mph acceleration in 10.7sec and EU Combined economy of 38.7mpg. But the engine range is extensive, with Renault diesels in 108bhp 1.5-litre, 128bhp 1.9-litre and 158bhp 2.0-litre forms. Three petrol engines are offered: a 128bhp 1.4-litre turbo, 138bhp 2.0-litre and 177bhp 2.0-litre turbo. Personally I would like to try the 2.0-litre if I were to part with my own cash!

All Coupé-Cabriolets have a reputation for being a little firm over the bumps due to the added flex in the chassis, but I was impressed with just how smooth and comfortable the ride was in the Mégane. And while the 1.4 TCe petrol engine was a little flat and lacklustre, it was very quiet and made for a very pleasant ride.

It handles relatively well too for a car of its class. The electronically assisted steering is well weighted and the brakes are strong with a progressive pedal feel.

In summary the Mégane is well-equipped, comfortable, decent to drive and tastefully styled. If the Coupé-Cabriolet suits your particular lifestyle, here's one that's worth a good look.

The car I tested was £22,920 and fell into insurance group 21E on the 1-50 scale.

By Richard Jones

Comments are closed.

    View by date

    November 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    December 2020
    August 2020
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    September 2017
    May 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    July 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    March 2014
    November 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    October 2012
    July 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    October 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    May 2010
    December 2009
    October 2009
    August 2009
    November 2001


    View by tags

    All
    Alfa Romeo Giulietta
    Alfa Romeo Mito
    Aston Martin Rapide
    Audi A3
    Audi A6
    Audi A7 Sportback
    Audi Q3
    Bmw 520d
    Bmw 5 Series Touring
    Bugatti Veyron Super Sports
    Fiat 500 Twinair
    Ford Focus
    Honda Civic Type R
    Honda CR-Z
    Hyundai Ix35
    Infiniti Ex37
    Infiniti Fx
    Infiniti G37 Cabrio
    Jaguar Xf
    Jeep Grand Cherokee
    Kia Soul
    Kia Sportage
    Land Rover Discovery 4
    Lexus Ct200h
    Mazda3
    Mazda CX-5
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    Mini Countyman
    Mitsubishi Shogun
    Nissan X-Trail
    Peugeot 3008
    Peugeot 508 Rxh
    Peugeot 508 Saloon
    Peugeot Rcz
    Range Rover Evoque
    Renault Mégane
    Renault Mégane Coupe Cabriolet
    Renaultsport Clio Gordini
    Renault Wind
    Seat Leon Cupra R
    Seat Leon Ecomotive
    Skoda Octavia Scout
    Skoda Superb Estate
    Skoda Yeti
    Ssangyong Korando
    Suzuki Alto
    Suzuki Swift
    Toyota Avensis Saloon
    Volkswagen California
    Volkswagen Tiguan
    Volkswagen Touareg
    Volvo S60
    Volvo V60

    RSS Feed

© WELSH MOTORING WRITERS 2023