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!"
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
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
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