Officially new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet

Here is an interesting fact; the previous Renault Mégane CC — the first to feature a folding hard-top — sold 170,000 examples during its production run.

Compare that to 65,000 sales of its soft-top predecessor first generation Mégane and the mere 25,000 total sales for the canvas-roofed 1990's Renault 19 Cabriolet and it quickly becomes clear how important the folding hard-top has been for the convertible market.

The introduction of the affordable folding hard-top has been particularly revolutionary. The fact remains that opportunities to drop the roof remain limited throughout much of the hottest months of the year, but the time spent with the roof up is generally more civilised — and cool — in a modern coupé-cabriolet than under a traditional canvas roof.

Renault was not satisfied with offering simply a folding hard-top in the previous generation Mégane CC, however, opting to raise the game with a glass variant that could offer a feeling of cabriolet openness even with the roof in place. It's a concept that has been carried over to the latest Mégane CC variant — with the glass section bigger to boot — and it also carries on the good work of the previous generation model.

The key appeal is, of course, that it helps the Mégane CC feel a little special all year round. However, if the sight of rain drops over your head proves worrisome through the winter, pulling the mesh screen across offers some shelter from reality.

Realism doesn't appear to be an issue at Renault. The encouraging figures for the CC segment are set to be capitalised upon with a wider range of engine options — including three petrol choices — plus a selection of three transmissions, including the all new EDC twin clutch system.

The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, the ideal transmission for getting the most out of the 130bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre. The engine has proved itself a capable and tractable downsizing option elsewhere in the six-variant Mégane range, and it proves no different in the new CC.

As is often the case with folding hard-top toting models, the Mégane CC is not a light car, meaning the petrol unit has to be worked hard to find the performance. But its rev-happy nature and greater refinement make it good fun to push hard even if the outright performance is not so invigorating.

Of course, that is not the point of the Mégane CC. It's a stylish boulevard cruiser, not a performance car, making the refinement, absorbent ride and easy nature all the more important. The excellent electric power steering is well suited to this role, proving extremely light and increasing with weight and feedback as the speed rises.

A glass diffuser is a permanent standard feature between the two rear seat headrests, reducing turbulence at lower speeds. At higher speeds an additional diffuser across the two rear seats is effective, but renders the rear seats unusable. Realistically, they're only suitable for children or very occasional adult use.

That said, the new CC is not completely impractical. In coupé mode the boot is actually quite respectable and although its proportions are as good as halved with the roof folded, it will still cope with a grocery shop or a small number of soft bags.

Roof down, scuttle shake is adequately restrained. The attractive exterior styling is replicated inside, with a feeling of quality; if not up to the standards of premium rivals, it's certainly equal to or better than direct competitors'.

A stylised but highly effective part-digital instrument layout aids the feeling of sophistication and the cabins are certainly well-appointed.

Two trim levels are available, one featuring a built-in sat-nav system, with automatic lights and wipers, air-con, cruise and heated door mirrors also thrown in.

Renault's Mégane line-up is a particularly diverse one and, while the cars share a common name and some styling cues, each variant has a very distinct character. The new Mégane CC rounds out the range very nicely, with a strong boulevard cruiser appeal combined with the everyday usability buyers have come to expect from coupé-cabriolet models.

Specs and Rating

Model Mégane CC

Engine 1.4-litre inline four turbo Transmission Six-speed manual FWD

Max power 128bhp @ 5,500rpm

Max torque 190Nm @ 2,250rpm

Top speed 200kph

0-100kph 10.7sec

Price NA

Plus Zesty al fresco motoring

Minus A bit on the fat side, no pull with the base engine