Renault Megane C-C

The Megane C-C shares the platform of the familiar hatch, and retains its sharp-edged styling. However, with the top up, the curved roof is at odds with the angular lines of the rest of the car. And the huge flat boot overhang - necessary to provide the room to store the lid - looks ungainly.

This Mί¿½gane does have a unique and attractive feature, though - a glass-panelled roof to give a light and airy interior. And should this make the cabin too warm in summer, a blind can be pulled over to provide shade.

In this mode, there's little to suggest the car has convertible potential. Once on the move, there is some wind noise at speed from the gap between the frameless front and rear windows, but the proper rear screen does mean good visibility, unlike the small plastic window in the last-generation cabrio. The rear seats are very tight for adults, though, especially when the top is rais- ed and cuts into the headroom.

Lower the top by pressing a button next to the handbrake - it takes only 22 seconds - and the C-C offers open-air motoring free from buffeting, particularly when the optional wind deflector is in place. There's not too much body flex - only a small amount of shimmy - but it does not trouble the handling, which remains similar to the hatch's. It's not thrilling but safe, predictable and reasonably involving.

Ride quality is stable and refined at speed, and while there is some kick-back through the steering, the gearbox is precise. Three powerplants are available, all from the existing models. The 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol units are joined by a 1.9 dCi turbodiesel. While the 136bhp 2.0 petrol is capable, the oil-burner has more flexible performance. More importantly, the engine insulation is so good that even with the roof down, there's no audible diesel clatter.

The dash and switchgear are carried over from the hatch, but the C-C loses the underfloor storage space to chassis-strengthening panels. However, the luggage carrying capacity is good with the roof up, and even when stowed there's enough space for two small overnight cases. The glovebox, meanwhile, is now lockable for added security. With 51.4mpg economy, decent dynamics and the option of coupe or cabriolet formats, the C-C is ideal for those who can't make up their mind.