Lid is lifted on Mégane C-C

Renault reveals new folding hard-top version of the Megane, and there's a hot GT version on way, too

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Ollie Stallwood

05th February 2010

The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is set to raise the roof – and there’s going to be a hot GT version, too! Due for launch at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the stylish drop-top has the Volkswagen Eos in its sights – and Auto Express can bring you the first official pictures.

Bosses want the latest version of the folding hard-top coupé to be a serious driver’s car, and have asked the Renaultsport division to come up with a performance flagship. This will wear the GT badge, and feature a 178bhp 2.0-litre engine – giving a 0-60mph time of under eight seconds.

The new C-C is smoother and more sophisticated than the outgoing model, with a stylish dark roof. To sharpen the handling, the body is 80 per cent stiffer than before. The lid, meanwhile, drops in 21 seconds, and the open-air experience is improved as the windscreen edge is 10cm further forward than on the original C-C.

A fixed glass wind deflector keeps four occupants free from buffeting at up to 56mph. There’s an additional mesh set-up for when only the front seats are occupied – this prevents draughts at any speed. Automatic pop-up rollover hoops ensure maximum safety.

Inside, the cabin boasts three trim choices ranging from dark charcoal and light beige to the charcoal and red two-tone finish shown here. The seats have more lateral support, too. On the outside, the nose is taken from the three and five-door, while dark LED lights wrap over the rear end to disguise the length of the tail.

Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of 108bhp, 128bhp or 158bhp diesel units. These are joined by 128bhp 1.4 turbo and 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines. Renault’s six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) auto box will be available for the first time – initially on the 108bhp diesel only. All other variants get a six-speed manual, with a new CVT auto an option on the 2.0 petrol.

Prices have yet to be revealed, but when it hits showrooms in June, the Mégane C-C should rival the Peugeot 308 CC, with a starting figure of £20,000.

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For an alternative review of the latest Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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7 Comments

what kind of moron is going to buy that travesty? Bland and heavy, why not spend the same amount on a nearly new 3 series convertible, then you wouldnt be driving around in something that screams 'I am an idiot'.

By liveforever on 5 February, 2010, 4:59pm

True, but then agains ome people think about the service costs which I think Renault would be cheaper..

By hugo_b on 6 February, 2010, 7:51pm

Dissapointment! after the gorgeous Renaultsport version i was expecting this too look stunning but the rear is a disgrace, come on renault what is this obsession with a block of black plastic trim with reflectors under the number plate, why wasent it gloss black? or why does it not have a diffuser similar to the RS 250 with some body colour on the sides? The positives are the interior, front and front angled view, at least the Wind looks good

By Holliecat on 6 February, 2010, 8:38pm

Johno

I strongly agree with 'Holliecat', the rear is terrible. Looks like the awful Laguna. At least style the rear to look slightly like the Renaultsport hatch. BAD BAD RENAULT!

By ianpammo on 6 February, 2010, 9:44pm

O No!

The only people happy to see that will be Peugeot....it manages to make the 308CC look stylish......good work!

By daveburnett on 10 February, 2010, 12:05pm

O No!

The only people happy to see that will be Peugeot....it manages to make the 308CC look stylish......good work!

By daveburnett on 10 February, 2010, 12:05pm

Lunch Break!

Come on Renault! You promised so much, with the Gordini badge, with the CONCEPT Laguna coupe (which ended up looking so tame in production trim), what can Renaultsport division add to this mule? Whoever designed this must have gone for lunch before it was finished....looks like he(she) was thinking about the top half of a sandwich and forgot the bottom slice!....How can you design such flowing lines for the A pilars, windscreen and haunches, then just erase any decent features from the bottom half and the rear...looks like you ran out of ideas and just drew a couple of straight lines so you could join the dots and be done with it, cos your pizza was ready...Please, mainstream I understand, but shopping trolley, NON!

By dids66 on 8 April, 2010, 11:21pm

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Pictures

Lid is lifted on Mégane C-C