Convertible Feeling In The Renault Megane CC Is Neglected

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

The Renault Megane CC can be converted into a convertible in 22 seconds at the push of a button. The automatic versions, however, take away a lot of driving pleasure.

Stefan Zaumseil

The French automaker Renault has followed suit. The Megane CC convertible now also has a retractable roof. Various competitors have shown it. So that the completely retractable roof has space to disappear, the designers have given the Megane CC a massive rear.

Little space

The round shape of the panorama roof, manufactured as a complete module by Karmann in Osnabrück, creates a striking contrast to the rather angular body. The roof consists of four millimeters thick infrared filter glass. The roof opens and closes automatically in 22 seconds, a little too long for some traffic lights. The roof, which consists of two parts, turns the stately 490 liters trunk volume into a flat 190 liters, in which hardly any travel bags or suitcases can be accommodated.

Since Renault uses the same construction as Peugeot for the 307 CC, the front window of the Megane CC is pulled far back and approaches the forehead of the tall driver to within a few centimeters. Due to the seating position that is too high and the very wide frame of the windscreen, the convertible feeling is a little too short.

Unusual solutions

The interior of the 4.36 meter long Megane CC offers some unusual design solutions. The handbrake, for example, or the lockable storage boxes in the armrests. Not only the filter glass of the roof, but also the standard sun blinds and air conditioning are designed to prevent the interior from heating up too much in strong sunlight. All controls are logically arranged and easy to reach. The display unit at the top of the dashboard is easy to read, even in direct sunlight. However, the operation of the radio takes getting used to: Since it is located at the very bottom of the center console, the view has to wander back and forth between the setting options and the corresponding displays. Very nice feature: The Megane CC is unlocked with chip recognition without a key and started at the push of a button.

The appearance of the interior materials could, however, be of higher quality overall. The seats are comfortable and sufficiently tightly padded. Although they are 24 millimeters lower than those in the sedans, you sit far too high. All adjustment options are easily accessible at the front and on the side, but the height adjustment is not decoupled from the seat angle adjustment. An annoying shortcoming is the tight foot space for the driver, who easily gets stuck when changing pedals. The enormous space requirement of the construction is also at the expense of the rear passengers, who may at most be babies or toddlers if the driver or front passenger are tall Europeans. The second row is almost only used for luggage. Good: The standard Isofix brackets for child seats.

Extensive safety equipment

The safety equipment of the Megane CC is typically Renault: airbags, ABS, brake assist, ESP, understeering control and some reinforcement elements. In combination with two automatic safety bars, which extend at lightning speed in the event of an impending rollover, these should ensure the highest level of safety. As is typical for Renault, the well-balanced, comfortable chassis set-up of the Megane CC with significant side tilt. The springs and dampers are easy to swallow, as is the indirect steering, it gives hardly any road contact. On the other hand, even heavy load changes do not detract the Megane CC from the course, it hardly tends to understeer even when cornering more quickly.

On poor roads, the noticeably low torsional stiffness of the body and the trembling steering confirm the workmanship of the interior - the question of durability arises.

The customer is spoiled for choice

As usual, Renault customers can choose from three design lines (Authentique, Dynamique and Privilège) and two equipment levels (Confort and Luxe). When it comes to motorization, there are four units to choose from. The base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 113 hp. The two-liter four-cylinder develops 135 hp and the 2.0 turbo 163 hp. The 1.9 liter common rail diesel generates 120 hp and has the greatest torque with 300 Nm. Alternatively, there is a proactive four-speed automatic for the 135 hp engine.

Even the two-liter engine has a lot of trouble with the 1.5 tons of the Megane CC, in combination with the automatic - unfortunately this is anything but proactive and shifts very uncomfortably - the drive seems sluggish and makes driving less enjoyable. The top speed is just under 200 km / h. The front-wheel drive car takes a long 11.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h. It is positive that the fuel consumption is kept within limits. The manufacturer's specification of 8.2 liters in mixed operation contrasts with 8.6 liters in practice.

Comparatively cheap price

The Renault Megane CC is available from 22,100 euros, the two-liter version with 135 hp costs 24,050 euros. Despite the comparatively low purchase price, it has a good basic set of equipment (fully automatic folding top, central locking with chip card, electric windows, air conditioning, electrically adjustable mirrors, power steering, on-board computer). Why the wind deflector costs 290 euros or the seat heating 250 euros extra is not entirely understandable. The sensible leather seats hit another 1100 euros.