Renault has been busy of late promoting some of its hotter models (think Megane RS and RS Cup, Twingo RS Gordini and the like). Now the French firm brings in a change of pace with the local launch of its boulvard cruiser; the new Megane CC.
Stylistically, the new Megane CC lifts a number of cues from other models in the range – namely, the eye-catching bonnet creases and the front bumper from the sporty Megane coupé model, while the rear features all-new tail-light clusters with LED technology.
It’s a larger car than its predecessor, 130 mm longer in terms of overall length and 87 mm longer in the wheelbase, which Renault claims will help this model properly fulfil its role as a true 2+2 cabriolet.
The highlight feature is still a folding panoramic glass roof which, like much of the new car, is larger than that of its forebear: roughly 10 percent bigger in terms of overall area at just under 1 m2 . Renault has moved the windscreen header forwards by 60 mm in a bid to create a more open-air driving environment. The roof itself is developed by renowned coachbuilder Karmann and comprises two glass panels that fold into a ‘V’ before sliding into the boot. The roof, featuring tempered glass panels and a heated rear window, weighs in at 110 kg and is powered by an electro-hydraulic mechanism capable of lowering the roof on 21 seonds and raising it in 22.
Much of the new CC’s underpinning are based upon those of other Megane models, but with a couple of tweaks aimed at improving comfort and efficiency. The MacPherson-type front suspension set-up features a new 'horned' subframe that restricts lateral movement of the engine subframe in relation to the body structure – a configuration three times more rigid than the previous-generation car. The chassis has also seen such adjustments as increases spring stiffness fore and aft to accommodate the 160 kg weight difference between this model and the hatchback and ensure a high standard of ride comfort.
Power is provided by Renault’s turbocharged 1,4-litre TCe petrol engine – unit that Renault claims will display similar power and torque delivery characteristics to a 1,8-litre unit. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, this unit develops peak power of 96 kW at 5 500 r/min and 190 N.m of torque at 2 250. Renault claims a 0-100 km/h time of 10,7 seconds for this model and a top speed of 200 km/h. Combined-cycle fuel consumption stands at 7,3 litres/100 km, while CO2 emissions are pegged at 169 g/km.
Like other models in the Megane range, the CC features a comprehensive list of safety features which include: strengthened body/A-pillar sections and pyrotechnically-activated rollover hoops for additional rollover protection, seat belt pre-tensioners, dual-volume adaptive front airbags, anti-submarining airbags in the front seat cushions, double side-impact crash sensors, seat-mounted dual-chamber lateral head/thorax/groin airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, electronic traction control with understeer control, tyre pressure sensors, directional bi-Xenon headlamps and Isofix child seat anchorage points for the rear seats.
Being offered solely in Renault’s range-topping Dynamique specification means that features such as keyless entry and go, automatic parking brake, dual-zone climate control, Carminat TomTom integrated navigation system and a 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system with Bluetooth and USB integration.
Pricing
Mégane CC 1,4 TCe R359 900
A five years/100 000 km Service Plan is included in the purchase price, a five years/150 000 km warranty.
You can download a spec sheet for the new Megane CC by clicking on the DOCUMENTS tab to the top, right of the above images.