The Regié has unveiled two models that personify French flair… the Mégane CC’s folding glass roof is a foil for the Peugeot 307 CC’s retractable hardtop in the four-seater cabriolet sector and the Modus could redefine the way people think about mini-MPVs.
The Regié has unveiled two models that personify French flair… the Mégane CC’s folding glass roof is a foil for the Peugeot 307 CC’s retractable hardtop in the four-seater cabriolet sector and the Modus could redefine the way people think about mini-MPVs.
As was the case with its compatriot, the Peugeot 307 CC, the Megane Coupe/Cabriolet (CC) combines the sleek styling of a coupé with the fun factor of a cabriolet and will be available in three versions (1,6 16V Dynamique, 1,9 dCi Dynamique and 2,0 16V Privilege) when it becomes available in South Africa next month.
But the Mégane’s most outstanding feature is the folding glass roof, which was developed for Renault by German coachbuilders Karmann. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the glass roof allows Megane CC owners to enjoy the view even with the roof closed.
Venus 40 glass (3,15mm thick) contributes to both acoustic and thermal comfort for all occupants. The roof can be opened and closed by a fully-automatic electro-hydraulic mechanism in less than 22 seconds, Renault claims.
In terms of styling, only the front grille, headlamps and bonnet are carried over from the Mégane saloon/hatch. The lack of door pillars, or side trim strips, contribute to its sleek and flowing lines.
Standard interior equipment includes electric exterior mirrors, front- and rear electric windows with one-touch opening, padded roll hoops, variable-assistance power electric steering and a removable wind deflector net.
Access to the rear seats is made easier by the position-memory of the front seat slides and seat backs. The Mégane CC can hold up to 490 litres of luggage with the roof up and 190 litres when the glass roof is retracted.
The stiffness of the body has been improved to keep the cabin space intact in the event of a rollover, with the aid of strengthened windscreen pillars, body sides and sills, and by the two fixed roll-hoops installed as standard (two automatic roll-hoops are optional).
Renault’s third-generation System for Restraint and Protection and six airbags – including the two anti-submarining airbags beneath the cushions of the front seats – provide occupants with optimum protection in the event of an accident.
Meanwhile, the Modus, a high-roofed compact based on the platform of the next Clio, is set to arrive in South Africa early next year. Despite its compact dimensions, the Modus is claimed to offer best-in-class headroom both front (88 mm) and rear (46 mm), while the maximum knee room (the space between the rear passengers’ knees and the back of the front seats) is 226 mm.
With a wheelbase of 2,482 metres and interior height of 1,589 metres, the Modus offers maximised cabin volume and ease of access, thanks to a narrow centre pillar and wide doors. The Modus’ glass areas cover 3,56 m², partly due to the large, cab-forward windscreen and the large sunroof.
Modus has a split-fold sliding rear bench seat, which can alternate between two- and three-seater configuration. The bench can move forward or backwards 170 mm to provide either increased luggage space or more legroom.
A Velofix bicycle rack offers easy-to-stow practicality. When folded, it fits into the luggage compartment even with the rear seats all the way back. And when fitted, it can carry two adult-sized bicycles to a maximum weight of 30 kg.
In addition, the rear hatch is split into two sections, allowing independent access to either the top or the bottom section. The Modus is also the first A -or B-segment car to offer additional front cornering lights. The lights are fixed at 40-degrees relative to the direction of the car, and are automatically activated when the car is cornering to provide a wider field of view, Renault says.
Earlier this year, the Modus became the seventh Renault to achieve the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing. Modus has crumple zones and a strengthened stiff centre pillar with programmed articulation to protect the occupants from the effects of side impacts. In the event of a violent rear impact, the tyre on the spare wheel will burst to provide additional protection.
On the active safety front, Modus is equipped as standard with an ABS system with electronic brake proportioning and emergency brake assist, ESP with understeer control, and ASR traction control. Finally, MSR control of engine torque on the overrun prevents driven wheels from locking when decelerating.
