Chic and classy is how I’d describe the Renault Mégane CC.
At R270 000 this coupé-cabriolet is sensibly priced (its closest challenger, the Peugeot 307cc, comes in at R299 900), and it is extremely attractive — with the hardtop up or down. Getting the top down will take you just 22 seconds.
Where the Mégane really scores though, is in its magnificent glass-roof panel, which gives the interior a spacious appearance. There’s a sliding cover, in case you don’t feel like direct sunshine on a hot day.
The CC is powered by a 2,0 litre engine, which develops 98kW from the four-cylinder motor. Power is fed to the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox.
The height-adjustable front seats are comfortable, but the same cannot be said of the rear, where legroom is limited. The instruments are well laid out and easy to read, while operating the indicators and lights is a breeze thanks to the well-placed switches and stalks.
There’s ample stowage space with a six-litre centre armrest locker, bins with bottle holders in the doors and a cooled 17-litre glove box, which locks when the doors are locked.
Luggage space is good — especially with the top up, although it reduces from 490 litres to 190 litres of space with the hood down — two smallish suitcases can be stowed.
The CD/radio combo is controlled via a set of buttons behind the steering wheel, and all four windows are electronically operated. Leather seats and electric exterior mirrors are standard.
Safety features include six airbags, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and two anti-submarining airbags under the front seats’ cushions.
On the dynamic side, there is a little scuttle, most notably from the front end when driving over imperfect roads at lower speeds — something quite common in convertibles. Speed bumps pose little inconvenience, and the overall ride is smooth and comfortable. The 0-100kph comes up in a little less than 12 seconds. It will quite happily nudge 200kph given the chance.
Its fuel consumption is good — I recorded 8,2 litres of unleaded in the urban cycle.
The Mégane CC should feature high on your shopping list if you enjoy the wind in your hair.
There is a choice of three additional models — an auto version of the 2,0 litre model at R282 000, a smaller 1,6 litre petrol model at R240 000, and a 1,9 turbo-diesel Dynamique version at R285 000.
The Megane CC comes with a three-year/100 000km warranty, and a one-year/60 000km maintenance plan.