New Mégane CC lets the light in
2010-02-08 13:04
The latest addition to the new Renault Mégane range is this stylish Coupé-Cabriolet being prepared for the Geneva Motor Show.
Changes to the new model include the introduction of Renault's first dual clutch gearbox, while the repositioning of the front windscreen, along with a fixed glass wind deflector placed between the rear headrests, keeps wind swirl within the cabin to a minimum. Renault guarantees wind-free travelling at speeds up to 90 km/h.
A stiffer chassis, a new electric power steering system, and a range of new powertrains including a new dual clutch transmission are also listed as new.
Eye-catching
Cosmetic changes are visible in the cabin too, where the airy interior gains a choice of three trims ranging from dark charcoal and light beige to two-tone red.
The cabin and controls are virtually identical to the Mégane hatchback recently launched in South Africa. The CC's cabin also comes with a range of features including hands-free start and lock, electric parking brake, dual zone climate control, 3D sound with plug and play connectivity and a Carminat TomTom navigation system.
In true Mégane CC form, the glass folding roof is standard and ensures "outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort". It is also said to be better at deterring vandals… If you don't mind the added attention, the two-part roof opens via an electro-hydraulic mechanism in 21 seconds.
But special attention has supposedly gone into this Mégane's packaging solution. Designed to be carefree yet practical, the boot has a massive (by hard top cabriolet standards) 211 litres of boot space.
Renault claims this car is also significantly more rigid than the model it replaces. Riding on a McPherson-type front suspension with a horned sub-frame attachment, it is said to be three times stiffer than the fourth generation CC.
First dual-clutch gearbox for Renault
At launch, the Mégane CC will be available with a choice of seven engines, although the South African line-up is likely to mimic the hatchback and Coupe ranges' petrol and turbodiesel mix.
Big news for La Regie, though, is that this car sees the introduction of the manufacturer's six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission. Renault reckons that, using this gearbox, owners should notice significantly lower fuel consumption figures, faster and smoother shifts, and better responsiveness.
Driver aids include ABS with EBD, EBA and ESP with understeer control. The passive safety features list adds adaptive front airbags, rollover hoops that deploy automatically when sensors detect a looming rollover and Isofix child seat anchors for the rear seats.
The all-new Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet enjoys its public unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. It arrives in South Africa from the fourth quarter of this year.
