The first car to be equipped as standard with a folding glass roof, Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet was revealed at the Australian International Motor Show on 7th October 2004.

With four seats, luggage space worthy of a saloon, high levels of acoustic and driving comfort and good rear visibility, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet has more to offer than conventional cabriolets. Elegant and dynamic, it is powered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine from Mégane Hatch and Sport Hatch.

Designed by Renault's Corporate Design Department, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is dynamic and balanced in both coupé and cabriolet configuration. Its modern, harmonious style features proportions worthy of a higher-segment model, with an overall length of 4.35 metres. Only the front face, the headlamps and the bonnet are carried across from Mégane. The specially shaped front wings extend the body sides and emphasize the car’s slenderness. The absence of door pillars or side trim strips also contribute to its refined character and flowing lines.

Inside, the dashboard and the front seats are identical to those in Mégane. The light and airy interior created by the folding glass roof is completely new to the market and enhances the specification in coupé configuration.

Apart from its purely aesthetic value, the glass roof, developed by Karmann, offers many advantages on Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet. It ensures permanent contact with the world outside and makes for ample rearward visibility. The feeling of enclosure inherent in conventional coupés and cabriolets is a thing of the past. In addition, it guarantees both acoustic and thermal comfort through the use of 4mm thick Venus 35 glass. The heated rear window and the elimination of any risk of ageing or deterioration of the hood offset the usual disadvantages of cabriolets.

Operation of the roof is simple and quick. Opening and closing, performed by an electro-hydraulic mechanism, are entirely automatic and require no additional latching. Turning the car into a cabriolet, by holding the special button down, takes 22 seconds.

Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is generously equipped. The electric door mirrors, the four electric windows with one-touch opening and the safety hoops, covered with soft foam, contribute to operating comfort.

There are several stowage spaces including a cooled 17-litre glove box which is automatically locked whenever the doors are locked, to protect its contents from theft.

Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet provides four seats and interior space which is considerable for a coupé-cabriolet. In the front, the lowered position of the seats ensures comfortable headroom in coupé configuration. The slope of the windscreen has been designed to provide the front seat passengers with maximum space and to reduce the “cap effect” inherent in cabriolets. Access to the back seats is made easier by the position-memory of the front seat slides and seat backs. In addition, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet provides the largest luggage space in its class with a volume of 490 litres (VDA). The cabriolet configuration offers a volume of 190 litres (VDA).

Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet provides an optimum driving position and visibility. The seat height has been reduced by 24mm compared with Mégane II, to achieve a more sporting position. The pillarless door design, the glass roof and the hidden safety hoops improve visibility for ease of maneuvering in urban areas.

The variable-assist electric steering, and the stability and the accuracy of suspension movement also ensure genuine driving pleasure.

Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet confirms the progress made by Renault in the area of passive safety. The stiffness of the body has been designed 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 two fixed hoops installed as standard. The third generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection and the six airbags, including the two anti-submarining airbags beneath the cushions of the front seats, provide occupants with optimum protection.

Renault’s Managing Director, Rudi Koenig, said the arrival of the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will give the brand an opportunity to showcase another unique design from Renault.

“The folding glass roof offers a number of advantages and should set the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet apart from its competition,” said Mr Koenig.

“This stunning vehicle offers the advantages of both a Coupé and Cabriolet and will be the style leader of Renault’s Australian range when it goes on sale in December.”