Renault Megane Turbo Charger Coupé Cabriolet: The Sunny Side of Driving

The new top of the line engine for the French "gun of the sun" is supercharged fun.

Picture by Renault

The well introduced Megane coupé cabrio (from 22.100 Euros in Germany) is now available with a new two litre 16v turbo-charged petrol engine as top of the line option that has already earned its marks in Renaults upper class cars Avantime and Vel Satis since 2002. The glass roof with heated rear screen folds and unfolds in 22 seconds making wet surprises from sudden showers nearly impossible.

Driving the Renault Megane Coupé Cabrio 2.0 Turbo Dynamique Luxus

120 kW/163 hp, 270 Nm at 3250 rpm, top speed 225 km/h, 0 – 100 km/h: 8,7 sec, consumption (mixed): 8,0 l/100 km; price: 25.750 Euros (price in Germany, test version Dynamique Luxus).

Picture by Renault

Driving Characteristics * * * *
Steering is enjoyably sharp, the steering wheel itself has a very good feel to it and as a good combination the Megane loves tight corners. The damping is a bit too uncompromising though. Especially with the roof down the chassis lacks stiffness: On bumpy roads steering wheel, wind shield and rear mirror vibrate annoyingly.

Engine/Powertrain * * * *
The new turbocharged engine that kicks out 163 hp (only in the Meganes drop-top version) suits the car very well and has an astonishingly good fuel economy thanks to the easy shifting six-speed manual gearbox. The engine itself is very rev-happy and well balanced without the charger ever letting out.

Comfort * * * *
Sport seats are very good and adjustable on both sides. Clutch, brake und throttle are very tightly spaced. Even in autumn it is enjoyable to cruise topless if you raise the windows and install the (unconceivably optional!) wind breaker.

Picture by Renault

Room Capacities/Variability * * *
Boot capacity with closed roof: 490 litres (otherwise 190 l). The second row is more an emergency option, but nevertheless suitable for small children or additional bags. Cute: The separately mounted power window switches in the rear operating the mini windows.

Standard Trim * * * *
car status computer, air conditioning, keyless drive system, automatic wipers, alloy wheels, leather trimmed steering wheel (featuring 163 hp at 27.900 Euros in Austria). Additional trim in the tested version Dynamique Luxus: radio/CD player. Optional: heated front seats, speed limiter, navigation system, xenon head lights.

Workmanship * * * * *
overall well done finish. The roof opening hinges tend to groan and squeek when the hatch is up.

Safety Features * * * * *
ABS with EBD, ESP and ASR (Dynamique Luxus), 6 airbags, integrated anti-roll bar, ISOFIX-holdings.