RENAULT MEGANE COUPE-CABRIOLET: ELEGANCE OF A COUPE
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet completes the renewal of the Mégane family. This now comprises six body types, the successive launches of which have seen Renault rejuvenate its range in the space of just one and a half years in what is Europe's largest volume segment.
The Mégane family held third place in its segment in Europe at the end of 2009, and enjoyed number one position in France. With sales totalling over 170,000 since the launch of the first-generation version, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet accounts for four per cent of the Mégane family mix and, in 2009, continued to represent one sale in 10 in Western Europe's compact cabriolet segment.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that helped forge the success of its predecessor. It brings head-turning looks, plus a genuine sense of freedom thanks to its panoramic glass roof and the forward position of its windscreen. Its standard fixed glass wind deflector reduces turbulence to maximise the pleasure of al fresco motoring.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is made at Renault's Douai plant, in northern France, alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic. It benefits from the significant production expertise gained by this factory since the launch of the first Mégane Cabriolet in 1997.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy open-top motoring, and is an elegant illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.
i. SIMPLY ELEGANT
Striking looks
Like that of its predecessors, the design of the Mégane family’s latest addition, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet, has been styled to seduce. With its graceful lines and high-gloss finish tinted black glass roof, the car exudes elegance and distinctive style.
Thanks to New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's length (4,485mm, an increase of 130mm over its predecessor) and wheelbase (2,609mm, +87mm), the newcomer's silhouette is sleek and chic. The frontal styling features the New Mégane family's sweeping signature line across the bonnet and the same sports bumper design as the Coupé version, while the redesigned, sculpted boot-lid incorporates the upper part of the new rear light clusters. The two LED tail-light patterns create a smart and instantly recognisable rear lighting for New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.
In today's competitive landscape, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet stands out through its large folding glass roof. Widely acclaimed by Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet owners for the generous amount of light it lets into the cabin, as well as for the visibility it affords, this roof is standard equipment for the latest-generation car and 10 per cent bigger than that of its predecessor. It is now the segment’s largest folding glass roof, with a total glazed area of almost one square metre (0.47m 2 for the actual roof section and 0.5 m 2 for the rear window). The combination of dark tint, gloss black pillars and satin-effect chrome windscreen frame and waistline give the appearance of a cabriolet, even with the roof up.
This glass roof acts as a symbolic link between the coupé and cabriolet functions. Even with the top raised, it floods the cabin with light, giving the driver and passengers a genuine feeling of space and freedom.
Eight body colours are available, including Pearlescent White.
A refined interior
Elegant details prevail inside the cabin, too, thanks to a blend of soft forms, sweeping lines, an outstanding standard of finish and the use of high-quality materials. The interior resembles that of the other Mégane family body types and comes with the same wave-like dashboard design as New Mégane Hatchback and Coupé. The unique details that add to the level of refinement which customers in this segment seek include:
- seats with additional lateral support
- a 'butterfly wing' door trim motif
- dark charcoal roof trimming
Two understated interior trims are available (dark charcoal as standard with light beige leather upholstery as an option), as well as a two-tone red/dark charcoal leather upholstery for those who desire an even more striking ambience.
ii. PASSENGER COMFORT
The delights of open-top motoring
The large glass roof gives Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants an enjoyable 'open-air' experience, even with the top raised.
With the roof lowered, the driver and passengers benefit from the pleasure of open-air motoring even more than before thanks to the more advanced position of the windscreen header-rail which has been moved forward by 6cm compared with its predecessor. This also gives easier access to the front seats and eliminates the 'cap' effect of longer, more steeply raked windscreens.
The standard fixed glass wind deflector is unique in the segment and reduces wind noise and turbulence at up to 56mph with four occupants in the vehicle.
With just two people aboard, an optional mesh deflector screen can be clipped into place over the back seats. The combination of the fixed glass wind deflector and mesh screen offers smooth, unruffled motoring enjoyment at all speeds.
The driver and passengers alike consequently get to enjoy all the thrills of al fresco motoring, without the drawbacks.
A standard folding glass roof
Developed by Karmann®, a world-renowned retractable hardtop specialist, the roof module comprises:
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two glass panels that fold into a 'V' as the roof slides into the boot
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the mechanisms for the boot lid and roof stowage functions
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a hydraulic system equipped with an electronic control unit
To optimise cabin light, the tempered-glass roof has been treated to filter sunlight with a coefficient of 35. A sunblind incorporated in the rear cross beam offers additional protection if required, while the heated rear window provides coupé-like functionality. Compared to a soft top, the folding glass roof provides a level of thermal and acoustic comfort worthy of a saloon car, as well as greater protection against vandalism. Meanwhile, the roof's folding mechanisms have been reinforced to guarantee an optimal watertight seal throughout the life of the vehicle with an increased number and size of connecting rods.
The total weight of the module is 110kg (75kg for the roof, and 25kg for the folding boot-lid mechanism). Roof systems are manufactured and assembled by Karmann® in Germany and delivered to the Renault plant in Douai ready to be installed.
Fast, easy, secure operation
The opening and closing of the two-part roof is controlled by a fully-powered, electro-hydraulic mechanism. By holding down a button within easy reach on the console, the driver can lower the top in just 21 seconds (one of the fastest lowering times in its class).
For the mechanism to operate safely, the boot divider must be drawn and the boot-lid closed. A dashboard message warns the driver if either requirement has been overlooked. An audible signal and a dashboard message tell the driver when the roof has been safely stowed away.
A second press on the same button or a single touch on the 'Grand Air' switch on the driver’s door lowers all four windows simultaneously. A new feature compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet is the 'short drop' function which raises the windows several millimetres into the roof module and windscreen pillar seals to optimize protection against noise and water.
Comfort
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's occupants feel protected, comfortable and free. Entry to both the front and rear seats is very simple. A position memory function makes life even easier for the driver and front passenger by returning the respective seats back to their original position once rear passengers have boarded.
Front occupants enjoy a class-leading 1,466mm of elbow room. Rear passengers benefit from additional reclining backrest angle and an extra centimetre of kneeroom compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet. The high waistline enhances the passengers’ sense of protection.
The driver’s environment carries over the thoughtful practical enhancements seen on New Mégane Hatchback and Coupé:
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controls clustered either around the steering wheel or on the centre console
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height- and fore/aft-adjustable driver's seat (through 70mm – a segment best – and 240mm respectively)
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reach and height-adjustable steering wheel (through 45mm and five degrees respectively)
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brake pedal moved a further 10mm away from the accelerator pedal and 30mm wider for safer braking
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centre console and seats designed for easy seat belt fastening
Comfortably installed in the ideal driving position, drivers can remain focused on the road.
Occupant-friendly
Designed to carry four people and their luggage, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet offers a conventionally proportioned, easy-to-access boot.
The boot compartment is generously sized for the category: 417dm 3 in the coupé configuration and 211dm 3 as a cabriolet. The sill height is 590mm, the segment’s lowest, to make loading and unloading particularly easy.
With the roof stowed, the best-in-class height of 258mm available beneath the boot divider enables three cabin cases to be carried side by side.
New since Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet, the boot features a motorised closing system (power lock), for effortless locking.
The nine-litre glovebox locks and unlocks at the same time as the doors. Personal items are kept safely out of sight when the vehicle is parked, without having to raise the roof.
A long list of useful, user-friendly technologies
Like all the models that make up the New Mégane family, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is available with a long list of high-tech features, most of which are traditionally associated with the higher segment:
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hands-free engine start and hands-free locking of the doors and glovebox as the card-holder walks away from the car
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automatic parking brake
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automatic dual-zone, three-mode (soft/auto/fast) climate control
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directional bi-Xenon headlamps
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combined digital/analogue instrument display
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colour-coded cruise control/speed limiter interface
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3D sound by Arkamys® audio with Plug&Music connectivity (USB, mini-jack plug)
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built-in Carminat TomTom® navigation
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customised settings and activation/deactivation of certain functions (daytime running lights, volume of audible parking proximity warning).
3D Sound by Arkamys®
Developed in association with Arkamys®, a specialist in digital sound processing for the cinema, the 3D Sound by Arkamys® audio range offers superior, spatialised sound reproduction by taking into account the materials and forms of each vehicle cabin. The sound can also be configured to match the number of people on board and where they are seated.
The system includes:
- digital sound processing software incorporated in the radio
- eight loudspeakers with a total power output of 140W (reducing the risk of saturation and distortion associated with listening at high volumes) and of a larger diameter compared with New Mégane Hatchback (165mm and 130mm, for better-quality sound)
- two dedicated aerials for optimal audio reception
Carminat TomTom®
Developed in association with TomTom, the world leader in portable navigation systems, Carminat TomTom® combines the best of portable and integrated technologies, offering all the functionality expected of a superior navigation system:
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detailed, accurate maps displayed on a 5.8-inch screen
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easy updates using the SD card
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the new TomTom IQ Routes application uses the journey data of road-users to compute and suggest the quickest route based on real-world driving speeds and not just speed limits
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a range of customisation options
iii. EFFICIENT, COMFORTABLE HANDLING
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's precise, reassuring handling and outstanding acoustic comfort all contribute to the exceptional driving pleasure it delivers.
The Coupé-Cabriolet is based on the same technical specification as the other models in the New Mégane family, but packs a number of specific features aimed at enhancing the pleasure associated with top-down motoring, with efficiency and comfort as overriding factors.
The front suspension is based on a MacPherson-type arrangement associated with the new 'horned' subframe. This layout is engineered to deliver impeccable steering precision by restricting lateral movement of the engine subframe in relation to the body structure (three times more rigid than the previous-generation car).
The rear suspension incorporates a programmed-deflection flexible beam with a closed-section that is both lighter and more compact than a multi-arm solution for equivalent torsional stiffness.
To further optimise the balance between directional precision and comfort, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's rear suspension mountings employ bi-material bushes which permit different hardnesses of rubber to be used for filtering and transverse rigidity.
The chassis has been tuned to ensure a high standard of ride comfort and match the specific weight distribution associated with hard-top coupé-cabriolets.
The 160kg difference in weight between New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet and New Mégane Hatchback has led to the following modifications of the newcomer's suspension settings:
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spring stiffness has been increased by 13 per cent at the front (18.4mm/100DaN), and by 17 per cent at the rear (20.3mm/100DaN)
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anti-roll bar approximately 50 per cent stiffer
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rear beam stiffened by approximately 25 per cent
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dampers stiffened for first-class body roll performance
At the same time, bump stop hardness has been reduced in the interest of comfort, while the ratio between spring stiffness and the car's sprung weight is equivalent to that of New Mégane Hatchback.
The specific roll angle is 0.41°/ms -2, compared with 0.48°/ms -2 of Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.
New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet combines a particularly comfortable ride with exceptional cornering precision.
To combat vibrations and ensure a level of torsional rigidity comparable with that of a coupé (which obviously benefits from a closed-cabin architecture), New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with bespoke structural strengthening. This work has resulted in static and dynamic torsional stiffness being improved by 80 per cent and 30 per cent respectively over Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.
The electric variable-rate power steering has been comprehensively revised compared with that of the previous generation car and incorporates the improvements already seen on New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé:
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the inductive torque sensor is four times faster than the previous optical sensor (0.6ms, compared with 2.4ms in the case of Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet)
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the sampling frequency of the steering control unit has been increased (1,000Hz, compared with 420Hz previously)
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the servo-motor band width is broader (300Hz, compared with 70Hz previously)
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the steering ratio has been changed from 18:1 to 17:1 in the case of the new-generation version
The system's calibration has also been modified to deliver greater driving comfort and a more natural feeling with regard to the feedback of information from the road.
New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet benefits from powerful brakes, too, thanks to 280mm-diameter ventilated front discs (296mm in the case of TCe 180 and dCi 160 versions) and 260mm-diameter solid discs at the rear.
Two wheel and tyre sizes are available depending on engine: 17-inch wheels with 225/45 tyres or 18-inch wheels with 225/40 tyres.
iv. OPTIMAL SAFETY AT ALL TIMES
Safety is a strategic priority for Renault, and the brand benefits from both its longstanding engineering expertise in this area and the results of the work carried out by LAB [1] to develop the most effective safety systems for real-world driving situations.
New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet benefits extensively from Renault's acclaimed expertise in the fields of active and passive safety.
An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers anticipate risks:
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front seatbelt warning lights,
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tyre pressure monitoring system,
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directional bi-Xenon headlights with cornering dipped beams,
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automatic headlight activation,
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automatic windscreen-wiper activation,
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cruise control
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speed limiter
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet also comes with a comprehensive range of driving aids:
In terms of its passive safety performance, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet benefits from the acclaimed front- and side-impact energy-absorbing ability of New Mégane's carefully engineered platform, and from the specific strengthening of zones exposed to particularly high constraints (the bottom part of the engine compartment, windscreen pillars and sills, as well as side-impact protection built into the foot of the B-pillar).
Like New Mégane Hatchback, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's programmed deformation structure incorporates high and very high elastic limit steels to optimize the absorption and dissipation of kinetic energy in an accident with a view to protecting the cabin, and therefore its occupants.
Meanwhile, New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's specific architecture has called for specific passive safety solutions to maximize occupant protection in a frontal impact, side-on impact or rollover situation.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet's body structure has been reinforced compared with that of its predecessor:
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To enhance the car's torsional rigidity and also reinforce the body's resistance in the case of a rollover, the bulkhead between the rear bench seat and the boot is now a one-piece, fully-welded panel which is attached strongly to the body sides.
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Also to enhance torsional stiffness, the sills have been stiffened thanks to the use of larger cross sections and the incorporation of additional strengthening and inserts.
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The rear seat floor cross member has been strengthened across its full length, thanks notably to the use of angle brackets at either end. This work has helped improve protection in side-on collisions.
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For optimal protection in a rollover, the A-post/windscreen pillar assembly has been reinforced and made more rigid by means of a hydro-formed 35mm-diameter, 3.5mm-thick, very high elastic limit (VHEL) steel tube incorporated into the windscreen pillar. Further protection is provided by a thick-gauge stiffener.
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To prevent powertrain components from penetrating into the cabin in a head-on collision, the front structure underneath the engine has also been reinforced.
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A double floor has been added at the front to contribute to the body's overall structural rigidity.
Other systems designed to help prevent serious injury in the case of a major head-on collision are the deformable steering wheel, collapsible steering column and retractable brake pedal, plus extensive padding to help absorb impact energy.
In the case of a rollover, occupants are protected by the survival cell which is formed by the A-post/windscreen pillar assembly at the front and the rollover hoops at the rear. Located just behind the rear head rests, the pyrotechnic rollover hoops deploy automatically should an imminent rollover be detected.
These systems are designed to work in conjunction with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3) which takes into account impact force and occupant build, and which is based on the combined action of the following safety features:
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the seat belt pretensioners restrict forward movement of the body by tightening the seat belt against the thorax and groin, while load limiters reduce the pressure applied by the belt to the thorax,
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the dual-volume adaptive front airbags deploy by just the right amount to round off the absorption of impact energy,
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the anti-submarining airbags located in the front seat cushions restrict forward movement and rotation of the pelvis. Along with the pretensioners, they help optimize protection against submarining, whereby the pelvis has a tendency to slide beneath the seat belt's lap strap, a phenomenon that can produce sometimes serious abdominal lesions in a collision.
Impact from the side is a leading cause of fatal injuries in built-up areas, so New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet benefits from specific work in this area. Like New Mégane Hatchback and New Mégane Coupé, it incorporates features first seen on Laguna III:
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double side-impact sensors, which halve the time required to trigger the deployment of the lateral airbags,
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dual-chamber head/thorax/groin airbags, which adjust the maximum load exerted as a function of the morphological strength of each of these three parts of the body. Lateral airbags are housed in the front seats.
Meanwhile, the fixation rods of the new generation headrests slide within the headrest and no longer within the upper part of the seatback to ensure enhanced protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of impact from the rear. The rods no longer form a rigid element in the seat and this allows the occupant's back to sink up to 60mm into the curved, frameless seatback following an impact, resulting in less movement of the head and thorax.
The rear seats are equipped as standard with safe, easy-to-use two-point Isofix child seat anchorage. If a universal child seat is attached to the front passenger seat, the anti-submarining airbag is disconnected at the same time as the passenger airbag.
v. A SPORTY TOUCH THANKS TO GT LINE AND GT VERSIONS
The New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet line-up includes two specifically sporty versions: Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT Line and Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT Line
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT Line takes the form of an option pack available for Dynamique equipment level versions powered by core-range engines.
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT Line combines sporty features with economical, environmentally-respectful performance.
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT Line sports a bespoke front bumper with sculpted anthracite-coloured recesses in which the foglamps are set. The windscreen frame and cockpit surround are also picked out in this anthracite colour. The rear bumper incorporates an aerodynamic diffuser, while 'GT Line' badging features on the grille and boot-lid. New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT Line's sporty looks are rounded off by 17-inch ‘Celsium’ aluminium alloy wheels.
Inside, 'GT Line' badging is visible on the head rests and dashboard trim strip, with aluminium pedal covers and analogue rev-counter adding further sporty touches.
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT
The Renault Sport Technologies-developed GT version packs styling cues and a level of driving enjoyment that take their inspiration from those delivered by Mégane Renaultsport 250.
The Renaultsport-badged Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT boasts the same styling details as the GT Line version, plus specific features such as 18-inch dark metal ‘Jetow’ aluminium alloy wheels and the thick-rimmed, leather-trimmed steering wheel (with built-in thumb-rests) from Mégane Renaultsport 250.
In addition to its looks, New Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet GT boasts genuine sports performance thanks to:
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an exclusive choice of two powerful, high performance engines (TCe 180 and dCi 160);
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a Renault Sport Technologies-developed chassis based on the ‘sport’ chassis available for Mégane Coupé;
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sportier calibration of the electric power steering (the steering ratio is 16:1 compared to 17:1 in the case of the standard version);
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high performance Dunlop Sport Maxx TT 225/40 ZR18 tyres, as fitted to Mégane Renaultsport 250;
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upgraded brakes, with 296mm-diameter ventilated front discs and the same master cylinder as Mégane Renaultsport 250
To register your interest in the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet visit your nearest Ness Motors showroom.