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