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The Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet, the first car in Australia to be equipped with a
folding glass roof as a standard feature, has been released by Renault
Australia.
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.
The Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is powered by the same 2.0-litre petrol engine
found in the Mégane Hatch vehicles and is available in Australia in one highly
specified variant.
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, headlamps and bonnet are carried across from Mégane
Hatch. The coupé-cabriolet has specially shaped front wings to extend the body
sides and emphasize the car’s slenderness. The absence of door pillars or side
trim strips also contributes to its refined character and flowing lines.
Inside, the light and airy interior ambience 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 roof, developed by Karmann, offers
many advantages on Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet. It ensures permanent contact with the
world outside and, combined with the pillarless door design, promotes enhanced
all-round visibility. The feeling of enclosure inherent in conventional coupés
and cabriolets is a thing of the past.
In addition, the roof guarantees both acoustic and thermal comfort through
the use of 3.15mm thick Venus 40 heat reflective glass and a sliding sunshade. A
heated rear window and the elimination of the 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 takes just 22 seconds.
The Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is generously equipped and boasts leather
upholstery, 16 inch alloy wheels, automatic light sensitive headlamps, automatic
rain sensitive wipers, Renault’s keyless card and remote central locking system,
CD player and radio with six speakers and satellite controls, electric door
mirrors, four electric windows with one-touch opening and soft foam covered
safety hoops as standard features.
An optional LX pack adds 17 inch alloy wheels and a six speaker, six CD
in-dash stacker.
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet provides four seats and interior space which is
considerable for a coupé-cabriolet. The front seats have been lowered by 24mm
(compared with Mégane Hatch) to ensure a sporting driving position and
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.
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet provides the largest luggage space in its class with a
volume of 490 litres in coupé configuration, while the cabriolet offers a handy
volume of 190 litres.
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 confirms the progress made by Renault in the area of
passive safety, with the 1.6-litre European model claiming five stars in the
Euro NCAP crash tests and being ranked as the safest vehicle in its class. 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 six airbags, including two
anti-submarining airbags beneath the cushions of the front seats, provide
occupants with optimum protection.
ABS brakes with electronic braking distribution and Emergency Brake Assist
are standard.
A six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission,
variable-assist electric steering and the stability and accuracy of suspension
movement ensure genuine driving pleasure.
The Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will be priced from $47,990* (manual
transmission) with the optional LX pack available for an additional $1,290, and
automatic transmission adding $2,200.
Renault’s Managing Director, Rudi Koenig, said the arrival of the Mégane
Coupé-Cabriolet offers the brand an opportunity to showcase another unique
design from Renault.
“The folding glass roof offers a number of advantages which 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 November.”
*Pricing excludes dealer delivery, on-road costs and optional metallic paint.
The Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet offers dynamic, harmonious design
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet reflects the new visual identity of the Renault
range, with the brand logo highlighted both in front and at the rear.
The vehicle’s taut, thoroughbred lines suggest fluidity and modernity and the
styling instantly evokes all the enjoyment you expect from this type of vehicle.
The streamlined silhouette gives the car proportions close to those found in a
higher segment model, with an overall length of 4.35 metres.
The front wings, windscreen, windscreen pillars and rear-view mirror
surrounds are incorporated into a smooth, flowing design that extends the body
sides and underscores the streamlined look. The slope of the windscreen adds to
the car's dynamic appearance in both coupé and cabriolet configurations. The
arch shape started by the windscreen pillars is continued in the roof-lines and,
in the coupé position, the rear window. In the cabriolet position, the lines of
the boot prolong the shape of the cabin and give the vehicle design an overall
balance.
Only the front grille, headlamps and bonnet are carried across from the
Mégane Hatch.
In terms of perceived quality, the model enjoys all the benefits of the
Mégane program, emphasizing clean-cut lines and meticulous fit and finish.
The windscreen upper arch, which provides a watertight seal, keeps the roof
locked and protects occupants if the car overturns, has been the object of
special attention. The way this complex area has been handled highlights the
designers' attention to detail. The rear shelf, which separates the boot lid
from the back of the rear seats, features a cover on either side to hide the
roof mechanism and enhance the lines of the vehicle.
A modern, sporty cabin
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet uses the same dashboard as Mégane Hatch as well as
the same front seats, although they are set 24mm lower.
The cabin, like that of Mégane Hatch, is designed along the lines of a
cockpit, with the instrument panel opposite the driver and the door, dashboard
and seat controls located as close to the body as possible, making them natural
and intuitive to use. The motorcycle style instrument hood underscores the dial
surrounds and dashboard, while the handbrake is reminiscent of an aeroplane
control.
Midway between a coupe and a cabriolet
New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is the first car in any category to have a folding
glass roof fitted as standard. An invitation to travel with a view of the sky,
the roof prolongs the pleasure of cabriolet driving in the coupé configuration.
As well as contributing to the design of the vehicle, it gives Coupé-Cabriolet
several advantages: exceptional luminosity, generous rear visibility and
continuous contact with the world outside to offer both driver and passengers a
unique feeling of space and freedom. And it does away with the impression of
being closed in that conventional coupes and cabriolets may create.
The engineering and technical development of the roof were carried out by
Karmann, a recognized specialist in the field. The roof is made up of two panels
which can be folded into a V-shape for stowage in the boot. In addition to the
folding roof itself, the roof comprises the side mechanisms for the boot lid and
a hydraulic unit with electronic calculator. The roof and mechanisms are
operated and locked by a hydraulic system.
The total weight of the roof module is 78kg, of which about 15kg is glass.
The modules are made and assembled by Karmann in Germany and delivered to
Renault’s Douai plant in special packaging laid out so that they can be fitted
straight onto the vehicles.
The large glazed surfaces at the sides and rear and the absence of door
pillars give Coupé-Cabriolet a generous amount of rear visibility. The large
rear screen uses a filament-based defrosting system which makes it as convenient
as a sedan.
Thermal comfort is guaranteed by the use of 3.15mm thick Venus 40 heat
reflective glass A sunblind set into the rear cross-member and a gradually
shaded coating surround on the rear screen complete the range of sun protection.
The roof provides soundproofing that is 2dB quieter than a cabriolet with a
soft top. The wind noise that can be heard in a conventional cabriolet is
noticeably reduced, bringing the sound level closer to that of a saloon.
Easy, fast and safe to operate
The transformation from coupé to cabriolet is completely automatic, takes
just 22 seconds and requires no additional latching. The operation is performed
by holding down the switch located above the handbrake control. The four windows
in the doors and rear side panels are simultaneously lowered, the boot lid
opens, and the roof is released and folds into the boot. At the same time, the
rear shelf, which is directly connected to the roof, slides back into a
horizontal position to conceal the openings. The boot lid closes to complete the
cycle, and a beep informs the driver that the system is locked into place. Once
it has been folded, the roof is secured in the boot by rubber stops to avoid any
risk of damage while the car is in motion.
After the beep sounds, the driver can release the switch, then hold it down
again in order to raise all four windows simultaneously. The windows can also be
raised and lowered by a second switch located next to the first.
As well as being fast and easy, opening and closing the roof is also safe.
The operation can only be performed when the vehicle is stationary, the boot lid
closed and the cover which separates the luggage space from the part of the boot
used to stow the roof in position. If just one of those conditions is not
fulfilled, the driver is informed by a warning light, text messages and a beep.
The glass roof also offers added security over a conventional soft top.
Generous interior stowage space
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet was designed to transport four people and their
luggage. The cabin includes numerous stowage spaces for comfort and convenience.
The cooled glove box (a feature linked to the air conditioning system) has a
capacity of 17 litres and locks automatically, in the same way as the fuel
filler flap, whenever the doors are locked to avoid any danger of theft in the
cabriolet configuration. Another 6 litres of stowage space with armrest is
provided between the front seats. The driver and front passenger doors have
stowage bins with integral bottle holders and a 1-litre lidded box under each
armrest.
Strong roadholding ability
Developed on the same platform as Mégane Hatch, this coupé-cabriolet version
has a wheelbase of 2,522mm (which is 103mm shorter than Mégane Hatch) and an
overall length of 4,355mm.
Providing great driving precision, the suspension of Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet
ensures that handling remains little affected by uneven road surfaces or
sidewinds, or during braking and acceleration.
The MacPherson-type front suspension embodies a rectangular lower arm and a
filtered mini-subframe. This arrangement results in high lateral stiffness to
the benefit of roadholding, while absorbing longitudinal shocks for the sake of
comfort. The filtered subframe limits the transmission of vibration and
contributes to ride comfort. The suspension is stiffer and more reactive,
ensuring that it deforms less during cornering.
The rear suspension consists of a programmed deformation torsion beam axle
together with coil springs. Because the weight distribution differs from the
rest of the Mégane range, the front and rear dampers are unique to this version.
The variable-assist power steering is identical to that of Mégane Hatch. It
combines ease of manoeuvring at low speed with precision of control at high
speed. The level of assistance varies according to the speed, with no sudden
change during the transition from one level of assistance to another.
Generously sized brakes
The braking system, carried across from Mégane, has been adapted to allow for
the dimensional characteristics of the coupé-cabriolet version. The 280mm front
discs are ventilated, while the rear discs are 240mm in diameter. Mégane
Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with the latest generation Bosch 8.0 ABS, together
with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (with
automatic operation of the hazard flashers in the event of heavy braking).
Renault’s 2.0-litre 16V petrol engine
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is offered with an efficient and lively 2.0-litre 16V
engine. This engine is equipped with variable valve timing, using a variator on
the inlet camshaft, to enhance driving pleasure and reduce fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions. Other features include a 16-valve cylinder head with twin tubular
overhead camshafts. Roller type cam followers with hydraulic lash adjustment
ensure lower valvetrain friction.
The engine is equipped with a drive-by-wire accelerator linkage to a
motorized throttle valve for more precise control of the engine.
The engine is teamed with the new Nissan sourced ND0 six-speed manual gearbox
or an optional four-speed Proactive automatic transmission with flickshift
selection.
Strengthened body structure
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet confirms the progress made by Renault in the area of
passive safety, with the 1.6-litre European model claiming five stars in the
Euro NCAP crash tests and being ranked as the safest vehicle in its class.
To provide enhanced protection for the occupants in the case of frontal or
side impact or overturning, additional protection systems were fitted to Mégane
Coupé-Cabriolet.
The body structure was strengthened in many areas. Two bulkheads (one lower
and one upper) link the body sides behind the back seat to ensure their support.
A structural adhesive strengthens the bond between the lower bulkhead and the
floor. Unlike the Hatch, the body side is divided into three distinct areas,
allowing the most highly stressed zones to be strengthened. The sill sections
play an essential role in providing beam stiffness and improving the torsional
stiffness of the body. They are stiffened by increasing the thickness of the
outer panels to 2mm. To ensure strong support for the centre pillars, the
shut-panel is strengthened throughout its length with the addition of gussets at
each end to improve side impact protection.
The strengthening and stiffening of the front pillars and windscreen arch is
essential to protect occupants in the event of a rollover. The Mégane
Coupé-Cabriolet has a 35mm-diameter, 6mm-thick tube of high tensile strength
steel built into the windscreen arch, along with a stiffener of considerable
thickness. The unit is assembled together with the front pillars and their
strengtheners and reduces intrusion in the event of a frontal impact.
All front-mounted components are designed to compact into one another to
protect the occupants from mechanical unit intrusion. The steering wheel
armature is deformable and the steering column is collapsible. The fold-away
brake pedal limits the risk of lower limb injury, and foot padding on both the
driver and passenger sides protects tibias and ankles. At the same time, the
curve of the dashboard follows the shape of the tibia and allows loads to be
distributed in the event of impact against the dashboard. Finally, several
padded inserts, notably within the door panels, reduce the effect of side
impact.
Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is equipped with the third-generation Renault System
for Restraint and Protection. This includes two adaptive frontal airbags, two
head/thorax side airbags and two anti-submarining airbags. The latter are
installed, as in Mégane Sport Hatch, within the front seat cushions and replace
the second pretensioner to avoid any risk of submarining.
The front seats are equipped with three-point safety belts with pretensioners
and 400daN load limiters, and with close-contact head restraints. An audible and
visual seatbelt reminder for the driver is also fitted. In the rear, the seats
are equipped with two three-point safety belts with load limiters and
pretensioners.
The addition of a floor strengthening panel with short belt buckle straps
limits the risk of submarining in the event of a frontal impact.
In the event of rollover, occupants are protected by a safety cell formed by
the windscreen upper arch at the front and by roll-hoops at the rear . These
roll-hoops are covered with 35mm thick absorbent foam. The fixed roll-hoops are
bolted to a bulkhead attached to the body. Made from bent tube 35mm in diameter
and 3.5mm thick, they protect the occupants in the event of a rollover.
Specifications
|
Dynamique |
| Seating Capacity |
|
| Number of seat positions |
4 |
|
|
| Engine |
|
| Capacity (CC) |
1998 |
| Bore and stroke (mm) |
82.7 x 93 |
| Number of cylinders |
4 |
| Compression ratio |
9.8:1 |
| Valves |
16 |
| Max. power kW at rpm |
98@5500 |
| Max. torque Nm at rpm |
191@3750 |
| Injection |
Multipoint |
| Fuel |
Unleaded (PULP)) |
|
|
| Transmission |
|
| Type |
6-speed Manual/4-speed Auto |
| Speeds at 1000 rpm (man/auto) |
|
| 1st |
8.37/9.00 |
| 2nd |
13.57/16.36 |
| 3rd |
18.94/24.55 |
| 4th |
25.00/34.55 |
| 5th |
30.49 |
| 6th |
36.04 |
|
|
| Steering |
|
| Type Variable Electric Power assisted |
Std. |
| Turning circle (m) between kerbs |
10.15 |
| Turns lock-to-lock |
3.2 |
|
|
| Suspension |
|
| Front: |
MacPherson type with rectangular lower arm and anti-roll
bar |
| Rear: |
Torsion beam system, outboard attachment points with
programmed deformation - coil springs |
| Front/rear anti-roll bar diameter (mm) |
20 |
|
|
|
| Wheels and tyres |
|
| Wheels (") |
6.5 J16 - Dynamique LX 6.5 J17 |
| Reference tyres |
205/55 R16 - Dynamique LX 205/50 R17 |
|
|
| Braking system |
|
| ABS with electronic braking distribution |
|
| and emergency brake assist |
Std. |
| EBD and Brake Assist |
Std. |
| Front: vent disc dia. (mm) |
280 |
| Rear: solid disc dia. (mm) |
240 |
|
|
| Fuel consumption |
|
| ADR 81/01 (litres/100 km)(man/auto) |
8.4/8.7 |
|
|
| Fuel tank capacity |
|
| Standard fuel tank (litres) |
60 |
|
|
| Weight |
|
| Tare Mass |
1430/1450 |
|
|
| Dimensions |
|
| Length (mm) |
4355 |
| Width (mm) |
2026 |
| Height (mm) |
1404 |
| Front head room (roof up) |
897 |
| Rear head room (roof up) |
819 |
| Luggage compartment volume (roof up) |
490L |
| Luggage compartment volume (roof down) |
190L |
|
|
| Trim |
|
| Black leather upholstery |
Std. |
| Red leather upholstery |
Optional |
|
|
| Colours |
|
| Flame Red (Metallic) |
Std. |
| Pearl Black (Metallic) |
Std. |
| Platinum (Metallic) |
Std. |
| Quartz (Metallic) |
Std. |
| Ottoman Blue (Metallic) |
Std. |
| Pacific Blue (Solid) |
Std. |
|
|
| Safety and Security |
|
| ABS brakes with electronic braking |
|
| distribution and Emergency Brake Assist |
Std. |
| Double Optic headlamps |
Std. |
| Front fog lamps |
Std. |
| Door open and fasten seatbelt indicators |
Std. |
| Driver and front passenger adaptive airbags |
Std. |
| Front lateral airbags |
Std. |
| Front anti-submarining airbags |
Std. |
| Programmed Restraint System (PRS) |
Std. |
| Front/Outer rear seatbelt pretensioners |
Std. |
| Load force limiters in front safety belts |
Std. |
| Height and recline adjustable front headrests |
Std. |
| 2 rear 3-point lap-sash seatbelts |
Std. |
| Rear rollover bars |
Std. |
| Side impact bars and honey combed |
|
| padding in the doors |
Std. |
| Fuel cut off in event of impact |
Std. |
| Spare wheel |
Std. |
|
|
| Comfort and Versatility |
|
| Electric foldable glass roof |
Std. |
| Heat reflective glass |
Std. |
| Roof blind |
Std. |
| Electric windows one-touch down |
Std. |
| Rain sensitive automatic wipers |
Std. |
| See me home function headlights |
Std. |
| Trip computer & outside temperature gauge |
Std. |
| Cruise control with speed limiter |
Std. |
| Light sensitive automatic headlamps |
Std. |
| Variable power assisted steering |
Std. |
| Central locking with Renault Card, |
|
| locks the doors, boot, fuel cap & glovebox |
Std. |
| CD player and radio with 6 speakers |
|
| & fingertip control |
Std. |
| CD player and radio with 6-CD in-dash |
|
| stacker & fingertip control |
LX Pack |
| Climate control air conditioning |
Std. |
| Pollen filter |
Std. |
| Front armrests |
Std. |
| Driver's seat lumbar adjustment |
Std. |
| Height adjustable front seats |
Std. |
| Height and reach adjustable steering wheel |
Std. |
| Leather covered steering wheel |
Std. |
| Leather covered gear knob |
Std. |
|
|
| Exterior |
|
| Body coloured electric door mirrors |
Std. |
| Body coloured bumpers |
Std. |
| 16" alloy wheels |
Std. |
| 17" alloy wheels |
LX Pack |
| Integrated fuel filler cap |
Std. |
| Chrome door handles |
Std. |
|
|
| Anti-theft |
|
| Electronic engine immobiliser |
Std. |
| Keyless car with Renault card |
Std. |
| Renault Anti-Intruder Device (RAID) |
|
| automatic locking system |
Std. |
|
|
| Warranty |
|
| 3 Years/100 000 km |
|
| with 24 Hour Assistance |
Std. |
| Renault 24 hr Roadside Assistance |
Std. |
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