ONE person’s dream car is another’s nightmare, so which of those is the RENAULT Megane Coupe Cabriolet to you?

I am a man on the cusp in more ways than one. I love gadgets and buy them like they’re going out of fashion, which they invariably are.

If I opt for a plasma telly I wish I had chosen LCD instead as soon as I get it home and it is the same with mobiles, MP3 players and all of the rest of the electronic paraphernalia.

Heaven only knows what I would be like with a coupe cabriolet car, with such a bewildering array to choose from.

Its that awful feeling you get after weeks of deliberation. You make your choice only to wonder if you should have chosen something else instead.

Imagine trying to choose the best of the new coupe cabriolets in time for summer.

The obvious choice is perhaps the RENAULT Megane CC, which is reasonably stylish, offers four seats at a pinch, uniquely has a folding glass roof and comes with the option of a diesel engine for ultimate economy.

It costs from £17,000 in 1.6-litre petrol form, rising to just under £21,000 for the two-litre turbo and levelling off at £18,875 for the most desirable 130bhp diesel model.

For anyone in search of a decent coupe cabriolet – they’re the one’s with all-weather hard roofs that have an electric mechanism to enable them to fold away into the boot at the touch of a button – the Megane hits the spot.

But what about the Peugeot 307 CC, which is an extremely similar car for remarkably similar money?

Well it only comes in two-litre petrol form and did not fare quite as well as the RENAULT in the EuroNCAP crash tests.

Settled then, it’s the RENAULT. Of course there is always the Vauxhall Tigra or the Daihatsu Copen and there are loads more coming soon including the Ford Focus, BMW 3 Series, Nissan Micra and Mitsubish Colt.

Suddenly a dream decision becomes a nightmare because all of the manufacturers are trying to get in on the act and punters are spoilt for choice.

Nonetheless, anyone who opts for the RENAULT can do so safely in the knowledge that regardless of what else they could choose instead, the Megane is a good coupe cabriolet.

Whose dream car? Those who make a sensible choice and are happy to stick with it.

Whose nightmare? Idiots like me who always want what everyone else has got.

RENAULT is storming ahead with its Megane grand plan, the three offspring soon to arrive bringing the new Megane family up to six members in six months.

A seventh, the Grand Scenic, is due early next year.

It’s a remarkable feat, especially when you consider that the cars are both distinctive and innovative.

The Tourer, for example, is RENAULT’s first estate in the lower-medium segment since the 1970′s and has been viewed as the biggest seller of the trio.

But the coupe/cabriolet has all the signs of being the surprise package, and RENAULT is already revising the 3,000 annual UK sales prediction, even though the car is still two months from launch.

That November date means the Megane CC could still beat its long-expected Peugeot 307 CC rival to the market place and thus pinch customers. RENAULT says factory flexibility is in place to meet any extra demand.

And the CC has weapons aplenty. It’s a really good-looking car for a start, in both coupe and cabriolet mode, the quickly-rising flanks leading to the chunky rear end giving it a most eager stance. Roof on and there’s a lovely arch to the profile.

The top itself is an all-glass first, a two-part hinged construction that is totally-automatically lowered or raised in 22 seconds. Even up, this considerable glazed area means a wonderfully light interior.

A specially-tuned suspension and the stiffened build required for an open-top result in a super-confident, agile performance, while stability and traction controls are available.

Wind baffles mean there’s little more than hair-ruffling for the occupants, even at pace.

Three engine choices are available, including 115bhp 1.6 VTT and 136bhp 2.0 VVT petrol units. But the engine that really impresses is the 120bhp 1.9dCi. A diesel coupe/cabrio doesn’t seem very likely, but this is a beauty, smooth and packing 300Nm of torque at 2,000 revs, while returning an average 51.5mpg. Top speed is 124mph.

Like the two-litre, it is teamed with a six-speed manual transmission from partners Nissan. Auto with flick shift facility is also available.

RENAULT is confident enough that dieselphobes will be converted, and is thinking about adding a 140bhp version of the engine later.

The CC comes is Extreme, Dynamique and Privilege trims, and follows its Megane parent in providing good spec even at base level.

True, it has some weaknesses. It is nominally a four-seater but the back pair are little more than a gesture. In cabrio mode there’s only 190 litres of luggage space (a healthier 490 if you leave the roof up) and the beefed-up windscreen pillars, part of the roll-over protection package, are a little obstructive. But it’s still a gem.

The easy-riding – for long-distance comfort – tourer, and the sporty four-door saloon, both on the long wheelbase platform which will underpin the seven-seater Grand Scenic, are more practical.

The estate is a moderate load carrier (capacity is 520 to 1,600 litres), while the saloon offers 520 litres, good in volume but let down by a poor entry shape.

For passengers, space at the back in both cars is plentiful, courtesy of the extended rear overhangs, and Expression, Dynamique and Privilege trims are available.

Engines are shared, 98bhp 1.4 16v, 115bhp 1.6 VVT and 136bhp 2.0 VVT petrol and 80bhp 1.5 and 120bhp 1.9 diesels. All, apart from the biggest units, are teamed with a five-speed manual gearbox. Auto available on 1.6 and 2.0.

Design is quite conventional compared with RENAULT’s recent realisations, but both cars do the job intended and the new Megane technology ensures they do it well.

RENAULT has boosted its Megane range, both in terms of power and price.

The Coupe Cabriolet, Scenic and Grand Scenic get a range-topping high performance engine in the form of a 165bhp version of the two-litre turbo, which also becomes available in the Hatch and three-door Sport Hatch. The new engine adds £1,500 to the cost of the cars.

When fitted to the Hatch, the top speed rises to 137mph, whilst the 0-60mph time falls to 8.3 seconds.

In the case of the Megane Hatch, Sport Hatch and Coupe Cabriolet, the introduction of the turbocharger has actually improved fuel consumption and emissions.

Economy is 37mpg on the combined cycle, which is an increase of 1.4mpg over the normally aspirated model, while emissions fall by 7g/km to 184.

The new models are fitted with a six-speed gearbox, Thatcham category 1 alarm and immobiliser, remote central locking, deadlocking, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and have a silver 2.0T badge on each model’s side strips.

RENAULT has also introduced a range of new options for the Sport Tourer range, including an electric panoramic glass sunroof at £600 and a Comfort Pack incorporating the sunroof, dash-mounted six CD multi-changer, electric folding door mirrors and hands-free card for £850.

There is also a Luxury Pack, with an electric panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats, which adds £1,100.

More Renault Megane Information

More Renault Megane Information

More Renault Megane Information

RENAULT is set to join the bio brigade later this year when it launches the MÌ©gane Hatch E85, the first bioethanol vehicle to be sold by the French car maker in the UK.

Due on sale at the end of the year the E85 uses the company’s familiar 1.6 litre, 16V 105 petrol engine which has undergone a number of modifications so that it adapts automatically to bioethanol fuel. The main upgrades have been made to the fuel tank, injection system and combustion chambers.

The new vehicles were developed with input from expertise developed in Brazil, where RENAULT has been selling FlexFuel versions of Clio and MÌ©gane running on bioethanol E100 since 2004.

The benefits of E85 fuel are widespread and are particularly relevant for the Fleet market. A new tax incentive sees a two per cent discount on employees’ taxable car benefits where the car is capable of running on E85 fuel, an ethanol fuel based on a mix of at least 85 per cent ethanol with conventional petrol.

RENAULT says it considers biofuels to be one of the most effective solutions in the long-term quest for control over CO2 emissions.

ONE person’s dream car is another’s nightmare, so which of those is this to you?

YOU might think that the vagaries of our climate would make convertible cars redundant, yet the reverse is true.

We buy more of them than anyone else, in our anxiety to maximise what little sunshine we do get, even when we are behind the wheel.

In hotter countries drivers are glad to get away from it, protected by the combination of a rigid steel roof and the coolness of air conditioning.

But what about our winters, when even the most sophisticated of rag tops find it difficult to keep draughts and sub-zero temperatures at bay?

The answer is the coupe-cabriolet, offering the best of both worlds at the touch of a button.

Within a reasonable price range the best of them is RENAULT’s rakish Megane CC, which beats Peugeot’s rival 307 CC hands down in the style stakes.

It boasts stunning looks, and the dual benefits of a steel roof with the ability to become a cabriolet in an instant.

What a wheeze it is to put the roof up or down in a crowded car park, attracting attention from startled onlookers impressed by its party trick.

With prices from £16,500 the Megane CC is the must-have automotive accessory for this summer, especially as it offers four seats, which neither the Mercedes-Benz SLK or SL models do.

Even better news is the fact that it also comes with a diesel option, offering 125mph performance and 40mpg economy.

So far the sort of problems that dogged early Peugeot 206 CC models have failed to materialise in the Megane, which has a completely watertight roof that appears to operate faultlessly.

You no longer need to be a footballer, or one of their wives, to own a stylish supercar, because this really is just like a scaled-down Merc SL.

Whose dream car? Anyone in search of the best of both worlds with an affordable price tag.

Whose nightmare? Anyone who manages to flatten the battery when the roof is half way up or down.

More Renault Megane Information

More Renault Megane Information

A SPECIAL edition of RENAULT’s Megane coupe cabriolet is said to have taken its inspiration from the millionaires’ resort of Monaco.

Quite what the connection is remains a mystery but the car is a stylish offering nonetheless.

Based on the models with Dynamique trim and equipment it gains 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, climate control and metallic paint.

At full retail prices these would cost £1,835 but add just £1,000 to the price of the car.

There is a dark carbon interior with dark grey and red leather trim with red stitching for the seats, steering wheel and gear knob with satin chrome-effect for the dashboard dials, handbrake and gearlever base.

Metallic paint comes in a choice of red, silver, dark grey and black with extra-cost options including a six CD multi-changer and pre-telephone equipment, cruise control with speed limiter and heated front seats.

Prices are £19,720 for the two-litre manual and £20,720 for the automatic, £20,915 for the two-litre turbo and £20,970 for the 1.9-litre diesel.

More Renault Megane Information

More Renault Megane Information

More Renault Megane Information

THE proverbial Full House has always been a hand of cards guaranteed to put a self-satisfied smile on the face of the most hardened poker player.

Now, we have to hand it to RENAULT as the ace French carmaker moves ever nearer to completing its own Grand Slam by upping its Megane range to a sextet in under 12 months.

At the beginning of last year, Megane II arrived in the UK marketplace in Hatchback and Sports Hatch form, bringing the funky, “hey, what’s that look?” factor to the supermini sector.

Having followed this with the new Scenic, which arrives in UK showrooms later this month, RENAULT is now set to introduce another trio of derivatives in November to delight fans of the family Megane. Waiting in the wings are the Sport Tourer, Sport Saloon and the Coupe Cabriolet (CC).

And, as they say, there’s more. Next year the seven-seater Grand Scenic will complete the Megane full house. Sitting on RENAULT’s new long wheelbase platform it will fulfil the French company’s objective of catering for all needs and tastes with no fewer than seven derivatives.

Come November, the long wheelbase platform will make its UK debut supporting the Magane Sport Tourer and the Sport Saloon. The Tourer is RENAULT’s first estate car venture in the compact car class in the UK since the RENAULT 12 back in the Seventies, while the Sport Saloon will join a current growth sector in the marketplace.

Both are comfortable and practical vehicles, full use having been made of the longer wheelbase and extended rear overhangs, providing a cabin which is a nice place to be, particularly on the long haul.

Each of them more than justifies RENAULT’s claim of class-leading room cabinside with rear seat legroom being sufficient to satsify most people’s requirements in both Tourer and Saloon variants.

Load carrying, too, is accommodating although some may find the Tourer could have benefited from a more amenable loading aperture.

Both vehicles boast well-stacked trim levels, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege, all provide a generous helping of kit while the interior fabrics and plastics have that quality feel to them.

The Sport Tourer and Sport Saloon offer a quartet of engine options, petrol power coming courtesy of a 1.4-litre 16 valver and 1.6 VVT with diesel urge provided by 1.5-litre and 1.9-litre power units.

Both cars do their roadway work well, with the chassis set-up and variable-assistance power steering contributing to precise control, while ABS braking with brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and larger sized brake discs and callipers are on hand to provide safe stopping when required.

Prices range from £12,100 to £16,300 for the Sport Saloon, with the Sport Tourer weighing in from £12,350 to £16,550. But, if budget motoring is not an issue, then the real star of the November launch will be the New Megane Coupe Cabriolet.

The Megane CC has a head start over its rivals in the let-there-be-light stakes, the all-glass roof providing a highly illuminating interior, before being called upon to perform its party tricks.

The hinged, folding glass roof is a first in the cabrio field and this clever piece of kit will, at the press of a button, automatically expose you to the elements in no time at all, taking just 22 seconds to reveal all or to return the car to its attractive coupe state.

However, on the downside, things are a little tight for passengers in the rear seats, and, with top down, they will have to travel light as boot space is reduced by around 50 per cent when the glass roof stows itself away, leaving just sufficient room for a couple of medium sized suitcases in the boot.

Unlike some of the genre, it handles in confident style on its specially firmed-up chassis, which combines well with additional torsional stiffness, and the only vibrations are the good ones coming from the sound system.

Wind baffling, too, is well sorted when on the move with the top down. I managed to keep my hat firmly in place during the driving exercise, which hasn’t always been the case in others of the genre.

There are three engine options to power the Megane Coupe Cabrio, two petrol, a 115bhp 1.6 VVT and 136bhp 2.0 VVT, but the real star of this particular show is the 1.9dCi.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the diesel power source provides plenty of mid range muscle while performing in an extremely quiet and refined manner, capable of taking you out of the blocks to 60mph in 10.9 seconds, en route to a top speed, where legally allowable, of 124mph.

On the road prices for the Megane Coupe Cabriolet range from £16,500 to £20,200 and this hugely attractive looker with performance to match should quickly make its presence felt on UK roadways.

The penultimate piece in RENAULT’s jigsaw before the Grand Scenic puts them in seventh heaven next year and completes the full house for the family Megane.

More Renault Megane Information

I Doubt as you sit reading this your bottom is on your mind at all and if it is may I just congratulate you on adopting such an interesting posture.

The frequent human presumption is that the word bottom is being used in the context of anatomy. Indeed, just take a moment to consider how important this part of the body, often relegated behind the needs of the face, hands and feet, is and what a mess we would be in without one.

I am utterly convinced that sitting directly on the hips would be very painful and as we would not need seats, wonder what shape cars would be if they were driven by people standing up. Very tall probably.

Actually, looking at the cubist Japanese market, I fear the future of the bottom has already sagged.

The needs of the sit upon zone has greatly influenced the design of the motor car. Sliding and tilting seats, for instance, eliminating at a stroke the high cost of fitting rear doors.

And never has the motorist’s bottom been so cosseted as in the 21st century car. Seats are heated, have memories and rise and fall like, well let’s just say they go up and down. The Citroen C5 even administers a gentle spanking to alert drivers if they wander out of lane.

Bringing us to the very top of the bottoms. The RENAULT Megane. The car formerly known as J Lo.

This is, without a doubt, the only car ever marketed on the strengths of its derriere. Acres of television advertising wiggled itself in our faces, enthusing on the joys of ‘shakin’ that ass’. An appallingly rough way to treat a donkey.

The latest version has had liposuction and now when somebody shouts big bum they mean you, not the car. Making for a most attractive, in a happy families way, hatchback.

At first glance this may bring on a stifled yawn. The fascia and instruments, for example, are pretty simple and while the six-speed 130bhp 1.9 DCi is swift enough in a straight line, 9.5 seconds to 62mph, it is about as sharp in the corners as a balloon.

No matter, because with huge luggage space and seats for five I reckon you would be looking at this from a dogs and kids perspective. Which makes the price of £17,500 for the Dynamique and a possible 55mpg a key consideration. Tax band C helps, too.

What does hit home pretty quickly is how comfortable the Megane is. Yes the ride is soft but everyone in the back stays happy. For the careless among you, being a RENAULT, it is very safe in a crash.

In this spec you get the basic package including air conditioning, electric windows and surgical support seats to which is added keyless entry, alloys, cruise control and a CD radio with Bluetooth which I couldn’t understand.

The hatch is not built in France but in Spain at Palencia, where Fernando Alonso comes from. I’ve never really looked closely but the ladies say he has a nice bottom. So now does the Megane.