Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Dynamique TomTom dCi 13021 | 07 | 2011Scotcars rating

As summer hints at returning to Scotland Renault lifts the lid on its Megane CC

Overview

Scotland is a fabulous place to live and the scenery, landscape and natural beauty is even better when the sun shines. And when that big bright ball in the sky does show its face, there’s nothing better than getting your top off and soaking up the rays … especially if you can do it at the wheel of something spicy. In one of those lucky coincidences – unfortunately it didn’t apply equally to that week’s lottery – I found myself the guardian of a rather splendid example of a stylish soft-top in the very week that Scotland was bathed in glorious sunshine and temperatures were higher than the tourist traps of Southern Spain.

The actual model must have one of the longest titles of anything I’ve driven recently – a Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Dynamique Tom Tom dCi 130 – or more simply a drophead Megane. And after a week with the car where the roof went up only at night, I really took a fancy to this French filly. In its pearly white paintjob, it did fit the stereotype of a hairdresser’s car — and I swear this is true — one person who showed particular interest in it, even leaving his salon to cross Glasgow’s Byres Road to take a closer look, was my crimper friend, Graeme.

He is something of a petrolhead and told me he regretted getting rid of his VW Eos but he loved the Megane for its stylish good looks and stance on the road – especially with the roof down. At just over £22,000 on the road, it’s an affordable opening to good quality open air driving.  

On the road

I had the roof down almost all the time but felt none of the usual buffeting which normally spoils a cabriolet drive. I enjoyed driving this car so much that I took an evening drive down the Ayrshire coast past Weymss Bay and Largs and it wasn’t until I turned round at Prestwick just before 11pm that I finally pressed the button to put the roof back up … even though I had had the heater on before that.

The car felt really good and I like the layout inside. Renault really have got their act together, combining French chic with sensible practicality. The test car had loads of toys as standard such as cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, aircon and one of the simplest Bluetooth systems to link in with my mobile. On the road it felt capable and lively with a good sense of balance, if not impressive performance. It’s a sensible but fun car, with superb economy and excellent green credentials.    

Comfort & Safety

The car’s not only fun, it’s practical too and the rear seats are more useful than you normally find in a droptop. The only extras fitted to the test car were an upgraded sound system — which seemed good value at £250 — a removable wind deflector which is an essential to combat buffeting, rear parking sensors and an emergency spare wheel. Everything else – a considerable list – was standard which makes the car great value for money. What’s difficult to put a value on though is the driving enjoyment it provides – as long as the weather fulfils its side of the bargain.    

Should you buy one?

Have fun – and keep your fingers crossed for the sun.

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Alan Douglas