Renault Debuts
the Stunning Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet at the Australian
International Motor Show
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.”
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