Elegant and dynamic, the Megane Coupé-Cabriolet is powered by a choice of 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol or 1.9 diesel engine.

The vehicle provided for the road test was the 2.0-litre Dynamic Plus complete with 6-speed gearbox which saw the car accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9,9 seconds. Not bad at all for a boulevard cruiser.

The new Megane CC has modern harmonious styling, the frontal area being set-off by trapezoidal xenon headlamps which taper into the bumpers and a stronger V-shaped grille, while the air-intake is also larger and has now been positioned lower between wider spaced fog lamps giving the Megane a slightly aggressive stance.

However, it is the interior that had the test team excited. There are electric door mirrors, four electric windows with one-touch opening mechanism and the roll-hoops with soft foam that contribute to the operating comfort.

There are several storage spaces including a cooled glove box which locks automatically with the doors, protecting its contents from theft.

Apart from its purely aesthetic value, the glass roof developed by master stylist Karmann offers many advantages.

The feeling of claustrophobia is a thing of the past, the glass roof ensuring permanent contact with the world outside and extending one’s visibility, while operation is simple and quick.

Opening and closing is performed by an electro-hydraulic mechanism which is entirely automatic and requires no additional latching.

For the doubters, the Megane CC with its glass roof has received a maximum rating of 5 stars at the Euro NCAP tests, the stiffness of the body having been designed to keep the cabin space intact in the event of a rollover, with the aid of strengthened pillars, body sides and two fixed roll-hoops installed as standard.

Six airbags, including two anti-submarining airbags beneath the cushions of the front seats offer optimum occupant protection, while ABS, Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Programme with understeer are just some of the active safety features fitted to the new Megane Coupé-Cabriolet.

The ideal car for smooth open cockpit summer beachfront cruising, the Megane CC returns a combined fuel consumption of 8,2 litres / 100km from its 60 litre fuel tank, making it a very attractive proposition for those who are prepared to spend R293 000.