Renault Megane coupe/cabrio released
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Renault
9th December, 2010
Pleasure-seekers have more reasons than ever to flock to the
Renault Australia dealer network with the release of the new generation Megane Coupe-Cabriolet.
The highly-sophisticated folding hardtop four-seater is sure to be a hit with sun-lovers around the
country, with its new, more spacious interior, distinctive glazed black roof and light filled cabin.
The fast-acting glass roof can hide itself away in 21 seconds (approximately), an action easily completed
at the press of a button.
The new generation Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is the ideal escape vehicle for drivers keen to secure
a high quality, European convertible at an affordable price that can be driven all year round.
High on comfort and low on Noise, Vibrations and Harshness, packed with safety features including a
reinforced A-pillar and pop-up rear head restraints, and structurally strengthened throughout, the new
Megane Coupe-Cabriolet sets a new benchmark for the combination of glamour and practicality, which should
ensure a strong demand from the Australian market where folding hardtop cars have become popular.
Aside from the new generation stand-out Megane styling, the Coupe-Cabriolet gains a distinctive glossy
black glass roof that contrasts with the body colour.
The folding hardtop, with its large rear heated glass screen is far more modern a solution than the more
fragile canvas or vinyl of yesteryear, not only in keeping the occupants dry, but also to shield them from
traffic and road noise.
Renault has taken a wholesale approach to refining the driving experience of the new Megane
Coupe-Cabriolet, by finessing areas that could produce squeaks and rattles, buzzes and bumps, as well as
working to minimise idling noises which sometimes can intrude into the cabin when stationary with the roof
lowered.
Further attention to detail is obvious when considering the boot. Although the boot has to accommodate
the folded roof it is still large enough for week-end bags, and also comes with the lowest sill loading
height in the class (590 mm) for additional convenience.
The new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is offered in Australia in one guise, powered by the Euro 5
compliant 103 kW, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine from the new generation Megane hatch, and matched
to the fuss-free Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed Continuously Variable Transmission. This powerful and
frugal engine returns a creditable 8.1 litres per 100 km.
The 16V engine produces its peak power at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 195 Nm is available from 3,750
rpm.
The new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is priced from $45,990* (Manufacturer’s Retail Price*), and
is available now at Renault dealers around Australia.
NOTE: * Manufacturer’s Retail Price (MLP) does not include on-road costs, such as dealer delivery
fees and the state/territory statutory costs.
The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet in detail
Production
The first generation of Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was a sales success with more than 170,000 sold.
Now the new generation car arrives boasting a high level of standard equipment at a very attractive
price, as well as the benefit of the new black glass folding roof and additional interior space.
Globally, the Coupe-Cabriolet accounts for four per cent of the Megane model range sales but in
Australia it is a rather more popular member of the family.
In Western Europe, the Megane accounts for around 10 per cent of the compact cabriolet market.
The new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet builds on the strengths that helped forge the success of its
predecessor. It brings head-turning looks, plus a genuine sense of freedom thanks to its panoramic glass
roof and the forward position of its windscreen.
Its standard fixed glass wind deflector reduces turbulence to maximise the pleasure of al fresco
style motoring.
The new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is made at Renault's Douai plant, in northern France, alongside
Scenic and Grand Scenic. It consequently benefits from the significant production expertise gained by this
factory since the launch of the first Megane Cabriolet in 1997.
New Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is an open invitation to enjoy open-top motoring, and is an elegant
illustration of Renault's new brand signature, 'Drive the Change'.
Body design
Just like its predecessor, the new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet, has been styled for visual enjoyment.
Thanks to its graceful lines and high-gloss finish tinted black glass roof, the car exudes elegance and a
distinctive style.
Longer overall than before with a longer wheelbase, the new generation car’s silhouette is even
sleeker.
At 4,485 mm long (+130 mm) and with 2,609 mm between the wheels (+87 mm), the new car offers a
meaningful increase in interior space.
At the front, the styling reflects the new generation Megane family look, with its sweeping feature
line across the bonnet.
At the back there is a redesigned, sculpted boot-lid that incorporates the upper part of the new light
clusters.
The two LED taillight patterns provide a smart and instantly recognisable rear lighting signature for
new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet.
Seven body colours are available, including Pearlescent White.
The roof in full detail
A standout feature of the new Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is its large folding glass roof. It is now 10 per
cent larger and, as such, allows even more light into the cabin when the roof is up.
This is now the segment’s largest folding glass roof, with a total glazed area amounting to almost one
square metre (0.47m2 for the actual roof section and 0.5m2 for the rear window).
The combination of its dark tint, gloss black pillars and satin-effect chrome windscreen frame and
'waistline' exude a high-end feel that tell you this is a cabriolet, even with the top up.
This glass roof acts as a symbolic link between the coupé and cabriolet functions.
Even with the top raised, it floods the cabin with light, giving the driver and passengers a genuine
feeling of space and freedom.
With the roof lowered, the driver and passengers alike benefit from the pleasure of open-air motoring
even more than before since the windscreen header-rail has been moved forward by 60 mm compared with the
previous car.
This also gives easier access to the front seats and eliminates the 'cap' effect of longer, more
steeply raked windscreens. The standard fixed glass wind deflector is unique in the segment and reduces
wind noise and turbulence at up to 90 km/h with four occupants in the vehicle. With just two people
aboard, an additional mesh deflector screen can be clipped into place over the back seats.
The combination of the fixed glass wind deflector and mesh screen offers smooth, unruffled motoring
enjoyment at all speeds. The driver and passengers alike consequently get to enjoy all the thrills of
convertible motoring, without the drawbacks.
The roof system was developed by Karmann®, a world-renowned retractable hardtop specialist.
The roof system comprises two glass panels that fold into a 'V' as the roof slides into the boot, the
mechanisms for the boot lid and roof stowage functions, and a hydraulic system equipped with an
electronic control unit.
To optimise the passage of light into the cabin, the tempered-glass roof has been treated to filter
sunlight with a coefficient of 35. A sunblind incorporated in the rear cross beam offers additional
protection if required, while the heated rear window provides coupe-like functionality.
Compared with a soft top, the folding glass roof provides a level of thermal and acoustic comfort
worthy of a sedan, as well as greater protection against vandalism.
The roof's folding mechanisms have been reinforced to guarantee an optimal watertight seal throughout
the life of the vehicle due to an increased number and size of connecting rods.
The total weight of the module is 110 kg (75 kg for the roof, and 25 kg for the folding boot-lid
mechanism). Roof systems are completely manufactured and assembled by Karmann® in Germany and delivered
to the Renault plant in Douai ready to be installed.
The opening and closing of the two-part roof is controlled by a fully powered, electro-hydraulic
mechanism. By holding down a button within easy reach on the console, the driver can lower the top in
approximately 21 seconds. For the mechanism to operate safely the boot divider must be installed and the
boot-lid closed. A dashboard message warns the driver if either requirement has been overlooked.
An audible signal and a dashboard message tell the driver when the roof has been safely stowed away.
A second press on the same button or a single touch on the 'Grand Air' switch on the driver’s door
lowers all four windows simultaneously. A new feature compared with Megane II Coupe-Cabriolet is the
'short drop' function which raises the windows several millimetres into the roof module and windscreen
pillar seals to optimise protection against noise and water.
Interior
Elegant details abound within the cabin, too, thanks to a blend of soft forms, sweeping lines, an
outstanding standard of finish and the use of high-quality materials. The interior resembles the new
generation Megane 'family', and includes the new wave-like dashboard.
Further unique features for the Coupe-Cabriolet include: seats with additional lateral support, a
'butterfly wing' door trim motif, very dark charcoal roof trimming, and dark charcoal leatherette
upholstery, making it ideal for customers who desire a striking, classy ambience.
Entry to both the front and rear seats is very simple. A position memory function makes life even
easier for the driver and front passenger by returning the respective seats back to their original
position once the rear passengers have boarded. Front occupants enjoy a class-leading 1,466 mm of
elbowroom.
Rear passengers benefit from additional reclining backrest angle and an extra 10 mm of kneeroom
compared with previous car. The high waistline enhances the passengers’ sense of protection.
The driver’s environment carries over the thoughtful practical enhancements seen on new Renault
Megane Hatch such as the clusters of controls around the steering wheel and centre console, height-
and fore/aft-adjustable driver's seat (through 70 mm – a segment best – and 240 mm respectively),
reach and height-adjustable steering wheel (through 45 mm and five degrees respectively), brake pedal
moved a further 10 mm away from the accelerator pedal and 30 mm wider for safer braking, centre console
and seats designed to facilitate the easy fastening of seat belts.
Designed to carry four people and their luggage, the new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet offers a
conventionally proportioned, easy-to-access boot.
The boot compartment is generously sized for the category: 417-litres when driven as a Coupé, and
211-litres when the roof is stowed. A full 258 mm of height is available in the boot with the roof
stowed (best-in-class) allowing three cabin cases to be carried side-by-side.
Another new feature is a powered boot closing system for effortless locking.
Convertible drivers often fear for their belongings left on view when the car is parked with the
roof down, but Renault has addressed this effectively with a new large 9.0-litre glove box that locks
and unlocks at the same time as the doors. This means the car can be parked securely with the roof
down.
Chassis
The new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet's precise, reassuring handling and outstanding acoustic
comfort all contribute to the exceptional driving pleasure it delivers.
The coupé-cabriolet version is based on a similar technical specification as the other models that
make up the new Mégane family, but packs a number of specific features aimed at enhancing the
pleasure associated with top-down motoring, with efficiency and comfort as overriding watchwords.
The front suspension is based on a MacPherson-type arrangement associated with the new ‘horned’
subframe. This lay out is engineered to deliver impeccable steering precision by restricting lateral
movement of the engine subframe in relation to the body structure (three times more rigid than the
previous-generation car).
The rear suspension incorporates a programmed-deflection flexible beam, with a closed-section beam
that is both lighter and more compact than a multi-arm solution for equivalent torsional stiffness.
To further optimise the balance between directional precision and comfort, the new Renault Megane
Coupe-Cabriolet's rear suspension mountings employ bi-material bushes, which permit different
hardnesses of rubber to be used for the filtering and transverse rigidity.
The chassis has been tuned to ensure a high standard of ride comfort and match the specific weight
distribution associated with hardtop coupé-cabriolets. The 160 kg difference in weight between the
new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and the new Megane Hatch has led to the following modifications
being made to the newcomer's suspension settings:
- Spring stiffness has been increased by 13 percent at the front (18.4mm/100DaN), and by 17 per
cent at the rear (20.3mm/100DaN)
- The anti-roll bar is approximately 50 per cent stiffer
- The rear beam has been stiffened by approximately 25 per cent
- The dampers have been stiffened for first-class body roll performance.
At the same time, the hardness of the bump stops has been reduced in the interest of comfort, while
the ratio between the spring stiffness and the car's sprung weight is equivalent to that of the new
Mégane Hatch.
The specific roll angle – which refers to the angle by which a vehicle 'leans' when cornering, and
therefore its capacity to corner 'flat' – is 0.41°/ms-2, compared with 0.48°/ms-2 for the previous
generation vehicle.
The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet combines a particularly comfortable ride with exceptional
cornering precision. To combat vibrations and ensure a level of torsional rigidity comparable with
that of a coupé (which obviously benefits from a closed-cabin architecture), the new Renault Mégane
Coupé-Cabriolet comes with bespoke structural strengthening.
This work has resulted in static and dynamic torsional stiffness being improved by 80 per cent and
30 per cent respectively over the previous car.
The electric variable-rate power steering has been comprehensively revised compared with that of
the previous car and incorporates the improvements already seen on the new Mégane Hatch.
These include:
- An inductive torque sensor that is four times faster than the previous optical sensor (0.6ms, compared with 2.4ms),
- The sampling frequency of the steering control unit has been increased (1,000Hz, compared with 420Hz previously),
- The servo-motor band width is broader (300Hz, compared with 70Hz previously) and
- The steering ratio has been changed from 18:1 to 17:1 for the new car.
The steering system's calibration has also been modified to deliver greater driving comfort and a
more natural feeling regard to the feedback of information from the road.
The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet also benefits from powerful brakes, too, thanks to 280 mm
diameter ventilated front discs and 260 mm-diameter solid discs at the rear.
Safety
The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet comes with a very high level of standard active and passive
safety features. These include: ESP, ABS with emergency braking assist, new head/chest/pelvis
anti-submarining airbags integrated into the seats, two 3-point rear seatbelts, new pop-up pyrotechnic
roof arches for roll-over protection.
Active safety is also enhanced by cruise control with speed limiter, auto headlamps and wipers, fog
lights, daytime running lights and rear parking sensors.
Safety is a strategic priority for Renault, and the brand benefits from both its longstanding
engineering expertise in this area and the results of the work carried out by LAB* to develop the most
effective safety systems for real-world driving situations.
The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet benefits extensively from Renault's acclaimed expertise in
the fields of active and passive safety.
An extensive range of equipment is available to help drivers avoid risky situations.
These include:
- Front seatbelt warning lights
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Optional directional bi-Xenon headlights with cornering dipped beams
- Automatic headlight activation
- Automatic windscreen-wiper activation
- Cruise control with speed limiter.
In terms of its passive safety performance, the new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet benefits from the
acclaimed front- and side-impact energy-absorbing ability of the new Megane's carefully engineered
platform, and from the specific strengthening of zones exposed to particularly high constraints, such
as the bottom part of the engine compartment, windscreen pillars and sills, as well as side-impact
protection built into the foot of the B-pillar.
Like the new Renault Mégane Hatch, the new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet's programmed deformation
structure incorporates high and very high elastic limit steels to optimise the absorption and
dissipation of kinetic energy in an accident with a view to protecting the cabin, and therefore its
occupants.
Its specific architecture has called for passive safety solutions to maximise occupant protection in
a frontal impact, side-on impact or roll-over situation.
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The new Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet's body structure has been reinforced compared with that of
its predecessor. To enhance the car's torsional rigidity and also reinforce the body's resistance in
the case of a roll-over, the bulkhead between the rear bench seat and the boot is now a one-piece,
fully welded panel, which is attached more strongly to the body sides.
Also to enhance torsional stiffness, the sills have been stiffened thanks to the use of larger cross
sections and the incorporation of additional strengthening and inserts.
The rear seat floor cross member has been strengthened across its full length, thanks notably to the
use of angle brackets at either end. This work has helped improve protection in side-on collisions.
For optimal protection in a roll-over, the A-post/windscreen pillar assembly has been reinforced and
made more rigid by means of a hydro-formed 35 mm-diameter, 3.5 mm-thick, very high elastic limit (VHEL)
steel tube incorporated into the windscreen pillar. A thick-gauge stiffener provides further
protection.
To prevent powertrain components from penetrating into the cabin in a head-on collision, the front
structure underneath the engine has also been reinforced.
Last but not least, a double floor has been added at the front to contribute to the body's overall
structural rigidity.
Other systems designed to help prevent serious injury in the case of a major head-on collision are
the deformable steering wheel, collapsible steering column and retractable brake pedal, plus extensive
padding to help absorb impact energy.
In the case of a roll-over, occupants are protected by the survival cell, which is formed by the
A-pillar/windscreen pillar assembly at the front and the roll-over hoops at the rear. Located just
behind the rear head restraints, the pyrotechnic roll-over hoops deploy automatically should an imminent
roll-over be detected.
These systems are designed to function in conjunction with the third-generation Renault System for
Restraint and Protection (SRP3) which takes into account impact force and occupant build, and which is
based on the combined action of the following safety features:
- The seat belt pretensioners restrict forward movement of the body by tightening the seat belt against
the thorax and groin, while load limiters reduce the pressure applied by the belt to the thorax
- The dual-volume adaptive front airbags deploy by just the right amount to round off the absorption of
impact energy
- The anti-submarining airbags located in the front seat cushions restrict forward movement and rotation
of the pelvis. Along with the pretensioners, they help optimize protection against submarining, whereby
the pelvis has a tendency to slide beneath the seat belt's lap strap, a phenomenon that can produce
sometimes serious abdominal lesions in a collision
Impact from the side is a leading cause of fatal injuries in built-up areas, so the new Renault Megane
Coupe-Cabriolet benefits from specific work in this area. Like the Renault Laguna, it offers:
- Double side-impact sensors, which halve the time required to trigger the deployment of the lateral airbags
- Dual-chamber head/thorax/groin airbags, which adjust the maximum load exerted as a function of the
morphological strength of each of these three parts of the body. A specificity of this body type is the
housing of the lateral airbags in the front seats
Meanwhile, the rods of the new generation head restraints slide within the head restraint and no longer
within the upper part of the seatback to ensure enhanced protection of the cervical vertebrae in case of
impact from the rear. The rods no longer form a rigid element in the seat and this allows the occupant's back
to sink up to 60 mm into the curved, frameless seatback following an impact, resulting in less movement of the
head and thorax.
Equipment
The new Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is very well equipped as standard and offers a limited array of
optional equipment for the discerning customer. It is now the new standard-setter for this segment of the
market.
The standard Dynamique trim level comes with the following features: Renault smart card key (hands-free and
engine start), Integrated satellite navigation system with joy stick on centre console, Streaming audio
Bluetooth®, Multimedia connection box (Aux. input socket and USB support), high-level sound quality with “3D
Sound by Arkamys®”, dual zone climate control air conditioning, electrically height adjustable, heated
driver's seat with lumbar support, automatic parking brake, analogue/digital computer display, leather
wrapped steering wheel, gloss black electric/heated/foldable door mirrors, tinted windows, folding glass roof,
automatic anti roll-over pop-up arches, fixed wind deflector,17-inch ‘Schuss’ alloy wheels.
Optional equipment includes: Charcoal leather upholstery, bi-Xenon headlamps and metallic paint.
3D Sound by Arkamys®
Developed in association with Arkamys®, a specialist in digital sound processing for the cinema, the 3D
Sound by Arkamys® audio range offers superior, spatialised sound reproduction by taking into account the
materials and forms of each vehicle cabin. The sound can also be configured to match the number of people on
board and where they are seated.
The system includes: - digital sound processing software incorporated in the radio, - eight loudspeakers
with a total power output of 120W (4X30 = 120 W) (reducing the risk of saturation and distortion associated
with listening at high volumes) and of a larger diameter compared with New Mégane Hatchback (165 mm and 130
mm, for better-quality sound) - two dedicated aerials for optimal audio reception.
NOTE: * Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) does not include the traditional on-road costs, such as
dealer delivery fees and the state/territory statutory charges.
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