The new model joins the Mégane as the sixth body type and builds on the strengths of its predecessor with features including a large, folding glass roof and a raft of user-friendly equipment.

The new model has been designed for unruffled open-top motoring and is equipped with a fixed glass wind deflector (unique in the segment, says Renault) positioned behind the back seat headrests. This arrangement enables four people to enjoy draft-free driving at speeds of up to 90kph and, when used in conjunction with the removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, allows two occupants to travel free from buffeting whatever the speed.

It also features a folding glass hard roof that gives a transparent glazed area of 0.47m2 to ensure a brightly lit cabin and a sensation of space and freedom. It also guarantees outstanding acoustic and thermal comfort, as well as the reassurance of greater protection from vandalism. The fully automatic, electro-hydraulic opening mechanism of the two-part roof enables the driver to lower the top in just 21 seconds at the press of a button.

To help with entry and exit, the new model features a revised position of the windscreen header-rail, which has been advanced by 6cm compared with Mégane II Coupé-Cabriolet.

Careful attention has also been paid to quality. The new Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet is manufactured alongside Scénic and Grand Scénic at Renault's Douai plant in France and Renault says that it consequently benefits from the experience gained since the beginning of the Mégane programme.

Renault also promises a long list of high-tech features, including hands-free starting, and hands-free locking as the card-holder walks away from the car, automatic electric parking brake, automatic dual-zone three-mode (soft-auto-fast) climate control and the Carminat TomTom built-in sat-nav system.

The model has been engineered for outstanding handling performance thanks to a stiffer chassis and a new electric power steering system. And there is a choice of seven efficient and eco-friendly petrol and diesel powertrain configurations (depending on the market) including the 2.0 16V 140PS engine available with the new continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the dCi 110 DPF, mated either to the brand new six-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) dual-clutch automatic transmission or to a manual six-speed gearbox.

Sales of New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet will begin this spring.