Topless French Beauty (Renault Megane 16v 1.6 Cabriolet)

Member Name: JCee

Product:	Renault Megane 16v 1.6 Cabriolet
Date:	28/05/01 (1313 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use hood, Pacy engine, Great handling

Disadvantages: Bad rear visibility, Schizo gearbox, Minimal rear passenger space

I'm usually someone who suffers from the "maybe I could've bought something better" syndrome but with this car I know I couldn't have done better. The Megane Cabriolet is simply fantastic. Firstly, the interior. Build quality rivalling any German car is what you'll find but with the advantage of having French style and practicality. The dash and layout is nice to look at and simple to use and the steering is height adjustable. The remote control for the stereo makes life easy but there are perhaps almost too many controls on it. The upholstery is tough yet attractive and the seats are comfortable and adjustable in a number of ways including lumbar support. Its the first car that I've driven long distance without feeling like a zombie at the other end. Space for rear passengers is limited though and long journeys in the back would be uncomfortable for two adults. The only major moan about the interior is that rearward vision is not great due to the plastic rear window on the hood. While its okay during the day, night time visibility is poor and bad weather visibility is almost non existent.

Onto the exterior. Simply amazing. Few cars in this class and price bracket look as good as the Megane Cabriolet. But not only does it look good but the quality of the finish is better than you would expect for the price. The main question however that anyone will ask about a Cabriolet is about the hood. On my model (Expression) the hood is manual which is usually a chore but its no such thing with this car. I was amazed when I first bought it to find how easy it is. All you do is twist a handle and push up the front of the hood, pull up the back which automatically opens the stowing compartment and push it in. Its so easy you only need to use one hand to do the whole thing.

The thing that tops off this car is its engine and drivability. I'm still surprised by how quick this car is for a 1.6, even with 16 valves. Acceleration is
superb from start and low to medium speeds although at high speeds (70+) it does feel a little sluggish. Handling is superb and you feel so in control in cornering and at speed and there is very little roll due to a ride that is maybe a little too firm for town driving but is great for motorway and country trips. The gearbox suffers from a spit personality with it being cluncky to change from first and second but very smooth through the rest and the clutch is surprisingly heavy. While Renault promise almost 40 miles a gallon I've not had this kind of fuel efficiency so far, in fact I'd say 30 is the best I've had.

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