Renault wants the sun to shine on buyers of its new Megane Coupe-Convertible whether the roof’s up or down, with a folding glass roof among the highlights of its four-seat drop top.

With a decent boot, space for four and good looks, we expect plenty of buyers will get the opportunity to sample its light and bright cabin.

The Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet marks the completion of a rejuvenation of the Megane range, with an impressive six models released in just over 18 months.

And it’s quite a finale, with Renault releasing a car that looks as good with the roof up, as it does down.

Most hatchback-based coupe-convertibles are bought on looks, which is good news for Renault as the Megane Coupe-Convertible is the most attractive model in its class.

Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder, but the sweeping lines on the bonnet lend themselves better to the drop top than the hatch, coupe and estate models that make up the rest of the range. The curved glass roof gives a genuine coupe silhouette when in place, and with it folded its neat swage lines help to disguise the extra bulk at the back.

Glass folding roof

It’s the glass roof that defines the car inside too. Buyers of the previous generation Megane CC heaped praise on the optional glass roof, so Renault has made it standard on the new model. It lays claim to being the largest folding glass roof in the segment, and can retract in just 21 seconds – another class-leading stat.

Renault has worked to minimise wind buffeting at speed, and has reduced the amount the windscreen stretches back to improve access to the front seats. A small wind deflector is said to reduce turbulence but, the £150 optional deflector which stretches across the rear seats improves this immeasurably. The result is a quiet and serene place to be at sub-motorway speeds.

Six engines are available, with petrol options comprising of a 130bhp 1.4 and a pair of 2-litres producing 160 or 180bhp. Diesel choices include a 110bhp 1.5, a 130bhp 1.9 and a 180bhp 2-litre.

Renault Megane CC gallery:

Clever turbo

We tested the 130bhp 1.4 “TCE 130” petrol engine; a powerplant that despite its size produces the power of a 1.8-litre engine thanks to clever turbocharging. Around town, the engine is quiet and flexible but achieving its 10.7 second 0-62mph time makes things noisier. A peaky power delivery means it’s important to be in the right gear at the right time, because 140lb/ft of pulling power isn’t always enough to get you out of trouble.

It is the greenest of the petrol engines though, emitting 169g/km of CO2 and returning an average of 39mpg.

We also sampled the 160bhp 2-litre diesel, which offers far better performance and doesn’t need to be worked hard to get the best from it. It’s quiet and smooth, and as the pace increases becomes a paragon of refinement. It cuts the 0-62mph time to 9.7 seconds while the top speed is 134mph. Economy is boosted to 42.1mpg, but emissions are slightly increased to 174g/km.

Like most coupe-convertibles in its class, the Megane’s driving dynamics depend on the position of the roof. With it in place the chassis feels as tight as the standard hatchback, but with the roof folded there’s chassis flex as the car travels over bumps.

Steering feedback is a little numb, but these cars are bought on style, not handling finesse. It is; however, better than the previous Megane CC; and on the smooth roads on our test route around Valencia, Spain, the drop top offered good ride quality.

Dual-clutch gearbox

The manual gearboxes are all six-speeders, while a CVT automatic is offered in the 2-litre 140bhp petrol model and Renault’s new EDC dual-clutch auto makes its debut in the Megane CC with the 110bhp diesel. It’s a well engineered ‘box, offering well-timed gearshifts and, unlike the sportier DSG from Volkswagen with which it shares many similarities, shifts are relaxed and suit the laid-back nature of the engine.

Renault says the cabin is the widest in its class, and space in the rear – although limited – is an improvement on the old model. Space in the boot is good too; with the roof up, it measures 417 litres which is more than the hatchback, but room is reduced to 211 litres with the roof folded.

Access to the boot is improved by the lowest sill in its class, allowing luggage to be loaded easily without having to lift it high over a lip.

As is the case with all Renaults, a good level of safety kit is offered, including ABS and stability control and a number of airbags and pop-up roll bars.

General equipment levels are good too. Two trims will be available in the UK: Dynamique TomTom and GT. Both feature keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity, alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control and sat-nav, while the GT adds larger alloys, sports bumpers, rear park sensors, folding mirrors and GT badging.

Renault’s £21,000 starting price puts it in competition with some real heavyweights, including the Volkswagen Eos, Audi A3 Cabriolet, Peugeot 308 CC and Mini Convertible. But the price is justified in the car’s ability and quality. It’s very good, and crucially, a very cool looking car.

Key facts:

Model tested: Renault Megane Coupe-Convertible 1.4 TCE 130 Dynamique TomTom
On the road price: £21,595
Price range: £21,595 – £25,830
Date tested: May 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne