Full details of the new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet have been released, ahead of going on sale in July.

The new Renault Megane CC – which made its debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show – features a novel two-piece, full-length folding glass roof, which can be raised or lowered in 21 seconds.

The dark glazing is framed by black metal spars, which give the impression of an all-glass structure, which looks lighter and less bulky.

A fixed glass wind deflector is positioned behind the back-seat headrests, which Renault claims enables all four occupants to enjoy “draught-free driving” at speeds of up to 56mph, as part of an “open-air experience”.

The four-seater Megane CC will be available with a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines.

Petrol options are either a 1.4- or 2-litre engine, the latter of which is available in 138bhp or 178bhp derivates. The 138bhp 2-litre petrol engine comes with the new Renault-Nissan Alliance’s automatic CVT gearbox.

Diesel options are a 110bhp 1.5-litre, a 130bhp 1.9-litre and a 160bhp 2-litre. The entry-level diesel is capable of returning 56.5mpg while emitting 130g/km, and is the first Renault model to be available with the marque’s version of Volkswagen’s semi-automatic DSG gearbox.

Renault’s six-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatic transmission improves fuel economy and lowers emissions by up to 17 per cent compared to the manual gearbox.

Full gallery: the new Renault Megane CC

Setting its sights on the premium market, extras include automatic parking brake, hands-free starting and locking, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, daytime running lights, directional bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights, USB connectivity, 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system and an integrated Carminat TomTom sat-nav.

Safety features include a tyre pressure monitoring system, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, a speed limiter, emergency brake assist, ABS and electronic stability control.

The new Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet will go on sale in the UK in July and joins the Hatchback, Coupé, Sport Tourer, Scénic and Grand Scénic versions as the New Mégane programme’s sixth and final body type.

Prices have yet to be announced but are expected to remain competitive to rival the Peugeot 308 CC, which starts at £20,000.

By Rhian Angharad Jones