Convertibles are an anomaly on our tropical island. Given the oppressive heat, muggy air and unforeseen downpours, it’s amazing these roofless wonders still end up attracting motorists willing to forego practicality for panache. One could say perspiration is a small inconvenience to endure for open-topped motoring.
But even in the face of our climate, you have to admit that a driver cruising in a convertible is still one of the coolest sights on the road.
Renault Megane CC has wider seats and a gadgety setup that includes keyless entry/start, a navigation system and variable-assistance steering.
Apart from the obvious appeal offered by the topless vehicle in question, there’s a certain draw in the carefree attitude reflected by the person behind its wheel. In a society known for its pragmatism and predictable vehicles, convertible owners stand out for opting to be different.
While convertibles in general are capable of delivering tousled hairdos and quick tans on the fly, it is the French-made ones that accomplish this with their trademark stylishness.
Motorcycle-type dials in the Renault Megane CC belie its relaxed nature.
Besides being famous for their cosseting rides, the Gallic beauties featured here are also known for their folding hard-tops – the vital feature that transforms them from fun-loving cabriolets into refined coupes at any time.
Indeed, apart from their good looks, it is the dual character of these CCs (coupe-cabriolets) that attracts buyers. Both the Peugeot 308 CC and Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (we’ll refer to it as the “MCC” from hereon) boast unmistakable designs that set them apart from every other car on the road.
The Peugeot 308 CC still utilises a conventional key and ignition switch, while well-bolstered seats and noticeably heavier steering suit its comparatively sporty character.
The 308 CC is distinguished by its “face”, which is framed by elongated headlamps and a prominent nose (a la Charles de Gaulle) upon which the lion emblem sits. The meaty-looking flanks extend towards the rear and its rather generous fenders, which blend nicely with the wide boot lid and J.Lo-type bum.
It’s a striking car, but it does look bottom heavy.
Chrome rings around the Peugeot 308 CC’s meters boost its elegance factor.
The new MCC, on the other hand, is a perfect contrast to its rival. Taut lines and the right angles combine perfectly to give the Renault a dynamic stance.
There’s nothing quirky about the front end and unlike its competitor, the MCC manages to contain the retractable hard-top without needing to resort to a heavy-set rear end.
Renault Megane CC’s folding hard-top is controlled by a single toggle.
Although looking rather square and lacking the curves of the Peugeot, its compact and perky bum does lend the MCC a more agreeable appearance.
Inside the cabin is where the French lion claws back some points. Though both cars have similar wheelbases (2608mm for the 308 CC and 2609mm for the MCC), it is the Peugeot with the better-packaged cabin, space-wise.
Most four-seat convertibles are never really meant to ferry adults in the rear, but if you must, then it’s the 308 CC with the edge in this contest. Despite their upright position, the back seats are wider than the MCC’s, while their legroom is a tad more generous (not that anyone would still want to sit there for prolonged periods).
There’s also a pair of air-con vents for the rear passengers and power window switches for them to lower the side glass and get some fresh air in coupe mode.
Meanwhile, adults seated in the back of the MCC might need to get in touch with a good orthopaedic surgeon to have a look at their knees, for there’s barely any space unless the people sitting in front are shorter than average.
The aforementioned window controls and air outlets are absent here, but on the plus side, the MCC’s doors are lighter than the 308 CC’s, which makes getting in and out much easier.
Neither the Peugeot 308 CC or Renault Megane CC can really claim to comfortably accommodate two adults in the rear.
Though not as roomy as the Peugeot, the Megane regains lost ground by offering a navigation system as standard. The TomTom controller between the front seats might be cumbersome to operate, but on the whole, it’s still a handy feature to have. The motorcycle-style meters on the dashboard are the only racy cue you’ll find here, for the MCC’s emphasis is clearly on occupant comfort.
It’s the opposite story in the 308 CC, what with its sports seats and white-faced dials.
Renault Megane CC’s 2-litre engine was co-developed with alliance partner Nissan.
A splash of elegance is provided by the chrome accents found throughout the cockpit. There’s no integral sat-nav system, but the boot does have a bigger capacity – 266 litres with the roof down and 465 litres when it’s up, versus the MCC’s minimum of 211 and maximum of 417 litres.
On the go, the cars’ driving characteristics follow the feel of their interiors. Equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, the 1.6-litre in the 308 CC produces 156bhp and 240Nm, the latter figure from just 1600rpm. Power delivery is linear, and pressing the “S” button by the shift gate makes the transmission hold ratios longer for more spirited acceleration.
Peugeot 308 CC’s turbocharged 1.6-litre also does duty in Citroen and MINI vehicles.
Despite the Peugeot’s heavy, Germanic feel (both cars actually have the same 1540kg kerb weight), its turn-in is keener than the Renault and the overall handling is better, thanks to the stiffer suspension.
The MCC has a more pliant ride, though – it delivers an unruffled feel over any road surface. Since sharp handling is not a major concern for boulevard cruisers like these, the 140bhp and 195Nm from the Megane’s naturally aspirated 2-litre motor (paired to an unexciting but efficient CVT) suits the car’s character just fine.
Renault Megane CC’s boot is only good enough for overnight bags.
In fact, the MCC is so comfortable being driven in a leisurely manner, the accelerator pedal even seems to resist pressure the harder you depress it.
Now, on to the “crowning glory” of this twosome. The 308’s solid two-piece folding roof takes about 21 seconds (same as the MCC) to fold and stow, but its operation is smoother than the MCC’s.
Peugeot 308 CC’s boot is roomy enough for actual luggage.
The Megane might lack seamlessness when it comes to roof operation, but it makes up for this by showing its rival what “chic” really means. The MCC’s glass roof is nothing short of sexy – think Laetitia Casta wearing a blouse with the top two buttons undone to reveal a hint of cleavage. That’s what the folding glass roof is like on this car.
So which of these two fashionable coupe-cabriolets “out-glams” the other? In one corner is the 308 CC, with an exterior that’s still attractive despite being two years older than the Megane CC.
Its comparative roominess makes it the superior choice as a grand tourer, while the smaller and more responsive drivetrain is ideal when considering road tax, insurance and fuel consumption.
When it comes to outright style, however, the Megane CC takes the cake. Even though it cannot match the practicality or performance of the 308 CC, it has the traits that glamorous drivers seek.
After all, when you’ve got a carefree attitude, all you really need is a tidy design and a smooth ride, coupled with that alluring glass roof – and not much else.
Peugeot 308 CC 1.6 (A)
ENGINE 1598cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 156bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1600rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 9.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 212km/h
CONSUMPTION 13km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $163,900 (as of May 2011)
Renault Megane CC 2.0 (A)
ENGINE 1997cc, 16-valves, inline-4
MAX POWER 140bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 195Nm at 3750rpm
GEARBOX CVT with 6-speed override
0-100KM/H 11.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 195km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.3km/L
PRICE INCL. COE $150,888 (as of May 2011)
Check out the latest Peugeot 308
Check out the latest Renault Megane Sedan and Megane GT
Group Test: Renault Megane Sedan Privilege 1.5 vs Volkswagen Jetta Sportline 1.4
