Renault Megane CC Range Review Covering 2003 To Date

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Quick Summary of the Renault Megane

OVERALL

If you need four seats and folding hard top on a reasonable budget, nothing gets close to the Megane CC. Although serious drivers may well give it the cold shoulder, its talents are a good deal broader than you may well expect. We’d choose either the 2.0T petrol car or the 1.9dCi diesel. Whichever model you choose, you’re not going to make a bad pick. It’s just down to you to make sure the example you choose is up to scratch.

FLIP BUT NO FLOP

Launched within close proximity to each other, the Renault Megane CC and the Peugeot 307 CC seem natural competitors but drive the two cars back to back and you’ll be left in no doubt which is the superior offering. With smarter styling to boot, Renault’s Megane CC is the top of the folding tin top crop. There isn’t a bad model in the range and used buyers will find a wide choice of cars with something bound to suit.
Used Renault Megane for sale

History of the Megane

Although its predecessor was undoubtedly a good looking car, Renault’s Megane CC moved the game on quite significantly when it was launched at the tail end of 2003. With sharper lines, vastly improved safety features and a trio of punchy engines, the CC also featured the de rigeur retractable hard top roof. Initially there was a 1.6-litre VVT petrol unit acting as the entry-level powerplant with the 2.0-litre petrol engine just above it being the most popular pick. Showing their confidence in diesel engine refinement, Renault also launched an economical and torquey 1.9-litre dCi powerplant that was good for 120bhp. The biggest subsequent change has been the introduction of a punchy 194bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine. A 210bhp version of this unit powers the Laguna. In the Megane CC that would be quite something…The Megane’s mid-term facelift showed up in early 2006. More observant members of the public might spot elongated, sleeker headlamps and alterations to the grille which see everything come together in a ‘V’ shape either side of a more prominent Renault badge at the front. Inside, the instruments got chrome-ringed dials with white background lighting. At the same time an automatic version of the 130bhp dCi engine was introduced and the 105bhp 1.5-litre dCi diesel made it into the CC. The sporty-looking Dynamique S special edition models were launched at the start of 2007 with all the other variants gaining extra standard equipment at the same time.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Road Test

Whichever Megane CC you choose, you’ll find a car that’s a good deal lighter on its feet than its key rival. If you’re at all interesting in driving, however, there’s really only one choice to go for and that’s the 2.0-litre turbocharged car. Packing 165bhp from the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine lurking beneath its stubby bonnet, the Megane CC 2.0T is usefully quick off the mark. Yes, your acceleration will be blunted by the fact that you’re lugging a whole heap of electric motors up the Queen’s highway with you but nevertheless a sprint to 60mph in 8.6 seconds is not to be sniffed at for a vehicle of this ilk. Do it with the hood down and you’d swear it was even quicker, the turbocharger whooshing purposefully as it comes on stream. Given its head, this Megane will run on to a top speed of 136mph.Crucially (for Renault) the Megane manages to pip its 180bhp Peugeot 307CC rival in the sprinting stakes and also manages to offer superior fuel consumption and emissions figures to boot. Factor in a price saving of around £1,500 and it looks an open and shut case in favour of the Megane.The 2.0T engine is one that Renault have spread liberally across their range and with good reason. Found in Meganes, Lagunas, Espaces, Scenics and even the Vel Satis executive cruiser, it’s a very impressive installation. The Megane features a strut to help reduce vibrations and a revised manifold to give a sporting engine note on the overrun. Fitted to the Megane CC, it emits 189g/km of carbon dioxide and can return combined fuel consumption figure of 35.7mpg. As you might expect from a turbocharged engine, the throttle response is a little elastic but get used to it and it’s possible to take advantage of that surge of torque when the turbo comes on stream to effect some devastating overtaking manoeuvres. Although still far from an outright sportster, the Megane Coupe-Cabriolet 2.0T nevertheless proves an entertaining steer, the thicker rear anti roll bar keeping things flat through corners and the firmer springs and dampers providing decent body control and feedback.
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Buying a Renault Megane

Renault have tightened up their quality control to very good effect over the past few years and the Megane now feels as well screwed together as many more expensive German rivals. No major faults have yet to be reported although if you are in the market for a Coupe Cabriolet, do make sure that the folding roof mechanism is in A1 order. Some owners have managed to damage the motors by failing to follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions when lowering the hood.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Typical Pricing

You’ll need around £11,450 to get established on the first rung of the Megane CC ladder and this will land you a 1.6-litre Dynamique on a 53 plate. These are often available from importers at reasonable rates although you’ll need around £12,800 before you can get your hands on a 1.9-litre dCi model, again in Dynamique specification. The 2.0-litre normally aspirated cars open at £12,250 although the turbocharged models are still very thin on the ground. Insurance kicks off at Group 7 for an entry level 1.6-litre car and tops out at a manageable Group 12 for the 2.0T car.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Parts

(Based on a 2004 Megane CC 1.6VVT) A new clutch will be about £150 and a full exhaust system, excluding the catalyst, should be around £220. Brake pads are about £40 a set, an alternator is close to £135, and a starter motor should be just under £125. A replacement radiator (with aircon) is about £150.
Used Renault Megane for sale

Renault Megane Rated

Performance Performance 3 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 3.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Renault Megane CC Range Review2003 To Date