Review: Renault X84 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (2004-10)

Review: Renault X84.I Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (2004-06)

Overview

Released in November 2004, the Renault X84 Series I (X84.I) Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was a two-door convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. Manufactured in Douai, France, the front-wheel drive X84 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that mated to either a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The range initially consisted of Dynamique variants but was temporarily expanded in 2006 with a limited-run Limited Edition LX variant.

F4R engine

The Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was powered by Renault’s 2.0-litre F4R petrol engine which had a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, roller-type cam followers with hydraulic lash adjustment, four valves per cylinder, a variator on the inlet camshaft for variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.8:1.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the X84 Megane sedan on which it was based, the X84 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was 143 mm shorter (at 4355 mm), the same width (1777 mm), 56 mm lower (1404 mm) and had a 164 mm shorter wheelbase (2522 mm). Compared to the sedan, the Coupe-Cabriolet structure was also strengthened, including thicker sill sections, a strengthened shut-panel and stiffening of the front pillars and windscreen arch. The roof had an electro-hydraulic mechanism which could be operated by a button above the handbrake, enabling it to open or close in 22 seconds without the need for additional latching.

Suspension and steering

The X84 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet had MacPherson strut front suspension with a rectangular lower arm and a filtered mini-subframe and programmed deformation torsion beam rear axle. The Megane Coupe-Cabriolet was also fitted with variable-assist electric steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the X84.I Megane CC included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags with dual chambers for head and thorax protection, front anti-submarining airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, fixed rollover hoops, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners.

Brakes

The Megane Coupe-Cabriolet had 280 mm ventilated front brake discs and 240 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 Megane Coupe-Cabriolet – with a 1.6-litre petrol engine – received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.56 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, the passenger compartment proved to be extremely strong; there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of lower leg injury for the front passenger. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the Megane CC Dyanmique included 16-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning (with pollen filters), black leather upholstery, cruise control with speed limiter, remote central locking with Renault card, steering wheel audio controls, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, power mirrors and windows, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, tinted glass roof with blind, heat-reflective windscreen, trip computer and immobiliser.

The Dynamique LX editions were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and a six-disc CD player.

2006 Megane CC Limited Edition LX

Released in January 2006, the Limited Edition LX was distinguished by its 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, charcoal and red lather interior, anti-turbulence screen (wind deflector) and satin-chrome effect for the dashboard dials, handbrake and gearlever base. The Limited Edition LX was available in Flame Red, Platinum (silver) and Pearl Black metallic paint finishes.

Review: Renault X84.II Megane Coupe-Cabriolet (2006-10)

Overview

Released in July 2006, the X84 Phase II (X84.II) Megane Coupe-Cabriolet introduced a simplified line-up and improved equipment levels. The LX editions were discontinued, such that the range consisted solely of the Dynamique variants. In August 2009, however, the Dynamique was replaced by the Exception.

Visually, the X84.II Megane Coupe Cabriolet could be identified by its tapered headlights, revised grille and bumpers – with larger air intake – and translucent rear lights.

Safety equipment

Compared to its predecessor, the X84.II Megane Coupe-Cabriolet gained electronic stability control, traction control and automatically deploying rollover hoops. As a result of electronic stability control being fitted as standard, the X84.II Megane Coupe-Cabriolet had a five star adult occupant protection rating.

Features

Compared to its predecessor, the Megane CC Dynamique was fitted with four speaker sound system (previously six), but gained a six-disc CD player, rear parking sensors and anti-turbulence screen (wind deflector).

Released in August 2009, the Megane CC Exception was similarly equipped to the Dynamique but distinguished by its satin chrome roof silhouette and two-tone leather interior.

Related links

• Specifications: Renault X84.II Megane CC Exception (April 2009)
• Wikipedia.org: Renault X84 Megane