MILDER winters, unpredictable summers - all the more reason to enjoy a coupe cabriolet, especially when the roof is lowered or raised quickly at the push of a button.
The Renault Coupe Cabriolet, supplied for the test drive, came complete with a week of sunshine and, believe me, nothing blows the early morning cobwebs away better than driving to work with the roof down - albeit heater on full blast!
Packed with oodles of extras, the Privilege spec boasts ample storage space with plenty of hide-away compartments including in the doors, under the armrest and in the cooled glovebox.
The boot is quite well sized although this is vastly reduced with the roof lowered. But it doesn't seem to matter, as I don't really see the Megane CC as a family car - although it has room for passengers in the back, their legs would have to be VERY small.
Boasting the top-of-the-scale five stars in the NCAP safety tests, the Megane is great fun to drive. It hugs the road, is nippy and responsive, has distinctive good looks and handles supremely well.
Visibility is good generally, but obscured at the front by the large support pillars.
There is an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and an Electronic Stability Program along with many other safety features, but Renault has also taken the time to look at accident and danger prevention.
For example, the doors lock automatically when the vehicle is in motion, a rain detector switches on the wipers, a light sensor switches on the lights and a tyre pressure monitor warns of any problems.
So it's safe, fun to drive, great on the open road and has bundles of features - all in all the Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet is a pleasure to drive.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Privilege 2.0 Coupe Cabriolet
Price: £19,770
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 34.4
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 196g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust