THE wind of change has blown through the halls of automotive styling.
Gone are the days when the design police deemed the convertible a thing of the history books and in has come a raft of folding hardtops and ragtops that take the breath away.
Some of the best lookers come from France and there is a ding-dong sales battle going on between two folding top models which are desperately trying to upstage each other on the driveways of Britain.
One is the Peugeot 307cc and the other is the Renault Megane Cabriolet/Coupe which appeal to the same type of customer.
I tested the Peugeot a few weeks ago, so it was with interest that I took delivery of its Renault competitor which was the popular 2.0 Privilege VVT 136 manual version.
The first thing that strikes you about cars like this is that they will probably eventually do away with the canvas hood. Changing from a coupe to a cabriolet is done at the touch of a button and it only takes around 20 seconds.
Just think about it. Anybody who has had worries over in-car security posed by rag-tops can now have the best of both worlds - a solid-topped coupe with all its security benefits with a roof which tucks away to offer the very best of wind-in-the-hair motoring
It is difficult to imagine that such a hefty roof as this can fold back, but it does so with ease and still leaves a respectable amount of boot space. The Megane's roof has a special difference - it is the first of the folding glass roofs in its class and it comes as standard.
This is a full four seater, although the rear legroom is not the finest.
On the road the Coupe-Cabriolet is like most other Renaults, a very satisfying drive and the comfort is enhanced by handling that would do credit to a sports car.
In Privilege specification, the Megane has no key - just a credit card-like device that you just have to keep in your pocket. When you are near the car it opens automatically and as long as the card is near the sensor all you do is push a button to start or stop the engine.
The engine gives a smooth power flow fed via a six-speed box. All in all this is a formidable contender in its class.
Asked to choose betwen it and the Peugeot I would have to say that it is all down the whether you like Renaults or Peugeots. They are both as good as each other.
FAST FACTS
Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet 2.0 VVT Privilege
Price: £19,320
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: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust