Limited edition Renault Megane CC drops in

RENAULT has introduced a limited edition version of its Megane Coupe-Cabriolet with extra equipment and styling flourishes, just in time for the Australian summer.

The drop-top – dubbed Floride – is priced from $45,990, plus on-road costs, and Renault said in a release that just 33 examples will be available for the Australian market, with each featuring a numbered build plate.

Renault's pricing places it above the base CC that starts at $38,490 and the GT-Line that is priced from $43,990.

The French car-maker has made a few additions to give the limited-edition variant a more premium look and feel, including the use of Diamond Black metallic paint for the body and contrasting ivory paint touches on the mirror caps and on the windscreen surround.

The ivory theme also continues around the window sills and across the roof cover at the rear, while in the cabin a special dark leather upholstery features with ivory piping and Floride branding.

Further enhancements to the interior of the CC include a two-tone black/ivory leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the dash features an ivory strip with a chrome Floride badge.

Standard gear includes dual-zone climate control, Renault's hands-free key card, electrically folding external mirrors, heated front seats, a wind-deflector net, a glass wind deflector and 17-inch alloy wheels finished in black paint.

It also includes cruise control with a speed limiter, digital speedo, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a seven-inch high-definition touchscreen with R-Link integrated sat-nav, and a four-speaker, four-tweeter Arkamys audio system with 3D sound.

Power comes from the same 103kW/195Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Fuel use is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres and the Floride can carry 417 litres of luggage in the cargo area when the roof is up, but this shrinks to 211 litres when the glass roof is folded away.

The CC arrived as a part of the facelifted Megane range that lobbed in the middle of the year and it competes with other mid-range drop-tops such as the Mini Cooper Cabrio, from $40,350 plus ORCs and the Mazda MX-5 that starts at $47,280.

Last month Renault sold 40 CCs, which represented a 48.1 per cent jump over the same month in 2013, but year to date it is sitting on 105 units, the exact same number it sold in the first ten months of last year.

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the Megane Coupe-Cabriolet Floride will appeal to sun-loving buyers that want to stand out from the crowd.

“Our research tells us that many convertible buyers seek a vehicle that makes a discrete, yet unique visual statement,” he said.

“The Floride will certainly appeal to style-conscious customers who are keen on luxury and appreciate the attraction of something a little bit different.

“And with the security of a folding glass roof, it only takes a few seconds to convert the car from an all-weather Coupé to a sun-loving Cabriolet, so you can make the most of the beautiful summer weather.”