04 Mar 08
Renault has firm plans to put a Megane Coupe into production and says that this concept is a very clear preview. It's also a foretaste of the company's new, 'more fluid' design direction.
Echoing the outlines of the Laguna Coupe and 2004's Fluence concepts, the 4.51m-long Megane Coupe's most eye-catching detail is its two-piece 'dragonfly wing' doors, which open outwards and upwards. When open, these give an uninterrupted view of the interior, with its four individual and asymmetrically-arranged seats and full-length central console. The tailgate opens and lifts using a similar mechanism.
The cabin is finished with red lacquered surfaces and black nubuck and leather trim, with a black mesh floor fabric, contrasting with the iridescent grey paint of the exterior. Equipment includes four-zone climate control, a multimedia player with touch-screen controls, full Bluetooth connectivity, and hands-free entry and ignition using a Samsung phone.
The concept has a real-world engine, however: Renault's 200bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre, said to give 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds yet returning 43.4mpg and 154g/km in this application. This works with a six-speed manual gearbox, and incorporates a fuel-saving stop-start system.
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
