Metal folding roofs and the DNA from a conventional saloon. This is the perfect recipe for a hot Coupe-Cabriolet and French car manufacturers have found these two ingredients especially attractive. The French are about as good in the kitchen as they are in making these 'CCs', just look at Peugeot and Renault and you'll know what I'm on about, Volkswagen have their EOS but I don't think its as pretty as the French cars. Well now its time to bring back one of the pioneers of the affordable, folding metal roof CC species. A first look at the new Renault Megane CC.

The old Megane CC wasn't really a drivers car. It looked pretty no doubt, but it was heavy, and quite a lump to be honest. However, its main purpose isn't really for drivers looking for a fast ride in the first place. Its for people who want a car to drive on the weekend, with the top down. Even if it meant exposing that beer belly or that bald patch its fine. Because at least he was driving in a pretty car. And in that sense, the old Megane CC did not disappoint. Angular it was, but bold and unique it still is. And that holds true with the new one as you can clearly see. It has headlights which look like they have been cloned from the Laguna Coupe which is an absolutely gorgeous car in my opinion, looks great on the Megane too. And that outward attractiveness seeps inwards as the interior is also rather similar to the Laguna Coupe, looking strangely German, but high quality nonetheless so no signs of skiving on the job there.

The new Megane CC will be officially revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next month and it looks more refined, sophisticated and elegant compared to its predecessor. And to make those who want a nippier ride, the engineers have made its body 80% stiffer than before in their attempt to improve the handling. Doubt it'll work but moving on. The drop-top is 1 second quicker than before, 21 seconds to be precise and there's a wind deflector which is becoming increasingly common these days in convertibles which prevents your hair from being messed up to roughly 90km/h.

As for the engines, its same old, same old.. Not too powerful I'm afraid. But like I said, that's the way this car is meant to be. You aren't supposed to be roaring down highways because this car is meant to be driven slowly so the girls will notice. There will be a 128bhp 1.4 litre turbo charged unit or a 138bhp 2.0 litre petrol engine under the bonnet and hopefully we'll be able to enjoy Renault's new Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) system since everyone is raving about dual clutch systems. Lets see if this one is any good.

All in all, this is a pretty good car to look at. But for the real drivers who want some kick out of their car, this isn't the car for you.