Unruffled open-top from Renault

12:19, Feb 8 2010 Maurice Glover

FANCY driving with the top down but don't like the wind to leave your hair looking a mess? Then take a look at the latest coupe-cabriolet model from Renault. To be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the sixth model in the Megane line-up promises unruffled progress in the open air thanks to the forward position of its windscreen and a glass wind deflector fixed behind the rear head restraints. Unique in its class, the deflector allows all four occupants of the car to enjoy draught-free driving at speeds of up to 56mph - and when it is used with a removable mesh deflector screen located behind the front seats, it provides buffeting-free travel for two whatever the speed. 'We regard our new car is an open invitation to enjoy an alternative way to go motoring,' said a spokesman. Due to go on sale in the next few weeks, the car features a large, folding black glass roof with a high-gloss finish. Sized at 0.47 square metres, it is the largest in the class and opens in just 21 seconds at the press of a button. Boot space of between 211 litres and 417 litres also allows the car to be practical family transport. Like other Mégane models, the new car comes with an automatic electric parking brake, dual-zone climate control, directional bi-xenon headlamps, and a built-in sat-nav system. Power comes from a choice of seven petrol and diesel engines sized from 1.6-litres to two-litres and with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.