A Hidden Treasure at the Scrapyard: The 2007 Renault Mégane Coupé Cabriolet
In the early 2000s, European car shoppers were captivated by the allure of hardtop convertibles based on affordable compact cars. Now, in the scrapyards of the United Kingdom, these once-popular vehicles can be found in abundance. Intrigued by this phenomenon, I embarked on a journey to northern England to document some of these hidden treasures. From my previous articles highlighting the 2006 Peugeot 307 CC and the 2005 Vauxhall Tigra TwinTop, it is now time to turn our attention to the open-air marvel that is the Renault Mégane.
The Mégane made its debut in showrooms as a 1996 model, with the first generation being based on the platform of the Renault 19. However, it was the second-generation Mégane II, introduced in 2003, that truly captured automotive enthusiasts’ hearts. This iteration utilized the same Renault-Nissan platform found in models such as the Sentra and Rogue.
What sets the Mégane II Coupé Cabriolet apart from its hatchback counterpart is its unique design. While only a few front body components are shared between the two, it is the rear half that truly shines. In fact, BYD, a Chinese automaker, was so captivated by its beauty that they emulated it for their S8 convertible, even borrowing elements from the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.
Under the hood of the 2007 Mégane, one could find an array of straight-four engines powering the front wheels. From petrol engines ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 liters in displacement to diesel options between 1.5 and 2.0 liters, there was something for everyone. The particular model I encountered was equipped with a 1.6-liter petrol engine, delivering a respectable 116 horsepower. Accompanying this powerplant was a five-speed manual transmission, although six-speed manuals and four-speed automatics were also available.
When Copart, the owner of the U-Pull-It yard in York, attempted to auction off this Mégane, it had accumulated 84,989 miles on the odometer and suffered minor rear body damage. However, the interior remained in excellent condition at that time. The front body components, on the other hand, were in great shape and quickly snatched up by scrapyard shoppers.
As I explored the Mégane’s interior, I stumbled upon an interesting tidbit unrelated to the car itself. It appears that air fresheners differ across English-speaking regions. In this part of the world, Little Trees are the popular choice. Meanwhile, areas with Latin-derived languages often opt for Arbres Magiques, and those who speak Germanic, Scandinavian, Slavic, or Baltic languages (in addition to English) tend to favor Wunder-Baums.
One notable feature of the Mégane Coupé Cabriolet is its large moonroof, even when the convertible top is up. This allows for an airy and spacious feel within the cabin, enhancing the overall driving experience.
In conclusion, the 2007 Renault Mégane Coupé Cabriolet is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered in the scrapyards of the United Kingdom. With its unique design, versatile engine options, and captivating features, it is a testament to the allure of hardtop convertibles. So, if you ever find yourself perusing a scrapyard in search of automotive gems, keep an eye out for this remarkable piece of European automotive history.