The Renault Megane II Coupe-Cabriolet (CC) 2.0 16V, producing 135 horsepower with an automatic transmission, was a variant of the second-generation Megane produced between 2004 and 2005. This model represented a mid-range offering within the Megane CC lineup, positioned above the base 1.6L engine and below the more performance-oriented 2.0L Turbo variants. It aimed to provide a balance of comfort, style, and reasonable performance for buyers seeking an open-top experience. The Megane II CC, built on the Renault-Nissan C platform (also known as the 1HX0 platform), was notable for its folding hardtop roof, a feature that distinguished it from traditional soft-top convertibles.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic is the Renault F4R engine, a 1998cc (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated design, meaning it does not utilize a turbocharger or supercharger. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high output for a naturally aspirated engine of its displacement. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports.
The F4R engine is known for its robustness and relatively simple design, making it generally reliable. The 135 hp peak power is achieved at 5500 rpm, while the maximum torque of 191 Nm (140.87 lb-ft) is delivered at 3750 rpm. This torque curve provides decent mid-range pull, suitable for everyday driving. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.8:1. Oil capacity is 5.4 liters (5.71 US quarts / 4.75 UK quarts) and coolant capacity is 6.5 liters (6.87 US quarts / 5.72 UK quarts).
Paired with the F4R engine is a four-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, while providing convenience, is a key differentiator from the available five-speed manual gearbox. The four-speed automatic, while adequate for the engine’s power output, lacks the efficiency and responsiveness of more modern automatic transmissions with a greater number of gears. Gear ratios are tuned for comfortable cruising rather than outright performance.
Engine Code Specifics
The F4R engine code encompasses several variations, but the version used in the Megane II CC 2.0 16V typically falls within the range of F4R 770 or similar designations. These codes denote minor variations in engine management systems and components. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic is characterized by smooth, comfortable cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11.5 seconds, and 0-60 mph is achieved in around 10.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 200 km/h (124.27 mph). While not a sports car, the engine provides sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers and maintaining highway speeds.
Compared to the manual transmission version of the same engine, the automatic suffers a slight performance penalty due to the inherent losses in the torque converter and the less-than-optimal gear ratios. The manual transmission allows for more precise control and quicker acceleration. The 2.0L Turbo variants, with significantly more power and torque, offer a considerably more engaging and dynamic driving experience. However, the automatic transmission provides a more relaxed and user-friendly experience, particularly in urban traffic.
The weight-to-power ratio is 10.4 kg/hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable, but not exceptional, power-to-weight balance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, central locking, and an audio system. Safety features such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) were standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, although leather options were available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was typical of Renault designs of the period, with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use.
Optional extras included leather upholstery, upgraded audio systems, automatic climate control, and parking sensors. The availability of specific options varied depending on the market and the dealer. The CC trim level itself added the signature folding hardtop roof, which was electrically operated and came with a heated rear window.
Chassis & Braking
The Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This suspension setup provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power steering, offering light and precise control. Tire size is 205/55 R16, mounted on 6.5J x 16 inch wheel rims.
The chassis was reinforced compared to the standard Megane hatchback to compensate for the removal of the fixed roof, ensuring adequate structural rigidity. The curb weight of the vehicle is 1410 kg (3108.52 lbs), with a maximum weight of 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 455 kg (1003.1 lbs).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a stylish and comfortable coupe-cabriolet. It was praised for its folding hardtop roof, which offered better security and weather protection than a traditional soft-top. However, the four-speed automatic transmission was often criticized for its lack of responsiveness and efficiency. Fuel economy was rated at 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg / 33.6 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 201 g/km.
Compared to other trims in the Megane CC lineup, the 2.0 16V Automatic offered a good compromise between performance and fuel economy. The 1.6L engine was more fuel-efficient but lacked sufficient power for spirited driving, while the 2.0L Turbo variants offered significantly more performance but at the cost of increased fuel consumption and a higher price tag. The Megane II CC competed with other coupe-cabriolets such as the Peugeot 307 CC and the Ford Focus CC.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Megane |
| Generation | Megane II CC |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 16V (135 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2004 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe – Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.5 l/100 km (20.5 US mpg / 24.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg / 42.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg / 33.6 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 201 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 135 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 191 Nm @ 3750 rpm (140.87 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F4R |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1410 kg (3108.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1865 kg (4111.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 190 l (6.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Length | 4355 mm (171.46 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2026 mm (79.76 in.) |
| Height | 1404 mm (55.28 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2522 mm (99.29 in.) |
| Front track | 1518 mm (59.76 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1514 mm (59.61 in.) |
| Front overhang | 842 mm (33.15 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 991 mm (39.02 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
Legacy
The Renault Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic, while not a particularly rare or collectible model, remains a reasonably popular choice in the used car market. The F4R engine is known for its durability, and with proper maintenance, can provide many years of reliable service. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limitations of the four-speed automatic transmission and the potential for age-related issues with the folding hardtop mechanism. Parts availability is generally good, and the car’s relatively simple design makes it relatively easy to maintain. The Megane II CC 2.0 16V Automatic represents a solid, if unspectacular, entry into the world of affordable coupe-cabriolets.
