Car Test
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R0288 | |
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See also
R0258
December 2002 |
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| Brief Test | Renault Vel Satis | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.0 Turbo Privilege | |
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Can Vel Satis succeed in the executive sector where the Safrane failed? We’ve thought that 30 grand for the 3-litre V6 diesel automatic (see R0258) was being optimistic, especially as its road manners are outclassed by rivals such as BMW’s 5-Series and the E-Class Benz. Wouldn’t it be more viable, we mused, as one of the less-ambitiously powered four-cylinder models costing a cool £8000 less? Cue the 2.0 Turbo.
The good deal you save is, indeed, a good deal, because the additional equipment that comes with the top-level Initiale trim (standard with the V6 engines) is largely cosmetic. You do, however, get items such as automatic transmission, all-electric door mirrors, sat nav and a memory on the driver’s electric seat. The sunroof remains a £1000 extra, though. It emphasises just how superbly equipped even the Expression and Privilege models are, with little to diminish the quality and adventurous ambience of the stylish furnishings and fittings. The Audi A6 was the benchmark for interior quality, and it shows. What you do lose with the two-litre engine is, of course, the masterfully installed V6's performance, refinement and sublime-at-seventy cruising. Nevertheless, this torquey, four-pot turbo gives a very good account of itself, guaranteeing either smooth, spirited acceleration (with a sporty note to go with it beyond 4000rpm) or easy-going town pottering. It’s also remarkably tolerant of low revs, so you don’t need to call too often on the gearchange that feels light and positive – if a little loose-limbed. What’s more, the long-legged sixth gear gives hushed motorway progress, complemented by low tyre noise and excellent wind sealing. It also aids economy; and thank goodness it does, because only a modest 33mpg results from a steady 70mph cruise, with just a little more when driving gently. No, this big, weighty 2.0 Turbo is no economy car, so don’t expect more than 28mph or so overall – as confirmed by the near-accurate trip computer. But at least the large, easy-filling tank gives a 450-mile range. The Vel Satis’s general conduct on the road has been analysed in our earlier test, and this 2.0-litre version, despite its eager engine, continues to put the good life before ultimate handling. Superb back seat comfort, for example, puts all rivals in the shade. Even so, the ride can be a bit fretful at times, away from main roads and motorways, and the steering is too light and ‘disconnected’ for our liking. The turning circles are good for a big ’un, though, as are the brakes, with a clever semi-automatic parking brake. Safety remains a Renault preoccupation, with generous features throughout the Vel Satis. Indeed, since we last drove the model, it has not only fared very well in anti-theft assessments, but also gained a prestigious five-star rating in Euro-NCAP crash tests. |
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