This is the Renault Latitude, revealed today at the Paris motor show, which effectively replaces the Vel Satis that was discontinued in 2009 as the largest car in Renault's range.
The Latitude is based on the firm's Laguna and Espace-related A34R architecture, which has also spawned the Korean market Samsung SM5 and Gulf state only Renault Safrane.
See the Renault Latitude from the Paris motor show
It will be the French marque's largest car when it goes on sale later this year. It is 4.89 metres long, 1.83 metres wide and 1.49 metres high.
The car is being billed by Renault as a vehicle that deliver "a truly high-end package that will position it as the spearhead of international Renault's saloon car range". Some sources say that the car is designed to evoke memories of the big (and successful) Renault 25, which offered a purely French take on the luxury large car format.
Read more on Renault workers planning to protest against the Latitude
As such, Renault says it will be sold with a combination of cutting edge engines and high-end options, including a dual-mode air ionizer with double fragrance diffuser, triple-zone climate control, a massaging driver's seat and Bose Premium audio system.
Renault has only confirmed sales in Asia, Africa, Russia, Turkey, the Gulf, Australia and Mexico from this autumn. Company insiders say that the Renault brand is particularly well-respected in many of these markets, which will open the way into the booming large car segment.
Read the full Moscow motor show report
However, a European version of the car will be shown at the Paris motor show, when Renault has promised to reveal more details of its "luxury" interior before it goes on sale in early 2011.
It will not be decided if the car is going to be sold in the UK until the end of this year, but if it is, it will be positioned above the Laguna. But such a move is unlikely. “There’s a less than 50 per cent chance of the Latitude making it to the UK,” said a well placed source.
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Re: Renault Latitude revealed
Why?
Re: Renault Latitude revealed
I have just flown back from a week in Korea on business, there are loads of these Samsungs on the road and it is such a bland car. It looks exactly like the Hyundai / Kia/ Ssanyong etc fodder that is out there and I was struggling to see how Renault will sell any as it will surely just be a Korean car with a Renault badge and a few minor trim changes?
Re: Renault Latitude revealed
Even Korea's latest big cars look better than this, and its compatriot Citroen's cars all look better than this.
Frankly this is a bad joke.