Renault Talisman unveiled to replace Laguna: it's the Passat from Paris

10:19 AM Unknown 0 Comments

Renault has today unveiled its new contribution to the executive saloon market with the Talisman. Essentially the replacement for the slow-selling Laguna, the Talisman will go on sale later in 2015 after its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

But while you'll see it at the giant German expo on 17 September 2015, you won't see it at your local Renault dealership in the UK or Ireland. There are no plans for the Talisman to go on sale in right-hand drive, as Renault continues to operate a pared-back sales strategy over here.

Renault Talisman: the lowdown

The Talisman represents a definite move upmarket, according to Paris. Yes, you read that right. It's designed to be Renault's executive saloon (and estate) as the crowning model in its range alongside the reinvented, more crossover-inspired Espace. Five different trim levels will be available, mated to two petrols and three diesel engines.

Stretching from entry Life trim to the more luxurious Initiale Paris trim (see below), the plushest Talisman models feature an 8.7in interactive screen, Bose surround sound and 19in alloys.

Engines include the Energy TCe 150 or 200 petrol turbos, which feature a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and Energy dCi diesels in 110, 130 or 160 tune and with a six-speed dual-clutch 'box. No official specifications have been released yet, but Renault claims low running costs, fuel consumption and CO2 figures.


Sounds like a Passat from Paris!

Quite so. The styling looks decidedly Germanic from the first official photos issued today. But commercial reality dictates that the more idiosyncratic, French-flavoured execs of the past decades - think Vel Satis and Avantime - haven't worked, so they've had to stick with a more formulaic interpretation of modern mainstream luxury.

Could this really be a German saloon competitor? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.

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