irishcar.com

19 February 2002: Renault is targeting the Audi A6 and the 5-series BMW with its new Vel Satis luxury car, which will launch in Ireland on 12 April.

The Vel Satis is a new concept in luxury car styling in a segment which sold 1.6 million vehicles in Europe last year, but where sales of saloons is dropping. The segment represents 12.5% of the European new car market.

The company is using the new car to raise the image of the brand in the market and expects to take some 3% of the segment this year. In Ireland, Renault plans to sell up to 200 of the vehicles this year and 300 in a full year.

The Irish versions will have 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbodiesel power units, and will come in two levels of specification, the upper one including leather, Xenon headlights, and a superior sound system. All cars will have eight airbags, as well as ABS with electronic brake force distribution and Traction Control.

No prices for the Irish market are yet available.

The 2-litre petrol engine will be turbocharged and outputs 165bhp, while the diesel unit has 150bhp on tap. Other engines available in some markets include a 3-litre turbodiesel and a 3.5-litre petrol V6 outputting 245bhp. A 6-speed manual and 5-speed Proactive automatic transmissions are available.

Irishcar.com drove the V6 version today in France and found it to be an exceptionally roomy and luxurious car, with the emphasis on bright trim packages. The ride and handling on a 120-kilometre run in mixed roads was impressive.

A full look at the concept and the execution of the Vel Satis will appear here shortly. Book your place in our cyberspace for the most up-to-date reports on Irish and international motoring matters.