Renault Vel Satis Hatchback 2002 - 2005

The Renault Vel Satis is the French carmakers attempt to muscle into the large executive car market, a place currently dominated by their German neighbours and the land of the rising sun. It's going to be a tough challenge and if nothing else the depreciation costs will prove likely to make people think twice about the outlay. The Vel Satis features the now standard Renault rear that gives them a distinctive and funky look and I have to say I feel that of the whole model range it is the version that carries it off best. The car looks sleek and futuristic and inside the theme of modernity continues. The levels of both head and legroom are impressive front and rear and the ride is comfortable. Long journeys are completed with little or no fatigue. There are lots of storage boxes dotted around the car and the rear provides great access to the cavernous boot. Noise levels are low at all speeds and those motorway miles clock up with deceptive ease. The engine options come in three petrol and two diesel units. Depending upon your preference you can opt for the faster 3.5 V6 petrol model which is the fastest with a top speed of 147 mph but returns a costly 24 mpg or if you're looking for a bit more prudence the 2.2 diesel option will give you 39 mpg and a top speed of 125 mpg. In truth none of the engines are that exciting or economical but they offer adequate performance for the car to compliment an extremely comfortable ride. Behind the wheel the Vel Satis is most at home on the motorway. As a long distance cruiser it performs with style and comfort although it is surprisingly nimble on smaller roads, but it has fallen quite a distance short of the more established cars in it's class. The power steering gives a very light feel and as a result there is little sensation fed back from the road. Cornering is functional at best, in fact the car has the feel of an MPV rather than an Executive saloon. Visibility from the drivers seat is good all round but the height of the car makes it susceptible to crosswind. The Val Satis isn't really a drivers car in the way that many of the cars it's tryng to compe with are. It offers great long journeys and is suited to people who like their driving done as a means of getting from one place to the next. It will be suited to people with enough room in their garage for a city car too as it feels a bit too cumbersome anywhere but on the motorway where it virtually drives itself.

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