Renault Vel Satis (X73). 2002–9 (prod. 62,000 approx.). 5-door saloon. F/F, 1998 cm³ petrol, 1995, 2188 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 2958 cm³ diesel, 3498 cm³ petrol (V6 DOHC). Unable to confront BMW 5er-Reihe and German executive saloons, Renault went on an original path with Vel Satis. Show car from late 1990s was sleek and modern; production car upright. High seating position, apeing Espace minivan in some respects. Not as capable as Germans, but sold on unusual design. Poor ride and handling, with automatic gearbox leaving something to be desired. Same platform as Laguna II and Espace IV. Facelift shown April 2005, with no RHD models from then.

Manufacturing location: Sandouville, France

Marque: Renault | Predecessor: Renault Safrane (1992–2000) | Successor: Samsung SM5 (L43)