New name, new happiness. The middle class model in Renault-Portfolio is now called Talisman. The completely newly developed Laguna successor has been available in February in conjunction with the 81 kW / 110 PS strong diesel at prices from 27.950 euros. Standard equipment includes 17 inch alloy wheels, two-zone automatic climate control, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, navigation system, driving mode selection and a massage function for the driver's seat.
The limousine is not lacking in self-confidence. Completely in the style of the current Renault design language, it makes a striking appearance with a striking front including a large rhombus and a long bonnet. The vehicle is particularly impressive from a side perspective. However, the rear end should be a matter of taste. The combi versions (Grandtour) available from June are more likely to please here.
With a length of 4,85 meters, the Talisman is one of the very largest in the segment and is only slightly shorter than the Van Espace. The mid-size sedan not only shares the platform with this, but also many technical components. An 7 inch touchscreen dominates the center console. It can be used to control the radio, navigation and vehicle settings. The number of control buttons could be drastically reduced. Overall, the talisman appears tidy and conveys a more objective atmosphere.
The trunk swallows 608 liters, if you fold the backrest backrests, the value increases to proud 1.022 liters. However, a step arises when you flip it over. The limousine does not want to be a practical loading master like the Grand Tour, but rather scores with comfort. The space available for the occupants is quite decent, but the engineers were not able to fully convert the lush dimensions into space savings for the passengers.
There are three diesel and two petrol engines to choose from. They cover a range of services from 81 kW / 110 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS. The most economical variant is the smallest diesel with 81 kW / 110 PS. This is content with an average of 3,6 liters and is only supplied with a six-speed gearbox. The majority of buyers will probably appreciate a little more power and opt for the 96 kW / 130 PS or 118 kW / 160 PS diesel. The most powerful diesel is coupled to a six-speed DSG, and is optionally available for the medium version.
If it doesn't necessarily have to be a diesel: the top-of-the-line petrol model with 147 kW / 200 PS is a sporty alternative. The standard sprint succeeds in 7,6 seconds, the top speed is specified with 237 km / h. The standard value of 5,8 liters can only be approached with a lot of driver restraint, if you let it crack a little, the on-board computer shows an 9 in front of the decimal point. At least 33.950 euros are due for driving pleasure. If you choose the highest level of comfort, it is at least 39.750 Euro. Acoustic glazing, a Bose sound system, head-up display - as an extendable pane from the dashboard -, distance warning, traffic sign recognition, LED headlights and blind spot warning are all part of the delivery program.
The Frenchman also comes from the factory in the highest configuration with all-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle from 11,6 to 10,8 meters. This increases agility, especially in city traffic. At higher speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front wheels. For example, the vehicle remains more manageable during sudden evasive maneuvers.
With the Talisman, Renault is back in the middle class. This is dominated in Germany by the top dogs VW Passat, Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3 Series. In order to be able to position itself better against competitors such as Skoda Superb, Ford Mondeo or Mazda6, Renault grants a 5-year guarantee. As the most important guarantee of success, the French will be launching the Grand Tour from June onwards. The station wagon costs 1.000 euros more than the sedan and offers between 572 and 1.700 liters of luggage space. This actually makes the talisman one of the big ones in its segment. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)