Renault Latitude test drive since 2010 sedan

Test drive by Renault Latitude: Comfort against speed

For the first time in history, the world premiere of the business class car was held in Moscow: Renault showed the new Latitude in the fall of 2010. Kolesa.ru experienced the dynamics of the novelty, appreciated the comfort of the Class D car, and were surprised how half a liter could be so radically changed by the car, the sales of which will start in November.

Yes Yes! The place of debut of the new Latitude was chosen by Moscow. Moreover, Russians will be able to acquire a model of a French business class earlier than the French themselves and in general Europeans. Before us, this car was seen only by Koreans under the name Samsung SM5, it is sold in Asia. And successfully: 60,000 cars since the beginning of the year - the figure is very impressive.

New classic
In Russia, Renault is doing perfectly - in budget segments. In premium sales results are more than modest, and Laguna did not change the picture two years ago. Why the car did not go to discuss for a long time. I only note that, in my opinion, the success of Logan was not the last reason for our coldness. Thanks to him, Renault is perceived by us rather as a manufacturer of excellent budget cars. However, this is only an opinion

Presenting us Latitude, the French, of course, remembered the failure of Laguna. This is an unusual car body for business class (hatchback) and the lack of automatic checkpoints in lower trim levels. In the new product, these shortcomings were taken into account.

Here it is Latitude. When looking at him in front, Korean motifs are easily visible. Something he resembles an unrelated Chevrolet Epica, somewhat exiting generation of Hyundai Sonata. The car is unpretentious and simple, in Renault it was called a classic design.

The back of Latitude is much more interesting. Maybe because there are more different details here, and they are composed very well. Especially good LED lights seem to be simple, but at the same time an unusual shape.

The salon is very spacious. The car is 4,887 mm long, and although its hood seems huge, the place in the cabin is in abundance. The width is 1,832 mm, three are easily fitted behind. The driver’s seat adjustments are great, you can get comfortable, and only the ceiling with a huge hatch unexpectedly hanging over you: in the most comfortable position from the head of a not tallest driver to the ceiling, only 4-5 centimeters remain.

One word on the letter K
Comfort, comfort and once again comfort, this is what Latitude engineers bet on. Caring for the driver and passengers resembles the relationship to an expensive patient. In addition to traditional amenities (Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, a chip card instead of a key, start-stop button), there is a three-zone (!) Climate control, a carbon filter with a dual-mode ionizer and an air flavor.

It is worth saying a few words about him. A small stand is put forward on the central console, into which special cartridges are inserted. Closer to the front passenger - a simple control panel: keys that regulate the intensity of air supply. There are six options for flavorings in Renault, two can be used at the same time.

Oh yes! Another Latitude chip is optionally a driver's seat can be massage. Of course, this massage is not Shiatsu, but the light tapping on the spine on a long trip will be very appropriate. Although I admit that they will distract someone from the road.

Massage control in Latitude is brought to the side part of the seat. Maybe not the most familiar place, but in fact, Renault does not want to find fault with the ergonomics. In two days of dough, it is hardly possible to get used to everything, but the owner will have much more time.

Two different cars
Well, let's go! We will navigate by the built -in Navigator Carminat Tomtom, he is clearly visible from the driver's seat. It has not yet been Russified, but by the New Year they promise to correct the defect.

The driver of the business class car should not strain. This philosophy saved Latitude from mechanical gearboxes. A similar Samsung in Korea has them, but Renault studies have shown that in Russia cars with mechanics will not be in demand. Nevertheless, we also have the possibility of choosing: either a 2.0-liter motor (139 hp) with a variator, or the Nissan V-shaped six (177 hp) with a 6-speed automatic.

The two -liter engine hardly accelerates the half -tone Latitude to 100 km/h in almost 12 seconds. Slow acceleration without shocks and switches creates the feeling that the machine is not accelerated at all. Only according to the noise of the motor, which at high speeds penetrates the salon, it becomes clear: there is a reaction to gas.

This Latitude is absolutely not emotional. The steering wheel power power steering that does not give noticeable feedback in corners, makes control of the extremely calm or uninteresting who will say. Plus not perfectly, with unpleasant shocks, the suspension working on small irregularities is front from Laguna, the rear of Teana; The combination is gloomy. All the fun of internal pleasures: the chair massages, the flavor and the Bose audio system (option) create a pleasant atmosphere, the open hatch complements all this.

Latitude 2.5 settings are completely different, much closer to fans of active drive. No, of course, this car is not at all fast, but it is much brighter. Instead of an electric power steering, there is a hydro-electro and steering wheel, the suspension is clearly tougher, and a copy as a result of where control. I would choose just such a car. Yes, a business class may not imply dashing, but a variator with a 2.0-liter engine is already painfully lazy.

However, Renault believes that the most popular in Russia will be just less powerful versions. Its price is quite competitive from 835,000 rubles plus 15,000 for metallic paint. True, in the basic version you are deprived of almost all original options, but also in the maximum Latitude configuration, 1,015,000 with a variator and 1,145,000 with a machine gun is not prohibitively.

The French plan to compete with the leaders of the segment D and, first of all with Mondeo and Passat. Given their fame and at least at least a variety of configurations, the starting positions of Renault are not so impressive. However, the manufacturer replies to doubt that Logan was not an unconditional bestseller in the first months of sales

We liked it in Renault Latitude
Ergonomics, unique comfort options, space in the cabin

We didn't like Renault Latitude
Accelerated dynamics, hood design and front

Competitors Renault Latitude in the Russian market
Ford Mondeo
Nissan Teana


Author: Philip Berezin
 

Source: Wheel magazine [October 2010]