Renault has returned to the crowded mid-size sedan segment with the all-new, good-looking and generously-equipped Latitude model, handily-priced from $36,990.
Like American country star Jimmy Buffet sings: “Changes in latitude, changes in attitude,” the Renault Latitude replaces the excellent, but slow-selling Renault Laguna in a market prolific with excellent vehicles.
The Latitude is a global design for Renault, sourced from the Renault-Samsung plant in South Korea and destined for markets around the world, including the company’s ‘home’ in France – so quality is top-notch.
Renault Latitude Overview
Renault Latitude is a largish mid-size sedan (at 4,897mm in length it’s just a few millimetres short of the BMW 5-Series).
There are two specification grades – Renault Latitude and Renault Latitude Luxe and a choice of V6 petrol or four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines. Commendably, Renault does not charge a premium for diesel-powered Latitudes and both versions are stickered the same - $36,990 for the Renault Latitude and $42,490 for the Renault Latitude Luxe.
Renault justifies the Luxe version’s price, saying it’s loaded with more than $7,000 worth of extras.
In fact, Renault has been smart in pricing both Latitude models very competitively and specifying them with generous levels of technology and luxury – the French newcomer might be a recent arrival in this competitive market segment, but clearly makes some of the opposition look a tad underdone.
And, providing extra peace-of-mind for Renault Latitude buyers, launch of the new mid-size sedan coincides with Renault Australia introducing a five year/unlimited kilometres new car warranty with free roadside assistance – the best currently available from any European brand.
Renault Latitude Engine
Renault Latitude enjoys two silky-smooth powerplants which highlight the strength of the ‘Alliance’ company – a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine from Nissan and a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel from Renault.
The V6 petrol in the Renault Latitude – part of Nissan’s multi award-winning VQ engine family – provides 133Nm of power at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 235Nm at 4,400rpm. Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated at 9.7l/100kms.
During our test drive around the far north coast of New South Wales, Car Showroom was particularly impressed by the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powered Renault Latitude. With 127kW at 3,750rpm and a massive 380Nm from 2,000rpm, the diesel Latitude delivers hearty acceleration with refinement you’d expect from European sedans costing a lot more.
The diesel is economical too with combined cycle fuel consumption averaging 6.5l/100kms.
Both drive the front wheels via two different six-speed automatic transmissions with sequential manual modes.
Renault Latitude The Interior
Renault Latitude really impresses inside with high quality leather trim, very well done, high-quality tactile surfaces and surprisingly high equipment levels.
Even the entry-level Renault Latitude delivers satellite navigation, heated leather seats for the driver and passenger, three rear-window sun blinds plus dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and a Arkamys 3D audio system with Bluetooth audio streaming.
The up-spec Renault Latitude Luxe gains a Bose audio system, three-zone air and a panoramic glass sunroof amongst its extras.
With height adjustment for the drivers’ seat and rake/reach adjustment for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, the driving position in the Renault Latitude is top-notch. We also liked the high quality graphics of the TFT screen located between the speedo and rev-counter and the bright red highlights on the gauges added a handy look.
Renault Latitude sits on a 2,762mm wheelbase so rear legroom is amongst the best in this segment although headroom for tall passengers is tad tight.
Out back, the 477-litre boot is commendably deep and scores a ‘3’ on the golf bag test – that means it will also easily accommodate a fold-up stroller or two and the rest of the accoutrements which family buyers need to carry.
Renault Latitude Exterior & Styling
Distinctly European, modern and clean, the Renault Latitude looks impressive. It also looks imposing on the road, clearly showing its generous (for a mid-sizer) dimensions.
The front is highlighted by a nice modern grille/headlight combination with just the right amount of chrome trim to add a touch of elegance.
From the side, the nicely-proportioned dimensions lead to flowing lines and wide doors for easy access, while the rear is highlighted again by just the right amount of chrome trim and a modern tail-light design.
Renault Latitude Luxe models boast a bootlid spoiler.
Renault Latitude runs 17-inch alloy wheels while the Latitude Luxe gains 18-inch alloys and both come with full-size spare wheels.
Renault Latitude On The Road
Well this new French sedan caught us by surprise…and it shouldn’t have. Over the twists and curves around Brunswick Heads, Murwillumbah and Casuarina Beach, the Renault Latitude displayed the top-shelf driving dynamics normally associated with high performance, higher-priced German sedans.
But that shouldn’t have surprised as identical Renault Latitudes have just gone on-sale back home in France.
It’s the good steering feel, relatively firm damping, precise response, mid-corner balance and refinement which are the hallmarks of European sedans and the Renault Latitude delivered in all departments.
For sure, the extra torque of the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel was appreciated on those windy rural roads – although refinement levels on the freeway back to Coolangatta were also commendably high.
Not that the 3.0-litre V6 petrol was a laggard – it just lacked a smidge of mid-range torque.
Based on our one day behind the wheel, we only deducted points from the Renault Latitude because we found - in both petrol and diesel versions we drove - a couple of dashboard rattles were noticeable on poor quality secondary roads and severe bumps (when will they ever get the Pacific Highway up to standard?)
Renault Latitude Challenges
Renault has brought to the market an all-new mid-size sedan generously equipped, sharply priced and great to drive – it’s a ‘must-consider’ for mid-size buyers.
We’re just surprised there is no sign of wagon or hatchback models to provide a more diverse range.
Renault Latitude Verdict
We’ve always been fans of the Renault Laguna but sadly Aussies did not warm to it. By any measure, the all-new Renault Latitude shapes-up as a very competitive replacement, more than capable of taking-on the excellent credentials of rival vehicles.
Renault is France’s largest automotive brand and its sales success in Europe comes from good product which is competitively priced. Renault is serious about growing its business in Australia and the all-new Latitude joins a product lineup which is more impressive every day.
That five-year warranty says a lot about the future of Renault in Australia.
Renault Latitude The Competition
Ford’s German-sourced Ford Mondeo is the leader of the mid-size pack, but you should also consider the Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat in this field.
And when you do, you’ll discover that dollar-for-dollar, feature-for-feature, the Renault Latitude compares very favourably.
Likes:
‘Euro-cachet’ looks inside and out; extensive equipment; great value; European driving dynamics
Dislikes:
A bit noisy on poor quality roads
