Test drive Renault Talisman dCi 160 EDC: Big car
Talisman's most powerful diesel sedan first impressions
The change is radical. After decades of various experiments and persistent attempts to break the traditional character of the European middle class and the even more conservative views of its clients, at Renault They decided to take a sharp turn and said goodbye to the idea of a large hatchback and its comfortable, but clearly difficult for the public to digest, large tailgate.
Based on the results of the work of the chief designer Laurent van den Akker and his colleagues, the transition to the traditional three-volume scheme is not a bad idea. A dynamic silhouette with nice proportions and large wheels, an original rear end sound that evokes some American models, and a powerful statement of belonging to the French brand with an imposing grille with an even more imposing emblem. Last but not least, with a bright accent in the form of characteristically shaped daytime running lights, which in the Renault Talisman work not only at the front but also at the rear, complete the change for the better.
Excellent chassis
Successful outward forms are a good start, but they are far from sufficient means to achieve long-term success in this lucrative as well as contested market segment. The fact that Renault was fully aware of these realities is well illustrated by the impressive arsenal of modern electronics to support the driver and the quality of multimedia in the solidly executed and richly equipped interior. Ergonomic function control with a huge vertically oriented tablet and a conveniently located center console eliminates the need for numerous buttons, while maintaining the comfort and safety of driving. The digital instrument cluster and head-up also make an important contribution in this direction, placing the Renault TalismandCi 160 in an extremely competitive position.
However, the strongest asset of the new flagship in the Renault range is certainly the system hidden behind the elegant '4control' badge on the dashboard. Combined with optional adaptive dampers, the well-known Laguna Coupe and advanced active steering on the rear axle are now integrated with the traffic management system and allow the driver to completely change the character of the car at the touch of a button in the center. console. In sport mode, the sedan gets an incredible enthusiasm for the reaction of the steering wheel and accelerator pedal, the suspension hardens noticeably and the change in the angle of the rear wheels (in the direction opposite to the front ones, up to 70 km / h and at the same acceleration speed). ) contributes to exceptionally confident and neutral behavior in fast corners, combined with excellent agility – the turning circle in calm city traffic is less than 11 meters. In comfort mode, a radically different scenario unfolds, sustained in the best French traditions and designed for lovers of maximum comfort and long-distance travel, accompanied by a leisurely swaying of the body. This circle of consumers will undoubtedly appreciate the spaciousness of the capacious trunk with a volume of 600 liters.
The newly developed 1,6-liter twin-turbo diesel engine, eloquent in terms of maximum power designation dCi 160, sits in the middle of the lineup and is likely to be one of the most popular on the market. Combined with the EDC six-speed automatic transmission with two clutches, its 380 Nm of thrust is enough to provide decent dynamics of the 4,8-meter sedan without unnecessary stress, noise and vibration.
It is noteworthy that Renault is making a hard bet on downsizing - the powertrain lineup consists entirely of four-cylinder engines of 1,5 and 1,6 liters, and three diesel engines (dCi 110, 130, 160) will be offered at the Renault Talisman market premiere early next year. ) and two petrol versions (TCe 150, 200), whose names reflect the corresponding horsepower.
CONCLUSION
Large interior and luggage compartment, rich equipment with modern multimedia and electronics for driver assistance, economical engines and impressive dynamics on the road. Currently, the Renault Talisman lineup lacks only the more powerful versions offered by its main competitors.
Text: Miroslav Nikolov
