Renault Talisman, A More Than Interesting Option
Chronologically, the Renault Talisman is one of the latest models released by the French automaker. It is destined to compete in a part of the market that, unlike other segments, has not done quite well for the diamond brand.
Its arrival at dealerships occurred in 2015. Renault managers sought to break the mold of what they had been producing up to that date for the D segment. The development of the Talisman can be defined as a change of attitude on the part of the Gallic company.
New model, old design
The first prototype with this name was presented to the public in 2002. In addition, since 2004, a similar body has been marketed in Asia, manufactured in the subsidiary located in Busan, South Korea. It is the Renault Samsung SM7.
This “new” model has to face several competitors in the West based on the preferences of the public. They are responsible for condemning their two predecessors to oblivion.
The list includes the Peugeot 508, Opel Insignia, Volkswagen Passat and Volvo 560. Produced outside the European Union are the Hyundai i40, Ford Mondeo and Kia Optima.
The Renault Talisman shares the same platform with the company’s flagship minivan, the Renault Espace. This makes it a car of considerable dimensions within its segment: 4.28 meters long, 1.87 wide and 1.46 high.
This space is well used in the four-door sedan body, which has a trunk with a capacity of 515 liters. The five-door station wagon is called the Sport Tourer, and offers 492-liter luggage space , expandable to 1,681 liters by dispensing with the rear seat line.
In both cases, up to an additional 80 liters can be added, adding the compartment under the boot floor.
Renault Talisman: more than a renovation
Although the managers of the French company seek to compete strongly in a segment that was too large for the Renault Laguna, they do not conceive their new car as a simple replacement.
Aesthetically, it conforms to the stylistic line adopted by its entire range in the last five years. Highlights, in an unmistakable way, the large diamond that crowns the grille that covers almost the entire front of the car above the bumper.
Full LED ‘C’ shaped headlights complement the face of the car. In the rear, practical and elegant pilots accompany the trunk door.
On the inside is where the Talisman definitely breaks with the past. All the finishes of the model ( Life , Zen, Business , Intens and Initiale Paris) have a 8.7 ”touch screen, arranged vertically. The R-Link 2 infotainment system is built-in.
From the basic version, the Renault Talisman includes: speed control, traffic sign recognition and parking aid. They also have the highly valued Renault Multi-Sence, which allows the car to be configured in four driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Neutral and Eco.
It also has a fifth variant, called Perso, by means of which the owners can graduate the car to their liking.
Mechanical offer
Powertrain options include gasoline and diesel powertrains , turbocharged and direct injection. The gasoline variants are 1.6 TCe with 150 and 200 hp. The diesel engines are the 1.5 dCi of 110 hp, as well as 1.6 dCi of 130 and 160 hp.
In all cases, you can choose a six-speed manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic, either 6 or 7-speed. All models are equipped with Renault 4Control, with piloted damping.
Icon limited series
As part of the 2017 renovation, both the Talisman and Escape – models that share platform – debut a limited edition called Icon.
The series is based on fully equipped cars, but offered to the public at a fairly low cost.
Among the novelties included in the Talisman Icon are a light gray upholstery and five internal ambient lighting options. 3D navigation is also added with all the maps of Europe, Arkanys sound system and heated front seats.
