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{{Short description|Executive hatchback produced by Renault (2001–2009)}}
{{Infobox automobile
{{Infobox automobile
| image = 2002 Renault Vel Satis Privilege DCi 2.2 Front.jpg
| image = 2002 Renault Vel Satis Privilege DCi 2.2 Front.jpg
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| name = Renault Vel Satis
| name = Renault Vel Satis
| manufacturer = [[Renault]]
| manufacturer = [[Renault]]
| assembly = France: [[Sandouville]] ([[Sandouville Renault Factory]])<br>United Kingdom: [[Luton, England]]
| assembly = France: [[Sandouville]] ([[Sandouville Renault Factory]])
| production = 2000–2009 ([[Right- and left-hand traffic|LHD]], 62,201 built approx)<br />2001–2005 ([[Right- and left-hand traffic|RHD]], 1,293 built approx)
| production = 2001–2009 ([[Left- and right-hand traffic|LHD]], 62,201 units)<br />2001–2005 ([[Left- and right-hand traffic|RHD]], 1,293 units)
| model_years = 2001-2009 (Europe) <br> 2001-2005 (UK)
| predecessor = [[Renault Safrane]]
| predecessor = [[Renault Safrane]]
| successor = [[Renault Latitude]] (Executive car)<br />[[Samsung SM7]] <small>(South Korea)</small>
| successor = [[Renault Latitude]]
| body_style = 5-door [[hatchback]]
| body_style = 5-door [[hatchback]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
| layout = [[FF layout]]
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| engine = {{ubl
| engine = {{ubl
| '''[[Petrol engine|petrol]]:'''
| '''[[Petrol engine|petrol]]:'''
| 2.0 L [[Renault F-Type engine#F4x|''F4Rt'']] [[Turbocharger|turbo]] [[Inline-four engine|I4]]
| 2.0 L [[Renault F-Type engine#F4x|''F4Rt'']] [[Turbocharger|turbo]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
| 3.5 L [[Nissan VQ engine#VQ35DE|''VQ35DE'']] [[V6 engine|V6]]
| 3.5 L [[Nissan VQ engine#VQ35DE|''VQ35DE'']] [[V6 engine|V6]]
| '''[[Diesel engine|diesel]]:'''
| '''[[Diesel engine|diesel]]:'''
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| weight = {{convert|1735|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|1735|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Renault Laguna#Laguna II (2000–2007)|Renault Laguna II]]<br />
| related = [[Renault Laguna#Laguna II (2000–2007)|Renault Laguna II]]<br />
[[Renault Espace#Espace IV (2002)|Renault Espace IV]]
[[Renault Espace#Espace IV (2002–2015)|Renault Espace IV]]
| designer = [[Patrick Le Quément]]
| designer = [[Patrick Le Quément]]
}}
}}


The '''Renault Vel Satis''' is a five-passenger, five-door [[executive car|executive hatchback]], manufactured and marketed by [[Renault]] from 2001-2009 over a single generation, sharing its platform with the [[Renault Laguna|Laguna]] II and [[Renault Espace|Espace]] IV and manufactured on the same assembly line in [[Sandouville]], [[France]] and noted for its unorthodox styling approach to the luxury segment.
⚫
The '''Renault Vel Satis''' is an [[executive car]] that was produced by the French manufacturer [[Renault]], launched at the [[Geneva Motor Show#2001|2001 Geneva Motor Show]] to replace the already discontinued [[Renault Safrane|Safrane]]. It was previously revealed as a concept car in 1998, at the [[Paris Motor Show]]. However, the following production model does not have very much in common with it.<ref>[http://renaultconcepts.online.fr/glossaire/u.htm Renault Concepts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329062404/http://renaultconcepts.online.fr/glossaire/u.htm |date=2012-03-29 }}, Retrieved October 2011</ref>


⚫
Launched at the [[Geneva Motor Show#2001|2001 Geneva Motor Show]] to replace the already discontinued [[Renault Safrane|Safrane]], the Vel Satis followed a 1998 [[Paris Motor Show]] concept.<ref>[http://renaultconcepts.online.fr/glossaire/u.htm Renault Concepts] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329062404/http://renaultconcepts.online.fr/glossaire/u.htm |date=2012-03-29 }}, Retrieved October 2011</ref>
⚫
A specially prepared Vel Satis was used by the [[President of France]] until 2009. It is still used on ceremonial occasions. The car was [[Renault|Renault's]] flagship model at the time, and the first Renault to be offered with [[adaptive cruise control]] as supplied by [[Robert Bosch GmbH]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://presseservice.pressrelations.de/standard/result_main.cfm?aktion=jour_pm&r=54080&quelle=0&pfach=1&n_firmanr_=102116&sektor=pm&detail=1 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-01-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230044149/http://presseservice.pressrelations.de/standard/result_main.cfm?aktion=jour_pm&r=54080&quelle=0&pfach=1&n_firmanr_=102116&sektor=pm&detail=1 |archive-date=2014-12-30 }}</ref>


⚫
As [[Renault|Renault's]] flagship model, it was the company's first car offered with [[adaptive cruise control]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://presseservice.pressrelations.de/standard/result_main.cfm?aktion=jour_pm&r=54080&quelle=0&pfach=1&n_firmanr_=102116&sektor=pm&detail=1 |title=Robert Bosch GMBH &#124; Premiere auf dem Automobilsalon in Genf: Renault Vel Satis mit neuer Wischertechnik von Bosch &#124; Pressemitteilung &#124; Pressemeldung |access-date=2015-01-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230044149/http://presseservice.pressrelations.de/standard/result_main.cfm?aktion=jour_pm&r=54080&quelle=0&pfach=1&n_firmanr_=102116&sektor=pm&detail=1 |archive-date=2014-12-30 }}</ref> Renault reportedly spent €550 million developing the Vel Satis, predicting 50,000 sales across Europe in its first year.<ref name="total">{{cite web
==Etymology==
|title = Renault Vel Satis (2002 - 2005)
⚫
The name Vel Satis is a composite of elements of the words ''Velocity'' and ''Satisfaction''.
|publisher = RAC.CO.UK
|author = Andy Enright
|date = October 28, 2005
|url = https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/renault/vel-satis/vel-satis-2002-2005/}}</ref> In total, over an eight year production, approximately 62,000 were manufactured.<ref name="driven">{{cite web
|title = Renault 1998-2009: A short history of missed opportunities
|publisher = Driven to Write
|author =
|date = November 2, 2014
|url = https://driventowrite.com/2014/11/02/renault-missed-opportunities/}}</ref>

⚫
The name Vel Satis is a [[portmanteau]] of ''Velocity'' and ''Satisfaction''.


==Overview==
==Overview==
[[File:2002 Renault Vel Satis Privilege DCi 2.2 Rear.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Rear view of Vel Satis (Pre-facelift)]]
[[File:2002 Renault Vel Satis Privilege DCi 2.2 Rear.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Rear view of Vel Satis (Pre-facelift)]]
{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 220
{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 220
| image1 = Renault Vel Satis 3.0 dCi V6 Facelift front 20100613.jpg
| image1 = Renault Vel Satis 3.0 dCi V6 Facelift front 20100613.jpg
| image2 = Renault Vel Satis 3.0 dCi V6 Facelift rear 20100613.jpg
| image2 = Renault Vel Satis 3.0 dCi V6 Facelift rear 20100613.jpg
Line 45: Line 56:
}}
}}


The Vel Satis is distinguished by its unusual height (13&nbsp;cm higher than a Safrane), which benefits interior space but results in proportions some viewed as being ungainly. In September 2002, ''[[Car (magazine)|Car]]'' described it as "ugly and very French."<ref name="CAR magazine, Sept 2002">CAR magazine, Sept 2002</ref> Design commentator Stephen Bayley decided that the problem with the car was that it was "not ugly enough."
The Vel Satis is noted for its height (13&nbsp;cm higher than a [[Renault Safrane|Safrane]]), benefiting interior space, and remains in use by high-ranking French officials. It was the second ever car to receive a five star [[Euro NCAP]] safety crash test rating, after the Laguna II.

⚫
[[Patrick Le Quément]], Renault's design chief, explained that the car was intended to have physical presence, rather than aspiring to classical elegance like the 1930s [[Renault Reinastella|Reinastella]]. Renault's stated intention was to target less conformist, selective modern customers who were identified as "distancing themselves from the conventional saloon."<ref name="CAR magazine, Sept 2002"/>

The Vel Satis was an attempt to redefine the prestige car in French terms. The Vel Satis is seen in films, such as ''[[The Da Vinci Code]]'' and ''[[Mr. Bean's Holiday]]'', as well as being famous in pop culture such as the [[Cannes Film Festival]].

The Vel Satis is also used as a [[Head of State]] car of France, being used by various presidents and is occasionally still in use. It was the second ever car to receive a five star [[EuroNCAP]] safety crash test rating after the Laguna II.


Engine availability included:
The Vel Satis was available with a variety of engines:
* 2.0 T 16 valve 4 cylinder
* 2.0 T 16 valve 4-cylinder
* 3.5 24 valve V6 cylinder
* 3.5 24 valve V6-cylinder
* 2.0 dCi 16 valve 4 cylinder
* 2.0 dCi 16 valve 4-cylinder
* 2.2 dCi 16 valve 4 cylinder
* 2.2 dCi 16 valve 4-cylinder
* 3.0 dCi 24 valve V6 cylinder
* 3.0 dCi 24 valve V6-cylinder


The Vel Satis received a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, featuring a revised front grille, rear apron, twin-flow exhaust system, and chrome-plated door handles. The interior featured revised fittings, fabrics and materials and revised radio and navigation systems. The 2.0-liter petrol engine received an increase in output to 125 kW.
The Vel Satis shares its platform with the [[Renault Laguna|Laguna]] II and [[Renault Espace|Espace]] IV and was produced on the same assembly line in [[Sandouville]], [[France]].


⚫
In March 2005, Renault UK decided not to develop a [[Left- and right-hand traffic|RHD]] version of the facelifted Vel Satis, as sales of the model had been poor in the [[United Kingdom]] since launch.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Although 3,500 sales were predicted, only a third of these were achieved.{{cn|date=August 2023}} This came two years after Renault discontinued the [[Renault Avantime|Avantime]] coupé/MPV.
⚫
Reviews of the car were critical of its ride and its handling but noted the car was quiet under most conditions. "The gearbox is prone to considerable hunting in its quest to deliver power, at which point engine noise intrudes more than anticipated, and the change itself is by no means the smoothest in the class."<ref>CAR Magazine, Sept 2002</ref>


⚫
On August 27, 2009, Renault ended production of the Vel Satis &mdash; losing an estimated €18,710 per vehicle produced.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2013-09-25|title=Zoom, sputter, aagghhh!!|newspaper=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2013/09/25/zoom-sputter-aagghhh|access-date=2021-11-29|issn=0013-0613}}</ref>
The reviewer noted that the V6 diesel engine was better suited to the car's "lounge lizard pretensions" but that "all of which conspires to make the car's ride quality even more of a disappointment." The ride quality was described as feeling "over tough at pottering speeds, but displays a tendency to disintegrate into chop and judder when confronted with anything other than the smoothest of surfaces."<ref name="CAR magazine, Sept 2002"/>


==Reception==
⚫
In March 2005, Renault UK decided not to develop an [[Right- and left-hand traffic|RHD]] version of the facelifted Vel Satis, as sales of the model had been poor in the [[United Kingdom]] since launch.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} Although 3,500 sales were predicted, only a third of these were achieved. This came only two years after the [[Renault Avantime|Avantime]] coupé/MPV, which was equally ambitious in its design, was discontinued by Renault.
⚫
[[Patrick Le Quément]], Renault's design chief, said the Vel Satis was intended to have physical presence, to redefine the prestige car on French terms, and to target less conformist customers.<ref name="CAR magazine, Sept 2002"/>


In September 2002, ''[[Car (magazine)|Car]]'' described the Vel Satis as "ugly and very French."<ref name="CAR magazine, Sept 2002">CAR magazine, Sept 2002</ref>
⚫
The 2005 model year Vel Satis featured an reprofiled front grille section, giving it an appearance similar to more recent concept cars from the brand. On August 27, 2009, Renault ended production of the Vel Satis. Overall, Renault lost an estimated €18,710 per vehicle produced.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2013-09-25|title=Zoom, sputter, aagghhh!!|work=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2013/09/25/zoom-sputter-aagghhh|access-date=2021-11-29|issn=0013-0613}}</ref>


⚫
Reviews of the car were critical of its ride and handling but noted the car was quiet under most conditions. "The gearbox is prone to considerable hunting in its quest to deliver power, at which point engine noise intrudes more than anticipated, and the change itself is by no means the smoothest in the class."<ref>CAR Magazine, Sept 2002</ref> The ride quality was described as feeling "over tough at pottering speeds, but displays a tendency to disintegrate into chop and judder when confronted with anything other than the smoothest of surfaces."<ref name="CAR magazine, Sept 2002"/>
The [[Renault Latitude]] is considered a replacement in Africa, Asia, the Persian Gulf states, Mexico or Russia, because of its similar dimensions and class to the Vel Satis.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.topgear.com/car-news/renault-latitude-news-revenge-vel-satis-2010| title = Renault Latitude news - Revenge of the Vel Satis - 2010 {{!}} Top Gear}} </ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Renault vehicles|Vel Satis]]
[[Category:Renault vehicles|Vel Satis]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2009]]
<!-- is not needed because already included in [[Category:Cars introduced in 2001]]. See [[WP:SUBCAT]] -->
<!-- is not needed because already included in [[Category:Cars introduced in 2001]]. See [[WP:SUBCAT]] -->
[[Category:Euro NCAP executive cars]]
[[Category:Euro NCAP executive cars]]

Latest revision as of 11:34, 31 October 2024

Renault Vel Satis
Renault Vel Satis (Pre-facelift)
Overview
ManufacturerRenault
Production2001–2009 (LHD, 62,201 units)
2001–2005 (RHD, 1,293 units)
AssemblyFrance: Sandouville (Sandouville Renault Factory)
DesignerPatrick Le Quément
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car (E)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
RelatedRenault Laguna II
Renault Espace IV
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Length4,860 mm (191.3 in)
Width1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Height1,580 mm (62.2 in)
Curb weight1,735 kg (3,825 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorRenault Safrane
SuccessorRenault Latitude

The Renault Vel Satis is a five-passenger, five-door executive hatchback, manufactured and marketed by Renault from 2001-2009 over a single generation, sharing its platform with the Laguna II and Espace IV and manufactured on the same assembly line in Sandouville, France and noted for its unorthodox styling approach to the luxury segment.

Launched at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show to replace the already discontinued Safrane, the Vel Satis followed a 1998 Paris Motor Show concept.[1]

As Renault's flagship model, it was the company's first car offered with adaptive cruise control,[2] Renault reportedly spent €550 million developing the Vel Satis, predicting 50,000 sales across Europe in its first year.[3] In total, over an eight year production, approximately 62,000 were manufactured.[4]

The name Vel Satis is a portmanteau of Velocity and Satisfaction.

Overview

[edit]
Rear view of Vel Satis (Pre-facelift)
Renault Vel Satis (Post-facelift)

The Vel Satis is noted for its height (13 cm higher than a Safrane), benefiting interior space, and remains in use by high-ranking French officials. It was the second ever car to receive a five star Euro NCAP safety crash test rating, after the Laguna II.

Engine availability included:

  • 2.0 T 16 valve 4-cylinder
  • 3.5 24 valve V6-cylinder
  • 2.0 dCi 16 valve 4-cylinder
  • 2.2 dCi 16 valve 4-cylinder
  • 3.0 dCi 24 valve V6-cylinder

The Vel Satis received a minor facelift for the 2005 model year, featuring a revised front grille, rear apron, twin-flow exhaust system, and chrome-plated door handles. The interior featured revised fittings, fabrics and materials and revised radio and navigation systems. The 2.0-liter petrol engine received an increase in output to 125 kW.

In March 2005, Renault UK decided not to develop a RHD version of the facelifted Vel Satis, as sales of the model had been poor in the United Kingdom since launch.[citation needed] Although 3,500 sales were predicted, only a third of these were achieved.[citation needed] This came two years after Renault discontinued the Avantime coupé/MPV.

On August 27, 2009, Renault ended production of the Vel Satis — losing an estimated €18,710 per vehicle produced.[5]

Reception

[edit]

Patrick Le Quément, Renault's design chief, said the Vel Satis was intended to have physical presence, to redefine the prestige car on French terms, and to target less conformist customers.[6]

In September 2002, Car described the Vel Satis as "ugly and very French."[6]

Reviews of the car were critical of its ride and handling but noted the car was quiet under most conditions. "The gearbox is prone to considerable hunting in its quest to deliver power, at which point engine noise intrudes more than anticipated, and the change itself is by no means the smoothest in the class."[7] The ride quality was described as feeling "over tough at pottering speeds, but displays a tendency to disintegrate into chop and judder when confronted with anything other than the smoothest of surfaces."[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Renault Concepts Archived 2012-03-29 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved October 2011
  2. ^ "Robert Bosch GMBH | Premiere auf dem Automobilsalon in Genf: Renault Vel Satis mit neuer Wischertechnik von Bosch | Pressemitteilung | Pressemeldung". Archived from the original on 2014-12-30. Retrieved 2015-01-19.
  3. ^ Andy Enright (October 28, 2005). "Renault Vel Satis (2002 - 2005)". RAC.CO.UK.
  4. ^ "Renault 1998-2009: A short history of missed opportunities". Driven to Write. November 2, 2014.
  5. ^ "Zoom, sputter, aagghhh!!". The Economist. 2013-09-25. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2021-11-29.
  6. ^ a b c CAR magazine, Sept 2002
  7. ^ CAR Magazine, Sept 2002
[edit]
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