Test drive Renault Talisman TCe 200 EDC: Blue summer

Driving the most powerful version of Renault's new flagship lineup

The successor to the Laguna faces two difficult tasks: on the one hand, to play the role of the top model in the line of the French manufacturer, showing the best that Renault is capable of, and on the other hand, to fight serious opponents. in the rank of Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Skoda Superb, etc. The first thing that makes a car stand out from its competitors in the market is its distinctive design. It is clear that moving from a hatchback to a more classic three-box configuration was a good idea – the Renault Talisman shows an impressive combination of a sporty silhouette reminiscent of a sporty-elegant coupe roofline, large wheels, harmonious proportions and a rear end, creating associations with certain styles. American car manufacturers. There is no doubt about it - at the moment Renault Talisman TCe 200 EDC is the most prominent representative of the French middle class models and this is a pretty solid prerequisite for success.

Characteristic style

The elegant style finds its natural continuation in the solid, spacious interior. The layout is pleasing to the eye, and the top-end equipment is extravagant, including leather upholstery, an 8,7-inch infotainment system, a full range of driver assistance systems, power and heated front seats, ventilation and massage function. and also what not.

Active rear axle steering

The strongest plus of the new flagship of the French company, of course, is the system hidden behind the elegant emblem with the inscription "4control". Combined with optional adaptive dampers, the Laguna Coupe's Advanced Rear Axle Active Steering is now integrated with the traffic management system and allows the driver to change the character of the car at the touch of a button on the center console. In the Sport mode, the Renault Talisman TCe 200 acquires remarkable zeal in the reactions of the steering wheel and accelerator pedal, the suspension hardens noticeably, as well as a change in the angle of the rear wheels by up to 3,5 degrees (in the direction opposite to the front ones, up to 80 km / h and simultaneously with this speed upwards) contributes to an extremely confident and neutral behavior in fast corners, combined with excellent maneuverability - a turning circle of 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 consumer circle will undoubtedly appreciate the advantages and a spacious trunk with a volume of 608 liters.

TCe 200: a decent drive for a flagship

The test model was equipped with the most powerful engine currently available for the model - a 1,6-liter petrol turbo engine with a displacement of 200 liters, 260 horsepower and a maximum torque of 2000 Newton meters at 100 rpm. The pleasant-sounding engine delivers powerful and evenly distributed power over a wide operating range, and its synchronism with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is also commendable. Acceleration from standstill to 7,6 kilometers per hour according to factory data takes 9 seconds, and the average fuel consumption in a mixed driving cycle in real conditions is about XNUMX liters per hundred kilometers.

The Renault Talisman TCe 200 Intens starts at BGN 55 – an unexpectedly good deal for a model of this caliber, especially with such generous equipment. The trial copy, equipped with almost everything that can be ordered additionally for the Renault flagship, still cost below 990 leva. Obviously, Renault's top model is not only attractive, high-tech and different, but also highly profitable. Sincerely, return to the middle class, Renault!

CONCLUSION

With its sleek, distinctive design, energetic engine, excellent handling, lavish equipment and an attractive price-performance ratio, the Renault Talisman TCe 200 clearly demonstrates that Renault is back at full strength in the middle class.

Text: Boyan Boshnakov, Miroslav Nikolov

Photo: Melania Iosifova