Details of Cars

Renault Vel Satis: the tall luxury hatchback of 2001

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2002 Renault Vel Satis Privilege V6
A 2002 Renault Vel Satis Privilege V6 automatic. Photo by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Renault Vel Satis is a five-passenger, five-door executive hatchback manufactured from 2001 to 2009 over a single generation. It shared its platform with the Laguna II and Espace IV and was built on the same assembly line at Sandouville.

Renault Vel Satis at a glance

Renault Vel Satis key facts
Maker Renault, Sandouville, France
Production 2001–2009
Body five-seat, five-door executive hatchback
Platform shared with the Laguna II and Espace IV
Launched Geneva Motor Show, 2001
Replaced Renault Safrane
Development cost about €550 million
Built about 62,000

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Vel Satis.

History of the Renault Vel Satis

An unusual flagship

The Vel Satis was launched at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show to replace the already discontinued Safrane, following a concept shown at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. It was noted for its unorthodox styling in the luxury segment and, alongside the Opel Signum, aimed at a new market segment. As Renault’s flagship it was the company’s first car offered with adaptive cruise control.

Renault Vel Satis
A Renault Vel Satis. Photo by crash71100, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Space and safety

The car is noted for its height, 13 centimetres taller than a Safrane, which benefited interior space, and it remains in use by high-ranking French officials. It was the second car ever to receive a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

Commercial failure

Renault reportedly spent €550 million developing the Vel Satis and predicted 50,000 sales across Europe in the first year. Over eight years of production approximately 62,000 cars were manufactured in total. The name is a portmanteau of velocity and satisfaction.

Design and features

  • Tall body: 13 cm higher than the Safrane, with more interior space.
  • Adaptive cruise control: Renault’s first car to offer it.
  • Five-star safety: the second car ever to score five Euro NCAP stars.
  • Official use: still used by high-ranking French officials.

Renault Vel Satis versions

  • Vel Satis (2001–2009): the single generation, with a range of petrol and diesel engines including V6 units.

The Vel Satis replaced the Renault Safrane and shared its platform with the Renault Laguna and Renault Espace. More Renaults are in the Renault collection.

Video: Opel Signum, Volvo V70 and Renault Vel Satis comparison

Video by Truckerfighter on YouTube.

Sources

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