Renault Talisman 2020. Beautiful, but not available

The Renault Talisman is a large D-Class family car that comes in both sedan and station wagon body styles. The model is not for sale with us, but my interest in it is due to the fact that the Talisman, as a flagship car, can track trends where Renault is heading, and technologies that may appear in more budget lines in the future.

Since its launch, the Renault Talisman has primarily attracted buyers with its design. Such a verified, restrained French classic. Its features can be seen in other brothers in the brand, especially with regard to the optics and shape of the grille. Therefore, according to Talisman 2020, we can assume how the design of the entire model range will change. And, alas, nothing significant happened.

Here I am a little disappointed. A breakthrough step into a more competitive future has not taken place, Renault is true to its corporate identity, and only strengthened some accents to make the Talisman more attractive. The premiere of the updated car was supposed to take place in March at the Geneva Motor Show, but it was canceled due to the possibility of spreading the virus, which is raging in China and has already reached Europe. Most likely, the car will be presented at a separate event, but now there is enough information both in appearance and technical equipment.

What changed? In front, we see a slightly redesigned grille with bright chrome transverse inserts, a slightly modified bumper profile and new head optics. Most likely Renault focused on lighting. As you know, they consider light to be their signature C-shaped signature, which will distinguish the design from other brands and in turn makes recognizable all models, from Logan to Koleos.

Talisman has a full range of LED lighting. The adaptive headlights feature MATRIX Vision LED technology and dynamic LED indicators. This lighting technology was first introduced on the new Espace. The intelligent adaptive lighting system improves safety by performing better than traditional LED systems. It gives 50% more light and an extended visibility range of 220m versus 175m before. The beam is continuously adjusted to suit road conditions.

Renault places special emphasis on lighting. When the driver approaches the car, the Talisman comes to life, greeting its owner. The headlights and door handle lighting are switched on in sequence, followed by interior lighting.

The rear of the car has also changed. New LED headlight graphics and horizontal chrome trim. Apart from these changes, the car comes with 17″, 18″ or 19″ alloy wheels and Renault has also introduced new paint options for the car: Baltic Grey, Vintage Red and Mountain Grey.

However, everything in the cabin is new. It can be seen that comfort, style and new technologies are in the foreground. The 2020 Talisman comes with a fully digital 10.2-inch customizable instrument cluster, a 9.3-inch touchscreen Easy Link infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a Level 2 automated driving system.

When designing the passenger compartment of the New Talisman, great attention was paid to the smallest detail. New chrome trim accentuates the shape of the center console, which now comes with decorative lighting, while new natural wood trim on the dash and doors adds a touch of elegance. For a more personalized cabin interior, the driver and passengers can now choose from 8 lighting modes.

The entry-level trim package includes new upholstery, and leather is included as an option already on the second-level “Intens” package. Riviera leather comes in one of three colors: Light Sandy Grey, Castenyera Brown and Titanium Black.

There are improvements in terms of ergonomics and comfort for the driver and passengers. Changed from a frameless electrochromic rearview mirror, large chrome-finished cupholders, a wireless charger dock was added to the center console, and a digital display was installed on the vent discs to adjust the temperature. Finally, a new “Auto-Hold” button keeps the car stationary when the parking brake is not applied. Cruise control is now located on the steering wheel for more convenient use. As a speaker system, 13 first-class Bose® speakers are installed.

The new Renault Talisman has been upgraded with more advanced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) rated up to L2 for autonomous driving, including adaptive speed control with Lane Centering Assistance that works even when cornering. This feature regulates speed from 0 to 160 km/h, keeping vehicles at a safe distance. The system can automatically stop and start the car within three seconds without the driver having to do anything. Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) is now equipped for pedestrian and cyclist.

Included are lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver drowsiness detection, blind spot warning which now uses two radar sensors located on the rear side of the vehicle, and rear cross alarm.

There are no revolutionary changes in the engines. The whole standard set of the latest developments of Renault. In the initial version, a new 1.3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with direct fuel injection, known to us from Renault Arcana, will be offered. It turns out 160 hp. and a torque of 270 Nm at 1800 rpm. It comes with a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission.

For more demanding customers who want something more powerful, the 1.8-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine is equipped with a two-speed turbocharger and three-position variable valve timing, delivering 225 hp. Mated to a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission. With 300 Nm of torque available from 2000 rpm, it delivers amazing performance and a truly enjoyable driving experience. With a fuel efficiency of 7.4 l/100 km for mixed use, its CO2 emissions are 166 g/km.

There are also diesel options. The new Renault Talisman is powered by a 1.7-cylinder Blue dCi diesel engine with 1.7 hp, 120 or 150 hp. (depending on the country), and a six-speed manual transmission. With very low mixed fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (128 g/km CO2). In addition, the series includes a 2.0 Blue dCi engine with 160 or 200 hp. mated to a six-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission. Model for 200 l. with. guarantees precise acceleration and powerful pick-up.

Here it is, the new Talisman 2020. Unfortunately, we will not meet it on our roads, but we know in absentia that Renault can make stylish, modern and technologically advanced cars, of a completely different level than the Logans and Sandero available to us.