Renault Latitude 2.0 (A) Review
20 Jun 2011|18,653 views
The French are well-known for many things. They are a refined lot, and appreciate fine art and stylish fashions. They are also fairly relaxed and laid-back, yet at the same time, very passionate about their country and culture. They pride themselves in being outstanding, and unique from the rest of the world.
These characteristics also translate into the cars they make. French cars generally push to both ends of the extreme, being either exceedingly plush and decadent for their large cars, or chic and cool for their small cars, with a dash of wacky furiousness for their sporty models. French cars, like French people, are most definitely one-of-a-kind.
When it comes to mid-sized executive sedans however, the French have been somewhat hit-and-miss. While Peugeot generally makes decent sedans, like the new 508, and the 407, 406 and 405 of years past, Citroen and Renault have been less successful. Witness dull and anonymous products like the first-generation Citroen C5 and the Renault Safrane. The Renault Vel Satis (never sold here) went the other way, being clever and innovative, but was a complete failure outside of France.
Renault though, has tried again, and returned with the new Latitude, developed in collaboration with its partners Nissan and Korea's Samsung Motors. Have they hit the target this time?
Exterior
At first glance, the Latitude looks fairly nondescript. In a certain way, it looks more like a grown-up version of the Fluence family sedan.
These characteristics also translate into the cars they make. French cars generally push to both ends of the extreme, being either exceedingly plush and decadent for their large cars, or chic and cool for their small cars, with a dash of wacky furiousness for their sporty models. French cars, like French people, are most definitely one-of-a-kind.
When it comes to mid-sized executive sedans however, the French have been somewhat hit-and-miss. While Peugeot generally makes decent sedans, like the new 508, and the 407, 406 and 405 of years past, Citroen and Renault have been less successful. Witness dull and anonymous products like the first-generation Citroen C5 and the Renault Safrane. The Renault Vel Satis (never sold here) went the other way, being clever and innovative, but was a complete failure outside of France.
Renault though, has tried again, and returned with the new Latitude, developed in collaboration with its partners Nissan and Korea's Samsung Motors. Have they hit the target this time?
Exterior
At first glance, the Latitude looks fairly nondescript. In a certain way, it looks more like a grown-up version of the Fluence family sedan.
 |
This comes across as a bit disappointing, as you would have expected a bit more design flair from Renault. Perhaps it's because executive sedan buyers are more conservative, or perhaps it's due to the input of its Asian partners, but ultimately, the car's looks are nothing much to shout about really.
There's a lot of it too. The Latitude measures in at a massive 4,897mm in length. This is longer than almost all of its direct rivals (namely the Camry, Mondeo, 508 and Passat) bar the Honda Accord. While this might be good for passenger space, it does make manoeuvring the Latitude a tad tricky in tight car parks.
There are a couple of design flaws too. The high rear end means that reversing is a matter of putting your faith in the car's parking sensors. A reverse camera would be useful in this instance.
The other niggle is that the B-pillar is fairly thick, which gives the car a rather significant blind spot, even when you've turned your head to check for traffic when changing lanes.
Overall, the Latitude is a bit of a let-down design-wise.
 |
Interior
The interior is where the Latitude hits back. Renault has laden the car with tons of features to make the Latitude travelling experience a suitably comforting one.
The biggest selling point of the car is the massage chair incorporated into the driver's seat, which is not something you find in many cars. The system uses five pneumatic massaging rollers to knead the shoulder blades, back and lower back of the driver, and has four settings, constant, intermittent, soft and firm. It most certainly provides for a pretty relaxing experience, especially on long stressful journeys.
The other occupants are well-pampered too (although probably not as much as the driver), with the luxuriously-appointed cabin. Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and generous legroom all serve to give passengers a thoroughly soothing ride. The boot is capacious as well, with a massive 511 litre capacity, capable of accommodating everybody's 'barang barang'.
The Latitude's equipment list is also extensive, with a whole host of comfort and safety features available. It seems like nearly everything in the car is automated, with keyless entry, electric parking brake, automatic headlights and wipers, folding mirrors, electric and heated seats, and of course, the driver's massage chair.
The interior is where the Latitude hits back. Renault has laden the car with tons of features to make the Latitude travelling experience a suitably comforting one.
The biggest selling point of the car is the massage chair incorporated into the driver's seat, which is not something you find in many cars. The system uses five pneumatic massaging rollers to knead the shoulder blades, back and lower back of the driver, and has four settings, constant, intermittent, soft and firm. It most certainly provides for a pretty relaxing experience, especially on long stressful journeys.
The other occupants are well-pampered too (although probably not as much as the driver), with the luxuriously-appointed cabin. Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and generous legroom all serve to give passengers a thoroughly soothing ride. The boot is capacious as well, with a massive 511 litre capacity, capable of accommodating everybody's 'barang barang'.
The Latitude's equipment list is also extensive, with a whole host of comfort and safety features available. It seems like nearly everything in the car is automated, with keyless entry, electric parking brake, automatic headlights and wipers, folding mirrors, electric and heated seats, and of course, the driver's massage chair.
That's not the end of it too. Specifiable options for the Latitude include a panoramic electric glass sunroof, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, and an air purification and air ionizer system, which will be available in subsequent shipments of the car to Singapore.
Like all new Renaults, the Latitude comes with the TomTom navigation system, first introduced in the Fluence. The system is a pretty cheeky one, with customisable options like the Renault car icon to be displayed, as well as a variety of languages including Hokkien and Cantonese. If anything, it provides for a bit of entertainment along with the function of navigation.
Unfortunately, for all its endeavours in providing the ultimate in comfortable motoring, the build quality in some parts of the interior just doesn't seem to go along with the rest of the car's ambience. There's nothing majorly wrong with it, but it's just little things like the fit and finish around the centre console, and minor rattles from the dashboard that detracts from the atmosphere of the car slightly. Shame really.
Like all new Renaults, the Latitude comes with the TomTom navigation system, first introduced in the Fluence. The system is a pretty cheeky one, with customisable options like the Renault car icon to be displayed, as well as a variety of languages including Hokkien and Cantonese. If anything, it provides for a bit of entertainment along with the function of navigation.
Unfortunately, for all its endeavours in providing the ultimate in comfortable motoring, the build quality in some parts of the interior just doesn't seem to go along with the rest of the car's ambience. There's nothing majorly wrong with it, but it's just little things like the fit and finish around the centre console, and minor rattles from the dashboard that detracts from the atmosphere of the car slightly. Shame really.
 |
The Drive
You would expect that a car like the Latitude, with its cosseting features, to be quite the cruiser. The fact that it is French further raises expectations of it being a plush luxo-barge.
And it is, to a certain extent. On the expressway, the Latitude feels smooth enough, with its soft and pliant suspension. However, at lower speeds, on cobbled roads (like those bricks you find in newer HDB estates), the car jiggles about uneasily. Perhaps the suspension has been set too soft, but it's strange considering the type of roads you find in France, which are not exactly billiard-table smooth.
The soft suspension also means that the car's handling is rather, casual, I would say. While the steering and throttle controls feel light and neutral enough, the Latitude gives the impression that it would rather take corners leisurely rather than zealously.
Similarly, performance is more laidback than breakneck. The 2.0-litre engine, together with the 6-speed CVT gearbox, is never going to set any speed records, especially with the car weighing over 2 tonnes. But it does keep up with traffic well in its domain, which is the expressway once again.
I guess, for what it's worth, the Latitude does what it is designed to do well, which is to provide an unfussy driving experience, and leave its occupants undisturbed throughout their journey.
You would expect that a car like the Latitude, with its cosseting features, to be quite the cruiser. The fact that it is French further raises expectations of it being a plush luxo-barge.
And it is, to a certain extent. On the expressway, the Latitude feels smooth enough, with its soft and pliant suspension. However, at lower speeds, on cobbled roads (like those bricks you find in newer HDB estates), the car jiggles about uneasily. Perhaps the suspension has been set too soft, but it's strange considering the type of roads you find in France, which are not exactly billiard-table smooth.
The soft suspension also means that the car's handling is rather, casual, I would say. While the steering and throttle controls feel light and neutral enough, the Latitude gives the impression that it would rather take corners leisurely rather than zealously.
Similarly, performance is more laidback than breakneck. The 2.0-litre engine, together with the 6-speed CVT gearbox, is never going to set any speed records, especially with the car weighing over 2 tonnes. But it does keep up with traffic well in its domain, which is the expressway once again.
I guess, for what it's worth, the Latitude does what it is designed to do well, which is to provide an unfussy driving experience, and leave its occupants undisturbed throughout their journey.
Conclusion
Perhaps I've been approaching this wrong. I was expecting the Latitude to be packed to the brim with French-ness, full of verve and passion, like its countrymen.
But it isn't. The Latitude is a simple, understated sedan aimed at people who do things that way. They don't expect crazy drama or wacky antics. All they want is to go about their business in their own, uncomplicated, mundane way - which is why they would normally go for a Camry.
Putting it in that perspective, you can say perhaps that the Latitude has more or less targeted the right market. Conceived with the help of Nissan and Samsung Motors, Renault has tapped the brains of the Asians to produce a car that suits the Asians.
Only time will tell whether the Latitude will succeed, but if Renault get their marketing strategy right, I don't see why it can't. It has pretty much all the features that its intended audience demands, plus a few extras that make life so much easier and less stressful.
Like that massage chair…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Perhaps I've been approaching this wrong. I was expecting the Latitude to be packed to the brim with French-ness, full of verve and passion, like its countrymen.
But it isn't. The Latitude is a simple, understated sedan aimed at people who do things that way. They don't expect crazy drama or wacky antics. All they want is to go about their business in their own, uncomplicated, mundane way - which is why they would normally go for a Camry.
Putting it in that perspective, you can say perhaps that the Latitude has more or less targeted the right market. Conceived with the help of Nissan and Samsung Motors, Renault has tapped the brains of the Asians to produce a car that suits the Asians.
Only time will tell whether the Latitude will succeed, but if Renault get their marketing strategy right, I don't see why it can't. It has pretty much all the features that its intended audience demands, plus a few extras that make life so much easier and less stressful.
Like that massage chair…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The French are well-known for many things. They are a refined lot, and appreciate fine art and stylish fashions. They are also fairly relaxed and laid-back, yet at the same time, very passionate about their country and culture. They pride themselves in being outstanding, and unique from the rest of the world.
These characteristics also translate into the cars they make. French cars generally push to both ends of the extreme, being either exceedingly plush and decadent for their large cars, or chic and cool for their small cars, with a dash of wacky furiousness for their sporty models. French cars, like French people, are most definitely one-of-a-kind.
When it comes to mid-sized executive sedans however, the French have been somewhat hit-and-miss. While Peugeot generally makes decent sedans, like the new 508, and the 407, 406 and 405 of years past, Citroen and Renault have been less successful. Witness dull and anonymous products like the first-generation Citroen C5 and the Renault Safrane. The Renault Vel Satis (never sold here) went the other way, being clever and innovative, but was a complete failure outside of France.
Renault though, has tried again, and returned with the new Latitude, developed in collaboration with its partners Nissan and Korea's Samsung Motors. Have they hit the target this time?
Exterior
At first glance, the Latitude looks fairly nondescript. In a certain way, it looks more like a grown-up version of the Fluence family sedan.
These characteristics also translate into the cars they make. French cars generally push to both ends of the extreme, being either exceedingly plush and decadent for their large cars, or chic and cool for their small cars, with a dash of wacky furiousness for their sporty models. French cars, like French people, are most definitely one-of-a-kind.
When it comes to mid-sized executive sedans however, the French have been somewhat hit-and-miss. While Peugeot generally makes decent sedans, like the new 508, and the 407, 406 and 405 of years past, Citroen and Renault have been less successful. Witness dull and anonymous products like the first-generation Citroen C5 and the Renault Safrane. The Renault Vel Satis (never sold here) went the other way, being clever and innovative, but was a complete failure outside of France.
Renault though, has tried again, and returned with the new Latitude, developed in collaboration with its partners Nissan and Korea's Samsung Motors. Have they hit the target this time?
Exterior
At first glance, the Latitude looks fairly nondescript. In a certain way, it looks more like a grown-up version of the Fluence family sedan.
|
This comes across as a bit disappointing, as you would have expected a bit more design flair from Renault. Perhaps it's because executive sedan buyers are more conservative, or perhaps it's due to the input of its Asian partners, but ultimately, the car's looks are nothing much to shout about really.
There's a lot of it too. The Latitude measures in at a massive 4,897mm in length. This is longer than almost all of its direct rivals (namely the Camry, Mondeo, 508 and Passat) bar the Honda Accord. While this might be good for passenger space, it does make manoeuvring the Latitude a tad tricky in tight car parks.
There are a couple of design flaws too. The high rear end means that reversing is a matter of putting your faith in the car's parking sensors. A reverse camera would be useful in this instance.
The other niggle is that the B-pillar is fairly thick, which gives the car a rather significant blind spot, even when you've turned your head to check for traffic when changing lanes.
Overall, the Latitude is a bit of a let-down design-wise.
|
Interior
The interior is where the Latitude hits back. Renault has laden the car with tons of features to make the Latitude travelling experience a suitably comforting one.
The biggest selling point of the car is the massage chair incorporated into the driver's seat, which is not something you find in many cars. The system uses five pneumatic massaging rollers to knead the shoulder blades, back and lower back of the driver, and has four settings, constant, intermittent, soft and firm. It most certainly provides for a pretty relaxing experience, especially on long stressful journeys.
The other occupants are well-pampered too (although probably not as much as the driver), with the luxuriously-appointed cabin. Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and generous legroom all serve to give passengers a thoroughly soothing ride. The boot is capacious as well, with a massive 511 litre capacity, capable of accommodating everybody's 'barang barang'.
The Latitude's equipment list is also extensive, with a whole host of comfort and safety features available. It seems like nearly everything in the car is automated, with keyless entry, electric parking brake, automatic headlights and wipers, folding mirrors, electric and heated seats, and of course, the driver's massage chair.
The interior is where the Latitude hits back. Renault has laden the car with tons of features to make the Latitude travelling experience a suitably comforting one.
The biggest selling point of the car is the massage chair incorporated into the driver's seat, which is not something you find in many cars. The system uses five pneumatic massaging rollers to knead the shoulder blades, back and lower back of the driver, and has four settings, constant, intermittent, soft and firm. It most certainly provides for a pretty relaxing experience, especially on long stressful journeys.
The other occupants are well-pampered too (although probably not as much as the driver), with the luxuriously-appointed cabin. Leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and generous legroom all serve to give passengers a thoroughly soothing ride. The boot is capacious as well, with a massive 511 litre capacity, capable of accommodating everybody's 'barang barang'.
The Latitude's equipment list is also extensive, with a whole host of comfort and safety features available. It seems like nearly everything in the car is automated, with keyless entry, electric parking brake, automatic headlights and wipers, folding mirrors, electric and heated seats, and of course, the driver's massage chair.
That's not the end of it too. Specifiable options for the Latitude include a panoramic electric glass sunroof, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, and an air purification and air ionizer system, which will be available in subsequent shipments of the car to Singapore.
Like all new Renaults, the Latitude comes with the TomTom navigation system, first introduced in the Fluence. The system is a pretty cheeky one, with customisable options like the Renault car icon to be displayed, as well as a variety of languages including Hokkien and Cantonese. If anything, it provides for a bit of entertainment along with the function of navigation.
Unfortunately, for all its endeavours in providing the ultimate in comfortable motoring, the build quality in some parts of the interior just doesn't seem to go along with the rest of the car's ambience. There's nothing majorly wrong with it, but it's just little things like the fit and finish around the centre console, and minor rattles from the dashboard that detracts from the atmosphere of the car slightly. Shame really.
Like all new Renaults, the Latitude comes with the TomTom navigation system, first introduced in the Fluence. The system is a pretty cheeky one, with customisable options like the Renault car icon to be displayed, as well as a variety of languages including Hokkien and Cantonese. If anything, it provides for a bit of entertainment along with the function of navigation.
Unfortunately, for all its endeavours in providing the ultimate in comfortable motoring, the build quality in some parts of the interior just doesn't seem to go along with the rest of the car's ambience. There's nothing majorly wrong with it, but it's just little things like the fit and finish around the centre console, and minor rattles from the dashboard that detracts from the atmosphere of the car slightly. Shame really.
|
The Drive
You would expect that a car like the Latitude, with its cosseting features, to be quite the cruiser. The fact that it is French further raises expectations of it being a plush luxo-barge.
And it is, to a certain extent. On the expressway, the Latitude feels smooth enough, with its soft and pliant suspension. However, at lower speeds, on cobbled roads (like those bricks you find in newer HDB estates), the car jiggles about uneasily. Perhaps the suspension has been set too soft, but it's strange considering the type of roads you find in France, which are not exactly billiard-table smooth.
The soft suspension also means that the car's handling is rather, casual, I would say. While the steering and throttle controls feel light and neutral enough, the Latitude gives the impression that it would rather take corners leisurely rather than zealously.
Similarly, performance is more laidback than breakneck. The 2.0-litre engine, together with the 6-speed CVT gearbox, is never going to set any speed records, especially with the car weighing over 2 tonnes. But it does keep up with traffic well in its domain, which is the expressway once again.
I guess, for what it's worth, the Latitude does what it is designed to do well, which is to provide an unfussy driving experience, and leave its occupants undisturbed throughout their journey.
You would expect that a car like the Latitude, with its cosseting features, to be quite the cruiser. The fact that it is French further raises expectations of it being a plush luxo-barge.
And it is, to a certain extent. On the expressway, the Latitude feels smooth enough, with its soft and pliant suspension. However, at lower speeds, on cobbled roads (like those bricks you find in newer HDB estates), the car jiggles about uneasily. Perhaps the suspension has been set too soft, but it's strange considering the type of roads you find in France, which are not exactly billiard-table smooth.
The soft suspension also means that the car's handling is rather, casual, I would say. While the steering and throttle controls feel light and neutral enough, the Latitude gives the impression that it would rather take corners leisurely rather than zealously.
Similarly, performance is more laidback than breakneck. The 2.0-litre engine, together with the 6-speed CVT gearbox, is never going to set any speed records, especially with the car weighing over 2 tonnes. But it does keep up with traffic well in its domain, which is the expressway once again.
I guess, for what it's worth, the Latitude does what it is designed to do well, which is to provide an unfussy driving experience, and leave its occupants undisturbed throughout their journey.
Conclusion
Perhaps I've been approaching this wrong. I was expecting the Latitude to be packed to the brim with French-ness, full of verve and passion, like its countrymen.
But it isn't. The Latitude is a simple, understated sedan aimed at people who do things that way. They don't expect crazy drama or wacky antics. All they want is to go about their business in their own, uncomplicated, mundane way - which is why they would normally go for a Camry.
Putting it in that perspective, you can say perhaps that the Latitude has more or less targeted the right market. Conceived with the help of Nissan and Samsung Motors, Renault has tapped the brains of the Asians to produce a car that suits the Asians.
Only time will tell whether the Latitude will succeed, but if Renault get their marketing strategy right, I don't see why it can't. It has pretty much all the features that its intended audience demands, plus a few extras that make life so much easier and less stressful.
Like that massage chair…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Perhaps I've been approaching this wrong. I was expecting the Latitude to be packed to the brim with French-ness, full of verve and passion, like its countrymen.
But it isn't. The Latitude is a simple, understated sedan aimed at people who do things that way. They don't expect crazy drama or wacky antics. All they want is to go about their business in their own, uncomplicated, mundane way - which is why they would normally go for a Camry.
Putting it in that perspective, you can say perhaps that the Latitude has more or less targeted the right market. Conceived with the help of Nissan and Samsung Motors, Renault has tapped the brains of the Asians to produce a car that suits the Asians.
Only time will tell whether the Latitude will succeed, but if Renault get their marketing strategy right, I don't see why it can't. It has pretty much all the features that its intended audience demands, plus a few extras that make life so much easier and less stressful.
Like that massage chair…
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Siddiq
Car Information
Renault Latitude 2.0 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12km/L
Horsepower
105kW (141 bhp)
Torque
196 Nm
Acceleration
11.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Renault Latitude
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