Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault upmarket sub-brand inches closer

Renault reveals plans to roll out Ford Vignale-style top-spec Initiale Paris models right across the range

Renault Espace - badge

Renault bosses have confirmed plans to roll out a Ford Vignale-style upmarket sub-brand across its current product range over the next few years.

Speaking from this week’s new Espace launch in Marseille, Gérard Payen, Deputy Vice-President D-segment vehicles said Initiale Paris models would be “the best version of each product”, with each car offering “the best features for the customer.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

Currently only available in mainland Europe, the Initiale Paris specification is sold on the Clio and new Espace. However, Payen told us that Renault doesn’t want to stop with just two models. “We are going to roll it out across the range bit by bit”, he said.

He made the point that they’d need to assess right-hand drive demand before confirming these cars for the UK, but insisted Initiale Paris versions of other models were on the cards. In theory, at least, that means we could see flagship Initiale versions of the Captur and Megane before long, as well as the new Kadjar SUV later this year and revised Scenic due in 2016.

As Payen mentioned, Initiale Paris models would sit at the top of the Renault range and offer almost every available option as standard. In France, Clio Initiale Paris buyers get a reversing camera, automatic lights and wipers, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment with sat-nav and heated leather seats. Climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps and privacy glass are also included, with prices topping out at €25,400 (£18,300) for the most powerful diesel. The only specifiable extra on the Espace Initiale Paris is a retractable panoramic roof.

The move comes just months after Citroen announced plans to separate its stylish DS models from the more mainstream cars, and a matter of days since prices were announced for Ford’s first top-spec Mondeo Vignale model.

In other news, Renault bosses confirmed plans to expand the company’s production facility at Douai in France. The Espace’s new CMF platform will provide a base for the new Laguna and Fluence models, as well as 12 other upcoming C and D segment Renault and Nissans by 2020.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2024, 2025 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
4 Nov 2024
Renault Embleme: hydrogen range-extender to get “next-generation platform”
Renault Embleme concept - front

Renault Embleme: hydrogen range-extender to get “next-generation platform”

First look inside Renault’s future EV as CEO Luca de Meo calls it a “masterpiece”
News
31 Oct 2024
Viva la Renaulution! Out-going Renault UK boss reveals brand's future plan
Renault brand future feature with out-going Renault UK boss Guillaume Sicard

Viva la Renaulution! Out-going Renault UK boss reveals brand's future plan

Out-going UK boss discusses laying the foundations for Renaulution
Features
29 Oct 2024
Paris Motor Show 2024: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars
Paris Motor Show 2024 - header image

Paris Motor Show 2024: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars

The all-new Renault 4, MINI John Cooper Works and Dacia Bigster were among the models on display at this year’s Mondial de L’Auto
News
16 Oct 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month
Toyota Yaris Cross - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: fuel-sipping Toyota Yaris Cross with new tech for £257 per month

Toyota’s recently updated, highly efficient hybrid SUV is our Deal of the Day for 2 November
News
2 Nov 2024
Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer
Renault Scenic long-termer - header

Renault Scenic Iconic Long Range long-term test: head-to-head with the Ford Explorer

First report: French SUV joins the fleet and takes on Ford’s new Explorer
Long-term tests
2 Nov 2024
Best car headlight bulbs 2024
Best car headlight bulbs - header image

Best car headlight bulbs 2024

Which car headlight bulbs will brighten your night?
Product group tests
1 Nov 2024