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

Rétromobile 2025: inside France’s giant classic car show
Rétromobile 2025

Rétromobile 2025: inside France’s giant classic car show

Classic car shows can draw in massive crowds but Rétromobile is on a different scale…
News
5 Feb 2025
Single-seat Renault Filante Record 2025 is the French brand’s most outrageous EV yet
Renault Filante Record 2025 - Rétromobile front 3/4

Single-seat Renault Filante Record 2025 is the French brand’s most outrageous EV yet

The incredibly sculptural design is inspired by record-breaking cars from Renault’s past
News
5 Feb 2025
Renault and Volvo launch ‘revolutionary’ Flexis electric vans, arriving in 2026
Renault and Volvo launch ‘revolutionary’ Flexis electric vans - header

Renault and Volvo launch ‘revolutionary’ Flexis electric vans, arriving in 2026

The companies are working together to create a family of electric vans based on an EV-dedicated skateboard platform
News
29 Jan 2025
Car Deal Alert! 0% PCP finance Renault models including the hot new Renault 5
Renault 5 - full width front

Car Deal Alert! 0% PCP finance Renault models including the hot new Renault 5

A huge range of Renault’s cars are now available with 0% APR finance over a 24-month period
News
9 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price
Ford Capri - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price

Rebooted Seventies classic is now an electric SUV for a low monthly outlay. It’s our Deal of the Day for 5 February
News
5 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: sleek ‘n’ sporty Mazda 3 hatch at just £173 a month
Mazda 3 front corner tracking

Car Deal of the Day: sleek ‘n’ sporty Mazda 3 hatch at just £173 a month

Mazda’s high-quality family hatch might cost less than you expect with low initial payment and monthly fee
News
2 Feb 2025
Electric company car megatest: Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Hyundai and BYD head-to-head
Electric company car megatest - header

Electric company car megatest: Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Hyundai and BYD head-to-head

Drivers are spoiled for choice in the flourishing EV company car market, but which of our six rivals does the business?
Car group tests
3 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts