Most of us are not familiar with the Renault brand. They are actually one of the largest car maker in the world with a yearly production of around 2 million cars. Compares this with Mercedes (about 1.1 million), Hyundai (about 1.7 million) or Nissan (2.7 million).

And the Vel Satis is their largest and most expensive car. At prices between $32 000 to $48 000, it competes with the BMW 5, the Mercedes E class and more.

But unlike most of its competition, the Vel Satis has a hatchback. Which makes it more of a European Chrysler Pacifica then a regular sedan. It also sits much higher than a sedan. Just like in the PT Cruiser, the seats are raised up, and the roof is very high. It gives you the feeling of driving a car based SUV. But it does look kind of weird and heavy.

Engine choices range from a 2.2 Liter, to the Nissan 3.5 Liter V6 used in the Altima/Maxima. For this test, I chose the 3.0 Liter Turbo Diesel V6. It is made by Isuzu.ngine

The interior is more in tune with a luxury car than the exterior. My test car had a metallic finish, but you can order wood. Leather was standard. The driving position is almost perfect. And so are the seats.

Everything inside feels very solid and well put together. And it doesn't look boring or old fashion.

The ride is very smooth, as long as the road isn't too bumpy. The soft, luxurious suspension seems to have trouble managing tight turns and bumpy roads. It stays fine as long as you take it easy...

The Turbo Diesel, although very refined, always reminds you it's a diesel... especially around town. It seems very out of character with the luxury feel and ride of the car. But to be honest, once you get going, let's say past 40 or 50 m.p.h., you cannot hear a thing anymore. It is then impossible to tell you are driving a diesel.

But what you can tell, is that you're driving a Turbo!. The annoying "Turbo Lag" is always there!

I can almost explain it (But not excuse it) in a Passat, where the small 1.8 Liter engine doesn't make much power before the Turbo kicks in. But with a 3.0Liter V6, you would expect power all the time, even before the Turbo starts up... Well, you'd be wrong... It is especially bad when starting from a stop, going up hill.

But, even with 180hp, and more torque than the 3.5 Liter, it still manages almost 40mpg on the highway!

As you can see, there's more than enough room inside for everyone. I think the closest thing to the Vel Satis in the US would be the Nissan Murano. The Nissan also has a very modern design, and it shares the same 3.5Liter V6. Except the Murano is marketed as a SUV, and therefore, available with All wheel drive. The Vel Satis is front wheel drive only.

By "dong it their way', Renault has taken a big chance in the luxury car market. But in that market, image is almost everything. They have the same problem as Opel and VW. For the same money, people prefer BMW, Mercedes or Lexus. A shame really, they are missing out on great cars like the Vel Satis, the Phaeton and the Peugeot 607...

You can find out more about the Vel Satis HERE.