Does Renault’s new flagship premium saloon –the Talisman –have what it takes to challenge Germany’s finest?EnginePowerTorque0-100kphTop speedWeightBasic priceInline 4cyl, 1998cc187bhp @ 5,750rpm192lb ft @ 2,500rpm7.7 secs225kph1444kg (130bhp/ton)$28,000 (as tested)—RatingProStylish, ergonomically impressive, comfortableConNot particularly excitingAllow me to run you through the basics of Renault’s newest regional flagship, the Talisman. It’s a 5m-long front-wheel drive, mid-luxury saloon packed with comfort, techy features, and a sizable amount of ‘style’ (I’ll come back to that). Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbo with direct fuel injection, built with efficiency as its main focus. And it’s tiny. Which is good, since that means less weight. And less weight at the front usually translates into better handling, since the front axle is rarely overloaded.The engine may be small, but it packs a not unreasonable punch at 187bhp at 5,750rpm with a turbo that delivers 192lb ft of torque at...
