[size=x-large]2016 Renault Talisman Estate Revealed in Full, Brings Racy Styling to Eco Families[/size]
[size=small]Renault finally took the wraps off the Estate version of the Talisman Sedan version that was unveiled back in July. This new model aims to bring more families to the French manufacturer, families looking for more room inside as well as more efficient engines. Well, Renault definitely tried to do that with the new Talisman but they also went a little further.
The company claims that the exterior design of the Estate has racy styling and, to be frank, the car does remind us of the Megane RS we tested not long ago. In terms of absolute size, this version is no bigger than the Sedan and, as a matter of fact, is absolutely identical.
The Renault Talisman Estate measures 4.86 meters in length, is 1.87 meters wide and 1.46 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.81 meters (191.3/73.5/57.4 inches). The only thing different is the boot, of course, that rises to the roof’s height.
There’s a spoiler at the back, continuing the roofline for a couple of centimeters, setting it apart from its brother. Other than that, the exterior design is basically identical.
Inside the cabin is the same story with the only difference being related to the luggage space in the back that has increased considerably. There’s a power tailgate available that can now be activated by simply waving your foot under the rear bumper, a feature that should come in handy in case your hands are full (pun intended).
Plenty of room inside
573 liters of space are available in the back, up to the parcel shelf while the maximum load length of the car is 1,116 mm. If you’re to fold the seats, that length increases to 2,010 mm while the total volume goes up to 1,700 liters.
The front seats are 14-way adjustable while a massage function should take care of you after those long office hours. There’s even a ventilation feature included for the most excruciating hot summer days. To top everything off, Renault brags with the new ‘Cover Carving Technology’ that has strong, semi-rigid, lightweight shells incorporated in the front seat backs that are freeing up extra space for the rear passengers.
For those looking for the most exquisite materials, you can get the Talisman in Initiale Paris trim that brings Nappa leather to the mix, the exclusive Amethyste Black exterior finish, and improved soundproofing.
Active dampers and the R-Link 2 control center included
Renault fitted the Talisman Estate with the 4Control chassis technology that is just a fancy name for adaptive dampers. According to the French, this is the first time such technology is offered in this segment. Via the Multi-Sense Technology, the driver can now choose various settings for the suspension on to go, from Comfort to Sport, Neutral, and Eco.
The R-Link 2 control center is available now in either a 7-inch landscape format or an 8.7-inch portrait one, allowing you to control important functions of the car like the navigation, climate control or audio. Speaking of which, a Bose sound system is available as an optional feature.
Five engine choices
In terms of powertrains, you have to pick out of five different possibilities. On the petrol front, there are two 1.6-liter 4-cylinder mills on the table, the TCe150, and the TCe200, that are both available only with a seven-speed dual-clutch EDC gearbox. As the names suggest, they make 150 PS and 200 PS respectively.
On the diesel front, you get the usual dCi units with 110, 130 and 160 HP. The first two are available with manual or automatic six-speed gearboxes while the twin-turbo choice, the 160 version, is only available with the six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission.
Expect the new Talisman Estate to start being delivered to customers later this year, with a world debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.[/size]
