Renault has pulled the covers off its
facelifted Talisman, the brand’s mid-sized model that is also offered in a
wagon body style. Renault claims the 2020 Talisman comes with updated styling
but you’d be hard-pressed to find any differences, as these are really subtle.
The front end features a modestly redesigned grille, a modified bumper profile
and standard LED headlights across the range.
The rear of the updated Renault Talisman
features full LED lights as well, this time framed by chrome fittings and
packing dynamic indicators, while there’s also a new shark-fin antenna on the
roof. The changes are topped off by a range of new colors, including Baltic
Grey, Vintage Red and Highland Grey, while new wheel designs are also present,
ranging from 17 to 19 inches in diameter.
The 2020 Talisman also features adaptive
LED headlights with LED Matrix technology as an option; these greet the driver
with a lighting sequence when he or she approaches the vehicle. The interior of
the French mid-size model has been further refined with larger cup holders, a
frameless electrochromic rearview mirror, a wireless smartphone charger on the
center console, and redesigned HVAC dials that now feature a small display
within them.
A new 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
is also present, featuring many customization options, and is accompanied by
Renault’s optional 9.3-inch portrait-style Easy Link infotainment system with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The base version of the 2020 Renault
Talisman is also fitted with a new fabric upholstery. Customers can choose
between three colors for the optional Riviera leather, with the range-topping
Initiale Paris model offering two types of Nappa leather. There’s also new
chrome trim detailing, a new mood lighting system that ups the premium
atmosphere and a new ceruse wood finish on the dash and door cards for the
range-topping Initiale Paris model.
The range of active safety systems onboard
the 2020 Renault Talisman has been updated to include a Level 2 automated
driving system called Highway & Traffic Jam Companion. This works from 0 to
160 km/h and can even bring the car to a complete halt without the
driver having to do a single thing.
The Talisman is still the segment’s only
model to feature four-wheel steering, which comes standard on range-topping
trims. Renault calls it 4Control and it’s combined with adaptive dampers to
ensure “optimum stability and comfort”.
The engine range has been updated with the
latest 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo engine in the TCe 160 model, which is
offered exclusively in conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The engine produces 158 HP and 270 Nm of torque. The more
powerful TCe 225 is still powered by the 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo unit
also found the Renault Megane RS and Alpine A110, delivering 222 HP and 300 Nm of torque; it’s also strapped to a seven-speed
dual-clutch gearbox.
The diesel range includes two engines: the
1.7-liter four-cylinder dCi with either 117 HP or 148 HP and
a six-speed manual, as well as the 2.0-liter Blue dCi, with either 158 HP or 197 HP. nThe 2020 Renault Talisman will make its public debut
at the Geneva Motor Show next week before launching in European markets in
June.