There's a curious thing about the Vel Satis, and it has occurred to several motoring scribblers in the CARkeys neck of the woods. A car which several of us entered, before driving it, in the "Why on earth is Renault bothering?" section of our diaries has earned a lot more than grudging respect, now that we've put in miles behind the wheel.Its reception has been in a different class from that given to the Avantime, which few of us can figure out at all. By contrast, the Vel Satis is impressive both as a phenomenally roomy design and as an executive/luxury saloon whose dynamics are away ahead of the impression given by its appearance.As mentioned in a test elsewhere, once you learn to keep it out of the ditches, the exaggeratedly wide track helps to hold the Vel Satis four-square on the tarmac over fast and twisting roads where a car of this size and perceived intention ought to be an embarrassment. In fact, driven decisively, it can be the source of a certain amount of embarrassment among members of the hot hatch brigade thinking to muscle it aside.That earlier report was on the 2.2-litre dCi, but now we can add some road impressions of the top model in the Vel Satis range: the Initiale with the three-litre V6 turbo diesel engine.It isn't worth repeating all the details from the earlier test of what was effectively the same car with a different powertrain and less luxurious equipment. The Initiale is an even classier car inside, with part-perforated leather upholstery and so on. The dark trim on the test car seemed to be very successful, although there were some arguments about the polished woodwork on the doors and fascia.I liked it, while a colleague thought the reddish-brown tone didn't suit the dark grey upholstery. A matter of taste, then, although I think you have to admire Renault's decision to use little square inlays of a slightly darker wood, and the quirky way that one of them, ahead of the front seat passenger, isn't square at all but rectangular. I'm all for small-detail stylistic quirks, if not taken to excess. This isn't.Outside, the Initiale comes with good-looking 18" Villa d'Este alloy wheels. Like other versions of the Vel Satis, it's an imposing car from most angles - surprisingly so in rear three-quarter view - but there's something wishy-washy about the front end.So what about the engine? Well, the lightweight all-alloy three-litre V6 is the biggest of Renault's dCi common-rail turbo diesels, each of which is among the top power units in its class. The 2.2 dCi Vel Satis already goes well, and the installation of an engine whose power output is boosted to nearly 180bhp really makes this bulky car get off its mark. A five-speed automatic transmission with a manual side to the selector gate is standard.The 0-62mph time of 10.5 seconds is impressive enough, but as we all know that's no real guide to how a turbo diesel performs overall. With the extra power, and peak torque of 257lb/ft coming in from 1800rpm, this model can pour on acceleration like nobody's business. Its hillclimbing ability and overtaking performance mean that a Vel Satis V6 will stand no nonsense from anybody, while at the same time being the relaxed motorway cruiser most people who buy it will probably want. Renault has taken that last requirement into account, and the V6 is one of the quietest large-capacity turbo diesels I've ever encountered. Engine 2958cc, 6 cylinders Power 180bhp Transmission 5-speed automatic Fuel/CO2 32.5mpg / 232g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.5 seconds Top speed 131mph Price From £30528.00 approx Details correct at publication date
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