Renault Vel Satis 2.0 i 16V Turbo (170 Hp) Automatic

The Renault Vel Satis is a large family car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 2001 to 2009. Positioned as a flagship model, it aimed to offer a blend of comfort, space, and distinctive styling. While not officially sold in the United States, the Vel Satis was a significant vehicle in the European market, competing with cars like the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 607, and Volkswagen Passat. This article focuses on the 2.0 i 16V Turbo variant produced from 2005 to 2009, equipped with a 170 horsepower engine and automatic transmission.

Renault Vel Satis 2.0 i 16V Turbo: An Overview

The Vel Satis represented Renault’s attempt to create a uniquely styled and spacious executive car. Its design, penned by Matthew Humphreys, was deliberately unconventional, prioritizing interior space and a commanding driving position. The 2.0 i 16V Turbo model, introduced in 2005, offered a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it a popular choice within the Vel Satis range. It featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, catering to drivers seeking a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Vel Satis 2.0 i 16V Turbo is a 1,998 cc (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, designated F4Rt, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 170 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Torque figures stand at 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) available at 3,250 rpm, providing ample pulling power for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder.

Performance-wise, the Vel Satis 2.0 i 16V Turbo achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9.5 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 206 km/h (128 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 10.2 liters per 100 kilometers (23.1 US mpg) on a combined cycle, with urban consumption reaching 14.5 l/100km (16.2 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 7.7 l/100km (30.5 US mpg). CO2 emissions are rated at 237 g/km, placing it within the Euro 4 emission standard.

Design & Features

The Renault Vel Satis is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its distinctive exterior design is characterized by its high roofline, large glass area, and pronounced shoulder line. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, with seating for five adults. The Vel Satis prioritized passenger comfort, offering generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.

Standard features on the 2.0 i 16V Turbo model typically included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system. Higher trim levels offered features such as leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a navigation system. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front airbags. The Vel Satis’s design emphasized a commanding driving position, providing the driver with excellent visibility. The hatchback configuration provides a practical 460-liter (16.24 cubic feet) trunk space, expandable by folding down the rear seats.

Technical Specifications