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Renault Latitude sets the standard

At $36,990, the Latitude includes everything from automatic air-con to leather seats and alloy wheels.

It's the smell that comes from the ioniser built into the dashboard of its new flagship model, the $42,490 Latitude Luxe. The high-tech air freshener leads a long list of standard equipment that also runs to a massage seat for the driver in a car that takes the lead at Renault from the unloved - and unsuccessful - Laguna.

Renault has already re-positioned its Megane line-up with a major price cut and believes the Latitude move can work, thanks to the value that comes partly from a French car that's twinned with Nissan and built in Korea. "The brand has had some stigma in the past and we don't think that's warranted any more," says Justin Hocevar, managing director of Renault Australia.

The Latitude approach is a two-level attack, with a price leader at $36,990 including everything from automatic air-con to leather seats and alloy wheels. The car is intended to go against a range of rivals including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and even the Kia Optima.

"We believe we are delivering a car that's well suited to the market. It's a segment where rational decision making is king. Comfort and refinement are its real strong points," says Hocevar.

Paul Gover
Paul Gover is a former CarsGuide contributor. During decades of experience as a motoring journalist, he has acted as chief reporter of News Corp Australia. Paul is an all-round automotive expert and specialises in motorsport.
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