Renault Vel Satis (2002 - 2007)

Big, luxurious four door car from Renault, seen at Motor Shows through 2001 and on sale in UK from Spring 2002. Occupants sit high like in an MPV. Makes much more sense than Avantime.

165bhp 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol manual does 131 mph, 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds, puts out 243g/km C02. 245bhp 3.0 V6 petrol auto does 147mph, 0-60mph in 8 seconds, puts out 275g/km CO2. 150bhp 2.2 diesel does 125mph, 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds, puts out 188g/km CO2. 180bhp 3.0 V6 diesel auto does 131mph, 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds, puts out 232g/km CO2.

Prices: £20,730 for 2.0 turbo Expression to £30,255 for 3.0 dCi Initiale auto, but heavily discounted in UK market to get them sold.