the Safrane offered six engines including one diesel (all gasoline motors have a catalytic converter) : Gasoline: 2.0 L (1995 cc), J7R-Q732/Q733, injection, 8v I4, (in markets where engine size was a factor in yearly registration costs) 2.2 L (2165 cc), J7T-R760/S761, injection, 8v Douvrin I4, (in other markets) 2.0 L (1995 cc), J7R, injection, 12v I4, (in markets where engines above 2.0 L are heavily taxed) 2.2 L (2165 cc), J7T, injection, 12v Douvrin I4, (in other markets) 3.0 L (2963 cc), Z7X-B722/B723/P722/P726/C723/B753, injection, 12v PRV V6, Diesel: 2.1 L (2068 cc), J8S-T760, 8v turbodiesel I4, 2.5 L (2499 cc), S8U-L762/M763, 8v IVECO-SOFIM S8U/8144.97 turbodiesel I4, The Safrane's launch was free of the build quality problems that ruined the Renault 25's reputation. Critics praised the car's comfortable and spacious interior, excellent noise insulation, and incisive handling. However, the manual transmission's cable-actuated shifter (a first on a Renault) was a weak link, a significant problem in the European market where more than 80% of cars sold are manuals. Sales outside France also remained limited. In the end of 1993, a 115 PS 2.5 L turbodiesel was added to the range, increasing Safrane's attractiveness, yet it faced tough competition from the likes of Audi's direct injection diesel of the same size, introduced a few months later in the Audi 100. The Renault Safrane was considered the most frequently used official car of former President of France, Jacques Chirac. Safrane Biturbo In 1994, Renault launched the high-performance Biturbo version available in RXE and Baccara models. This model featured a twin-turbo, evolution of the 3.0 L V6 of the Alpine A610, developed with the assistance of German tuning firms Hartge and Irmscher, coupled with all-wheel drive. However, it was only available with a manual transmission, as no automatic gearbox existed for a transversely mounted engine of that horsepower with AWD. Automatic transmissions and V8 engines are strongly preferred in the price class where Biturbo competed, therefore, only 806 Biturbos were made. Production ended in September 1996. In the same year, the French coachbuilder Heuliez presented the Safrane Long Cours, which was like a station wagon version of the Safrane Biturbo in luxury Baccara trim. Facelift The Safrane a major upgrade in July 1996 to revive sales. The front and rear ends of the car were restyled in a much more modern fashion and the equipment levels were upgraded. The concept that every trim