to considerable hunting in its quest to deliver power, at which point engine noise intrudes more than anticipated, and the change itself is by no means the smoothest in the class." The reviewer noted that the V6 diesel engine was better suited to the car's "lounge lizard pretensions" but that "all of which conspires to make the car's ride quality even more of a disappointment." The ride quality was described as feeling "over tough at pottering speeds, but displays a tendency to disintegrate into chop and judder when confronted with anything other than the smoothest of surfaces." In March 2005, Renault UK decided not to develop an RHD version of the facelifted Vel Satis, as sales of the model had been poor in the United Kingdom since launch. Although 3,500 sales were predicted, only a third of these were achieved. This came only two years after the Avantime coupé/MPV, which was equally ambitious in its design, was discontinued by Renault. The 2005 model year Vel Satis featured an reprofiled front grille section, giving it an appearance similar to more recent concept cars from the brand. On August 27, 2009, Renault ended production of the Vel Satis. Overall, Renault lost an estimated €18,710 per vehicle produced. The Renault Latitude is considered a replacement in Africa, Asia, the Persian Gulf states, Mexico or Russia, because of its similar dimensions and class to the Vel Satis. References External links Renault Vel Satis - Concept Car Database Vel-Satis.org (UK site by Vel Satis owners, for Vel Satis owners - news, articles, technical, blog and forum) Vel Satis Cars introduced in 2001 Cars discontinued in 2009 Euro NCAP executive cars Front-wheel-drive vehicles Flagship vehicles Hatchbacks Executive cars