FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Renault shows off Talisman wagon

Renault has revealed a wagon version of its replacement for the Laguna wagon ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

On sale in the first half of 2016, following the launch of the Talisman sedan, both models have been ruled out for right-hand drive production.

They migh lack relevance to Australian buyers, but the new sedan and wagon are said to both share the new Renault design language that will also make its debut on the small Megane hatch that will also appear at the Frankfurt show.

Measuring 4.85m long and 1.87m wide, the big French wagon shares its dimensions with the sedan but offers, seats down, a maximum boot space of 1700-litres.

Inside the big Renault wagon, the Talisman gains an extra 30mm rear headroom over the sedan, helping it offer class-leading space beside all its rivals, says Renault.

The French car-maker also says the estate will be offered with its latest development of 4Control chassis that introduces four-wheel steering to the big wagon segment. The wagon also comes with the option of adaptive dampers.

Up front, the dash is dominated by a huge 8.7-inch portrait tablet that incorporates Renault’s latest infotainment system allowing users to two-finger zoom, like a smart phone.

Under the bonnet Euro buyers will be offered just one petrol engine -- a 1.6-litre turbo with either 110kW or 147kW. Both come equipped with a standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Three diesels will also be offered: an 80kW 1.4-litre, and 95kW and 118kW versions of the 1.6-litre diesel that’s already available in Nissan’s QASHQAI.

The most powerful 118kW twin-turbo diesel comes with just a six-speed dual-clutch automatic while the lower powered variants also come with the option of six-speed manual.

Both the sedan and estate will be officially revealed this September at the Frankfurt motor show.

And the reason why we’re not getting it here? Blame the UK (and other right-hand drive markets). Buyers there have for the last few years been downsizing into smaller hatches and small SUVs, effectively killing off the large non-premium sedan.