What's all this about?
Renault is talking up its new top level of trim specification, known as Initiale Paris. Which it announced in Paris, of all places.
And what does that mean?
A really, really upmarket version of Renault's core models - Ford is doing something similar with its Vignale idea. Essentially, the Initiale Paris Renaults will have unique exterior body styling, very luxurious cabin materials and technology (and more soundproofing, too), the 'cream' of Renault's environmentally-friendly powertrains and a better level of customer service.
Ah, talk to me about this last point.
This is where Initiale Paris transforms itself from being just a trim line and instead representing almost a new sub-brand for Renault. All Initiale Paris owners will have access to a dedicated call centre that can assist with any problems and also provide priority appointments at dealerships across the network. There will be a reserved 'Initiale Paris' area in showrooms and the IP Services Pack features an inclusive service/maintenance contract and extended warranty; upgrade the IPSP to Sérénité level and a concierge service will collect and return the car at service time - where the owner's machine will come back having had a full wash and interior valet. In the meantime, customers will be able to use a courtesy vehicle of an equivalent level.
That all sounds very classy. When do we get the IP models?
Ah. There's no confirmation this will come to the UK... as yet. Both the Clio and the newly-revealed fifth-gen Renault Espace will be the first models to get the Initiale Paris treatment; we can only hope that the idea is a success and gets expanded to our shores.
Matt Robinson - 4 Oct 2014