Renault UK is unlikely to launch the new Latitude as a replacement for the Vel Satis, because it can’t assemble a robust business case for the new big saloon.
The Latitude was revealed last week and will appear at the Moscow and Paris shows this year before its launch in mainland Europe.
“There’s a less than 50 per cent chance of the Latitude making it to the UK,” said a well placed source.
See pics of the Renault Latitude
The 4.9-metre-long, Korean-built four-door is a rebadged Samsung SM5 and is based on a hybrid front-drive platform derived from the front end of the Laguna and an independent rear axle from Nissan.
Given the poor sales record in the UK of non-German, £20k-plus large saloons, the Latitude would face an uphill battle to win sales, hence Renault UK’s caution.
