“How much does this car cost?”
This question repeatedly arose during the test drive of Renault's flagship crossover (CUV) Philante. On July 23, I drove approximately 83 kilometers from Gangnam, Seoul, to Wonju, Gangwon Province. This was my first time driving a Renault model, and despite my low expectations, the Philante made a strong impression throughout the drive, sparking my curiosity about its price even though I had no plans to purchase a vehicle.
The Philante combines three key elements: stylish design, smooth driving experience, and excellent fuel efficiency. Upon first seeing the Philante, its rounded yet balanced exterior immediately caught my eye. The smooth roofline was particularly striking from the side. Inside, the attention to detail was evident, with luxurious materials and design that exuded sophistication.
The quietness and smoothness during the drive were the Philante's standout features. Whether navigating city streets, highways, or more rural areas, the impact of the road was significantly muted. Even when unexpectedly encountering a speed bump without reducing speed, the Philante's jolting was minimal compared to other models. The acceleration was smooth enough that a passenger in the front seat might not even notice the increase in speed.
Despite its mid-size, the Philante felt substantial while driving, with no lack of responsiveness at high speeds. Having primarily driven smaller models like compact cars and SUVs, I found the Philante easy to handle, with less stress than expected when gauging its width or maneuvering through narrow alleys and parking lots.
In today's high fuel price environment, the Philante's fuel efficiency is another attractive feature. During my 83.2 km drive, which took a total of 1 hour and 44 minutes, the average fuel efficiency was 16.4 km/l. This figure exceeds the official combined fuel efficiency rating of 15.1 km/l. The official urban and highway fuel efficiency ratings are 14.7 km/l and 15.5 km/l, respectively.
One downside was the smart rearview mirror, which uses an electronic display instead of a traditional mirror to show the rear view. However, when light hits the mirror, the electronic display can reflect the rear view in a blurry manner, making it inconvenient. If this feature is undesirable, consumers can opt for a trim that allows them to choose a traditional mirror or disable the smart mirror function altogether.
Ultimately, the Philante appears to be an appealing option for consumers seeking a model with balanced capabilities across the board.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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