The Renault Latitude is an executive sedan produced by the French automaker from 2010 to 2015. Designed to compete with models like the Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata, it offered a spacious interior, comfort, and understated European styling.
Production Years and Facelift
- First reveal: The Latitude debuted in 2010 at the Moscow Auto Show, highlighting its focus on the Russian and CIS markets.
- Start of production: 2010 (for the global market).
- End of production: 2015 (in some countries, including Russia, sales ended earlier).
- Facelift: In 2013, the model received minor cosmetic updates, including a new grille, slightly revised headlights, and an updated engine lineup.
Model Code and Platform
- Model code: Renault Latitude (L90).
- Platform: Based on the Nissan Teana (D platform), which explains its similarity in dimensions and chassis to the Japanese sedan.
Model Overview
Design
The Latitude featured a conservative yet elegant design without excessive aggression. A long hood, smooth body lines, and a prominent grille gave it a dignified appearance. The facelifted version (2013) introduced updated headlights and bumpers while retaining the overall styling.
Interior
The cabin was spacious, with high-quality materials (leather and wood in top trims). Standard features included:
- Dual- or four-zone climate control,
- Multimedia system with navigation,
- Power-adjustable seats with memory function,
- Ventilated front seats (in luxury versions).
Technical Specifications
Engines:
- Petrol:
- 2.0L (140 HP) – Base engine, underpowered for the heavy body.
- 2.5L (177 HP) – The optimal choice.
- 3.5L V6 (240 HP) – Powerful but less economical.
- Diesel (for Europe):
- 1.5L dCi (110 HP),
- 2.0L dCi (150 and 175 HP).
Transmission:
- 6-speed manual (rare),
- 6-speed automatic (main option).
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive only.
Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+EPDM-TD18<
How to Remove the Front Bumper
- Open the hood.
- Unscrew the bolts securing the grille from top to bottom.
- Release the clips and remove the grille.
- Under the grille, unscrew the three bolts securing the top of the front bumper.
- Move to the underside:
- Unscrew four bolts holding the fender liners.
- Unscrew four bolts securing the lower bumper shield.
- In the wheel arches:
- Detach the fender liners from the bumper.
- Unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened bottom-up) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
- Pull the bumper corners firmly toward you to release the fender clips.
- With an assistant, remove the bumper forward, disconnecting electrical connectors and headlight washer hoses.
How to Remove the Rear Bumper
- Open the trunk lid.
- From inside the trunk, unscrew three nuts on each side and remove the taillights.
- Behind the taillights, locate and remove four clips securing the top of the rear bumper.
- Move to the underside:
- Unscrew four bolts.
- Remove four clips (inserted bottom-up).
- In the wheel arches:
- Detach the fender liners from the bumper.
- Unscrew one bolt on each side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
- Release the clips in the fenders by pulling the corners firmly toward you. Also, detach the clips near the taillights and trunk opening.
- With an assistant, remove the bumper backward, disconnecting electrical connectors.
Interesting Facts
- A global model? No. The Latitude was primarily for emerging markets (Russia, Middle East, Latin America) and barely sold in Western Europe.
- Almost a Nissan: Due to shared platform with the Teana, many components (chassis, electronics) were interchangeable.
- Luxury "Initiale Paris" trim: Top versions featured premium interior finishes and exclusive options, but few were produced.
- A replacement for the Laguna? Partly, but the Latitude was larger and positioned higher.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfort: Soft suspension, good sound insulation, and comfortable seats made it great for long trips.
- Spacious cabin: Rear passengers had ample legroom.
- Reliability: The 2.5L petrol and 2.0L dCi engines were considered robust.
- Used market prices: Due to low demand, used Latitudes are often cheaper than rivals.
Cons:
- Weak acceleration: Even the 2.5L engine felt sluggish.
- Outdated platform: The chassis felt less modern compared to rivals (e.g., Ford Mondeo, Mazda6).
- Electrical issues: Sensors and infotainment systems occasionally failed.
- Low resale value: The model's unpopularity makes it hard to sell.
Conclusion
The Renault Latitude is an underrated sedan prioritizing comfort over sportiness. It suits buyers seeking an affordable executive car with ample space but who can accept modest performance and the risks of owning a rare, aging model.