15 January 2011

MUSCAT: Suhail Bahwan Automotive LLC (SBA) launched Renault's all new Safrane at a glittering function held in Grand Hayat.

Speaking to reporters during the launch, Katsumi Nakamura, executive vice-president, leader of Asia- Africa, Renault SAS said Safrane, a distinctive, user-friendly and reliable sedan has already won the trust of the customers.

"The Safrane name has become synonymous with quality, durability and performance. It has won the customers' trust, thanks to its superb qualities in all of its segment's key features," said Nakamura.
"The new Safrane inherits all the positive elements of current Safrane, and offers a whole host of innovative features and comfort levels to the customers in GCC", Nakamura added.

In Oman, SuhailBahwan Automobiles LLC (SBA) are the exclusive dealers for all Renault vehicles and are responsible for the growth of the brand in the Sultanate.

"Renault vehicles, with their high degree of customisation for the GCC region, top range features and equipment and innovative leading technology have generated a lot of interest among the people in the Sultanate. With the next generation Safrane coming to Oman, the excitement around the Renault range will intensify," said Ahmed Suhail Bahwan, chairman of Suhail Bahwan Automobiles.

"The All New Renault Safrane is a generously-dimensioned saloon car. Its nicely balanced proportions, fluid and elegant lines sweeping over the broad shoulders denote a powerful presence," he added.

The Safrane is an ideal model for GCC customers. Owners in the region have exacting standards for cars, and are looking for something that will stand up to the rigours of the climate, offering exceptional comfort, luxury and a powerful engine for effortless motoring, all wrapped up in a stylish saloon body.

The All New Renault Safrane meets all these criteria.

SBA, who are also the exclusive dealers of Renault vehicles in Saudi Arabia, is also doing exceptionally well there. "We could surpass the sales in Saudi Arabia compared to its previous years," said Divyendu Kumar, managing director of SBA.

Private lounge

The car is very much akin to a relaxed and well-appointed private business lounge, offering relaxation, comfort and luxury thanks to the high standards of innovation and quality utilised in the development of the car.

The all new Safrane is very much the embodiment of Renault's new tagline, 'Drive the Change', where Renault has strived to maximise the experience the car delivers to its occupants. Demonstrating the dedication to bringing something new to buyers, is the segment topping knee-room for rear passengers, spaciousness and a roomy cabin are inherent to the Safrane's elegant design.

"Renault Safrane inaugurates the brand's new 'Take Care' signature which denotes a particularly high standard of well-being on board. Features include an unprecedented dual-mode air purifying ioniser, a double scent diffuser and a four-mode massage driver's seat," Kumar said.

High-tech devices

Safrane's high-end appointments incorporate comprehensive audio systems, including the core-range 3D Sound by Arkamys and the high-end Renault Bose Sound System.

A fully integrated CarminatTomTom Live navigation system NRS ensures that you're always on the map, even when you're off the road. Hands-free telephony with an integrated bluetooth setup and plug and music digital connectivity allow you to seamlessly switch between enjoying hi-fidelity tunes and peerless quality phone calls.

Front and rear parking proximity sensors, plus reversing camera assist in making sure even the tightest of parking spaces can be managed in a safe and convenient way. Night driving becomes a breeze with adaptive bi-Xenon cornering headlights that peer around corners, providing greater visibility in the dark and intelligently change to conditions. Hands-free entry and ignition, with automatically locking doors as the card-holder walks away from the vehicle add a practical dimension to the upper-class feeling.

Improved Designs

The rigorous design of Renault Safrane, benefits extensively from the acclaimed know how of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. To guarantee a level of reliability and durability that matches the demanding conditions it is likely to encounter in the majority of its markets, the model was put through its paces during an intensive endurance testing programme.

Development work also focused on delivering superior safety performance for its different markets thanks to Renault's unique experience in the fields of active and passive safety. Safety equipment includes standard ABS and emergency brake assist, plus ESC, six airbags (including, two dual-chamber thorax-groin lateral airbags with twin side-impact sensors), three-point seat belts (with pretensioners and load limiters at front), cruise control with speed limiter and tyre pressure monitoring system.
It is a large saloon, with a length of 4,897mm, a width of 1,832mm, a height of 1,483mm, a 2,762mm wheelbase and front and rear overhangs of 1,035mm and 1,100mm respectively.

Unmistakable poise

At the front, the bi-xenon cornering headlights set either side of the chrome grille contribute to the model's unmistakable poise. The lines of these lights extend rearward via a waistline that sweeps around the body and across the boot to produce a particularly elegant stance. The sculpted wheel arches and long bonnet accentuate its high-end status.

Yusuke Ando, director of importers and networks at Renault SAS and Mustansir Lakdawala, managing director of Renault GCC also attended the launch.  

© Times of Oman 2011