An unusual Renault Filante crossover has appeared on the Russian parallel import market. The new model attracts attention not only with its design, but also with its technical basis: the car is built on the CMA platform, which is used by Volvo and Geely models.
Renault calls the Filante the largest production car in its current lineup. However, for Russian buyers, something else is much more important: the crossover actually offers a combination of a familiar platform, a powerful hybrid powertrain, and extensive equipment. Moreover, prices for the same model differ by almost 2 million rubles among sellers.
Renault Filante: the brand’s largest crossover
The Renault Filante’s appearance is noticeably different from most of the familiar models of the French brand. The designers made extensive use of Renault’s signature diamond design, with its motifs evident in the headlights, taillights, and illuminated radiator grille.
The crossover features massive wheel arches with distinctive trim, an elongated silhouette, and an unusual rear end. One of the most notable features is the so-called hovering spoiler.
However, the Renault Filante’s key feature is not its exterior but its technical features.
CMA Platform: Relationship with Volvo and Geely
Renault Filante is based on the CMA architecture. This platform is well known to Russian motorists primarily for the Geely Monjaro, which is officially unveiled on the Russian market.
The use of a common architecture is significant. For buyers of parallel-imported cars, this means that the Renault Filante isn’t a completely unknown or exotic design. The car is based on technical solutions already used in other modern crossovers from Volvo and Geely.
However, the same platform does not mean that the cars are completely technically identical. Renault Filante has its own chassis tuning, original body, interior and, most importantly, a hybrid powertrain.
250 hp and 565 Nm: what powertrain does Renault Filante have?
The model is available with one powertrain configuration. It is based on a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a capacity of 150 hp. and a torque of 250 N m.
The internal combustion engine is assisted by two electric motors.
The main electric motor develops:
- 100 kW, or 136 hp;
- 320 N m of torque.
The additional electric motor produces:
- 60 kW, or 82 hp;
- 180 N m.
The total output of the hybrid system is 250 hp. and an impressive 565 N m.
Such indicators make Renault Filante interesting not only from the point of view of economy, but also of dynamics. High torque allows the hybrid system to provide a quick response to pressing the gas pedal, especially when accelerating from low speeds.
However, potential owners should take into account an important point: complex hybrid equipment may require a more careful approach to maintenance, especially if the car was imported to Russia unofficially. Before purchasing, it is worth checking in advance the availability of consumables, electronic components and the possibility of diagnosing the hybrid system.
Renault Filante in Russia: price starts from 3.15 million rubles
Renault Filante is offered to be brought to Russia by order from South Korea. One of the companies from Vladivostok estimates the crossover at 3.15 million rubles.
For this money, the buyer is promised a car in the maximum configuration. The list of equipment includes leather bucket seats, a large multimedia system screen, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic roof.
At first glance, the offer looks quite interesting. Especially considering the power of the hybrid system and the level of equipment.
However, when comparing offers, the main question arises: why can the price of the same Renault Filante differ so significantly?
One Renault Filante – two prices: a difference of almost 2 million rubles
Another Vladivostok company offers a similar Renault Filante for 5.15 million rubles. The car has a matte black body and a light interior, but the difference in price is about 2 million rubles.
Such a range of prices for cars imported by individual order can be explained by several factors. The final price is affected by the vehicle’s price in the country of purchase, its configuration, delivery terms, customs duties, registration details, the size of the broker’s commission, and any additional services included in the price.
That’s why it’s not enough for a potential buyer to compare just the figure in the ad. It is necessary to clarify what exactly is included in the declared price.
It is important to check:
- whether customs duties are included;
- whether the recycling fee is taken into account;
- whether delivery to the buyer’s city is included;
- whether a seller’s warranty is provided;
- who is handling the vehicle’s registration;
- is the stated price final or may change after delivery.
The difference between the advertised price and the final amount in parallel imports can sometimes be quite significant.
Renault Filante or Geely Monjaro: what should a Russian buyer choose?
The Renault Filante’s main competitor in this case is the Geely Monjaro. The cars share the CMA platform, but the purchasing approach will be completely different.
The Geely Monjaro is officially sold in Russia. It has a dealer network, a factory warranty, and a more straightforward service plan.
The Renault Filante, on the other hand, will have to be purchased through parallel imports. This makes the model more exclusive, but at the same time increases the risks associated with the warranty, service, and availability of some spare parts.
At the same time, the Renault Filante may appeal to buyers looking for a modern hybrid crossover with an unusual design and a wealth of features. The price of approximately 3.15 million rubles looks especially attractive—if this amount truly includes all mandatory expenses.
However, at a price over 5 million rubles, the situation changes. In this case, the buyer will have to compare Renault not only with the Geely Monjaro, but also with other large crossovers officially presented on the Russian market.
Is it worth buying a Renault Filante in Russia?
The Renault Filante looks like one of the most unusual cars that can now be ordered under the parallel import scheme. The model has several obvious advantages: a modern CMA platform, a powerful 250 hp hybrid system, high torque, and a rich equipment list.
However, the main factor when choosing is not only the car’s characteristics, but also the final price.
If the Renault Filante can really be purchased for approximately 3.15 million rubles, taking into account all mandatory payments, the model could become an interesting alternative to large Chinese crossovers. But at a price of around 5 million rubles, the advantage of exclusivity must be weighed against the lack of an official warranty and potential maintenance difficulties.
Therefore, before ordering a Renault Filante, it’s worth carefully reviewing the contract, checking the final price of the car, and finding out in advance where to service the hybrid powertrain.
In the Russian market, where parallel imports continue to expand the choice of cars, the Renault Filante could attract the attention of buyers who are looking not just for another crossover, but for a technically unusual and rather rare model. However, in his case, it is especially important to remember a simple rule: an attractive starting price does not always mean an attractive final price.
