Renault Japon announced the debut of the all-new, fifth-generation Renault Lutecia on October 16, following a full model change.

Since its introduction in 1990, the Renault Lutecia has been a model that has brought innovation to its class as a pioneer of compact cars. The series has sold a cumulative 15 million units from the first to the fourth generation and has won the European Car of the Year award twice.

The new Lutecia is the first model to adopt the "CMF-B platform," a modular platform newly designed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. This latest platform is approximately 50kg lighter than the previous model's platform while offering high rigidity, accommodating high-output power units, and enhancing supple suspension movement and handling accuracy.

It also supports the new Lutecia's high fundamental performance, including quietness on various road surfaces, sound insulation in the engine compartment, safety in the event of an accident, and reduced air resistance due to panels covering the underside of the body. The reduced air resistance due to the more compact body size compared to the previous model, along with its lighter weight, also contributes to improved fuel efficiency.

The new model's dimensions are 4,075mm in length, 1,725mm in width, and 1,470mm in height. The exterior has been refined and given a distinctive front fascia common to all Renault models. The headlights are 100% LED, and the signature C-shaped daytime running lights are equipped. Six body colors are available: Rouge Flambant M, reminiscent of the "LOVE" design theme; the new Orage Valencia M (orange); the new Bleu Céladon M (aqua blue); Blanc Glacier; Bleu Iron M; and Noir Étoile M.

Although the body size has become more compact, the interior offers a more spacious cabin than the previous model. The dashboard features a design with wave-like curves and a horizontal layout, creating an impression of spaciousness and good visibility.

The cockpit area is ergonomically angled towards the driver, and the center console is positioned high for easy reach, creating an environment that allows for greater focus on driving. Despite this, there is no sense of confinement; high-quality soft materials are used wherever occupants' hands touch, including the dashboard, door panels, and the sides of the center console.

In place of the traditional analog display, a 7-inch digital instrument panel is adopted. Engine speed and speed are displayed on the digital screen, and it can reflect illumination colors corresponding to the selected driving mode in conjunction with Renault Multi-Sense. Furthermore, easy access to the latest infotainment technology and Renault Multi-Sense is provided via the 7-inch EASY LINK multimedia touchscreen.

The touchscreen has a slim, floating design that appears to hover, and it is slightly tilted towards the cockpit for ease of operation.

Turning to the powertrain, the newly developed 1.3-liter direct-injection turbo engine, also developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, produces a maximum output of 131ps (96kW) at 5,000rpm and a maximum torque of 240Nm at 1,600rpm. The transmission is a 7-speed electronic automatic with paddle shifters and a wet dual clutch (7EDC). It delivers performance comparable to engines found in larger, heavier upper-class models, offering exhilarating, composed, and high-quality driving in all scenarios, from city streets to highways. At the same time, it achieves excellent fuel economy of 17.0km/ℓ in WLTC mode.

The new model also features a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems, including Highway & Traffic Jam Assist (Intense Tech Pack), Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go function), Lane Centering Assist, a 360° camera, and Auto High/Low Beam.

Preventive safety technologies include Active Emergency Brake (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Safety Distance Warning.

The new Renault Lutecia is available in three grades depending on equipment: Zen (made-to-order, ¥2,369,000), Intense (¥2,569,000), and Intense Tech Pack (¥2,769,000). The Zen features a black dashboard, while the Intense and Intense Tech Pack models are combined with black, light gray, or light gray with red inserts dashboards, depending on the body color. Sales will begin on November 6.