Renault’s Premium struggled in its early days as a Spartan product devoid of pleasure. Operators, tempted by cheap price tags and favourable buy-backs, snapped them up en masse at a time when driver retention was not the problem it is today.

Trouble is when you sell yourself short all the hard work you spend as a manufacturer trying to recover can be easily lost. Today more drivers get a chance to choose their weapons and will remember what the Premium was, rather than what it is today – writing it off with out giving it a chance.
So what is today’s Premium all about. We have tested the 6x2 Premium 450.24 AML Euro-5 with the Optidriver+ transmission. It drives well, changes smoothly and intelligently, likes to lug down the box, and handles comfortably. Most importantly its more economical than its Euro-3 equivalent.
The light coloured interior is easy on the eye but the cab layout needs a rethink if it is to offer something different or better than its contemporaries. Read CM’s 27 September 2007 issue to get the full lowdown.