I WASN'T looking forward to driving the Vel Satis and I'm afraid my reservations were based on image alone.

The car lacks the sleekness of the established saloons in the executive sector and, although it boasts a price tag of just over £30,000, badge snobbery does raise its ugly head in terms of what I could get for the money.

The Vel Satis' design incorporates the rather large backside promoted in the recent Megane advertising campaign and generates stares from passing motorists – I'm not sure whether these were admiring glances or quizzical looks.

However, once inside it's a different story. A stylish interior complete with leather seats and proper wood marquetry, a host of gadgets and a ride which for the most part is composed and smooth, does make the Vel Satis stand out from the crowd. It might cost more than £30,000 but has many features as standard that would be on the options list of other executive cars.

It is a fine car for high mileage drivers. After clocking up almost 300 miles last weekend, I felt I could start all over again almost immediately, thanks to the fantastic seating position. The range of electrical adjustment found the ideal position for little me, as it has done for many of the taller drivers on the Fleet News team.

It handles motorways with ease, but it pays to go steady away from the main roads, thanks to its keenness to roll in corners, along with uncommunicative steering that has been described as light by previous testers. Light is an understatement, with little difference in weighting between parking manoeuvres and motorway speeds. Despite this car's excellent cruising nature, I would have preferred a heavier feel.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel produces more than enough power, with the typical DERV noise characteristics barely noticeable. Our car has also frequently reached the claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 32.5mpg.

During the past month, our car has made a trip to the local Renault dealership. Problems with the electronics meant the tyre pressure warning sensor light was continually flashing, despite tyre pressure being normal. Renault apparently fixed the problem, but it has occasionally flashed since. The tyre pressure is fine, so I am putting it down to an electrical fault. As I write, the electronics are working well but if it continues to happen the Vel Satis will need another trip to the dealer.

Company car tax bill 2003/04 (40% taxpayer) £330 per month.