21 November 2002: While it is an open industry secret that the new Renault Megane II will be the first car in its segment to achieve the top 5-star rating in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results to be announced next Tuesday, the company is actually preparing for even another 5-star achiever.

The Vel Satis luxury car is also strongly tipped to have been given the distinction, which was first reached by the Renault Laguna II last year. Since then, only the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been granted the top rating.

To achieve the top safety accolade in three categories of cars is particularly a tribute to the designer of all three, Patric Le Quement.

We await confirmation on Tuesday from Rome. Meantime, Renault has the spaces reserved on its podium.