An affordable, fun to drive sports car and a top-of-the-line luxury model above Laguna are on the wish list of top Renault executives.

Patrick Pélata, Renault executive vice president for product, planning and programs, said: "Think Mazda MX-5 or even Smart Roadster and you are on the right lines."

Meanwhile Stephen Norman, Renault executive vice president, global marketing, revealed the company is also planning a luxury model above the Laguna to compete with French rivals Peugeot and Citroen.

A sports car could also revive the famous Alpine name. Pélata added: “We are working on a sports car project and you will see this within the next few years. We still have the Alpine name which we would like to use again.

“Ideally we would like to have an affordable sports car on a rear wheel drive platform that is great fun to drive.”

Renault is rumoured to be unveiling a 'desirable' concept car at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. Could it be the introduction of a new Alpine sports car?

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