Today, Alstom Transport has released new detailed information about its Coradia Liner V200 project. This incorporates the development of the new generation articulated trains for intercity transport in France. 34 such train sets were ordered by the French railways (SNCF) in October 2013.

In the past months, Alstom's center for design and styling has been working on finalizing the in- and exterior design of the Coradia Liner, resulting in more detailed renders. We show three of them on this website.

Comparing them with the renders from 2013, we see a completely redesigned train. Its front design has moved towards those of Alstom's high speed products (the 2013 renders looked more like an upgraded version of the Coradia Regiolis for short distance traveling). A narrow single front window and aggressively looking head lights. Again some inspiration seems to come from fighter planes, like with the AGV. The base livery of the trains is again a light grey tone, but unlike with the Coradia Regiolis it is now only used for the front cabins. The intermediate cars have a darker grey tone. The window areas (with large windows for intercity trains) and the doors are painted in dark grey. SNCF carmilion (red to pink gradient) colors are used as accents only.

We think it is positive that the Coradia Liner now has a more mature, serious look. It makes clear that SNCF is taking its intercity network serious again. And it is sure time to do so, as it has been generally neglected too long. In the past decades, new trains have been introduced in urban transport, regional transport and high speed rail, but the majority of French travelers that travel from city to city still has to be satisfied outdated (albeit refurbished many times) loco-hauled trains.
The state of the intercity rolling stock became subject of a public debate after the heavy train accident in Brétigny-sur-Orge in July 2013. A loco-hauled Corail train derailed. The French Prime Minister therefore initiated the project that finally resulted in SNCF ordering new trains for intercity services, the Coradia Liner.

For sure, 34 units is just a first start. More units are needed to substantially renew the fleet. First Coradia Liner trains are expected to enter into service from December 2015.

More impressions of the news train on Alstom's flickr account.