RENAULT

LAG IN FRONT The latest generation Renault Laguna has hidden talents. Steve Walker reports…

If this generation Renault Laguna is half as good as the manufacturer’s PR patter suggests, we’re all in for a treat. The previous generation model was strong on safety and comfort but we’re told that the current car is safer and more comfortable than that. It’s also greener, more elegant, better to drive, has higher levels of build quality and superior reliability. The car is bigger too. It’s grown in every major dimension but, spookily, it tips the scales 15kg lighter than before. It all looks like impressive stuff on Renault’s part. If the Laguna had its own suit, it could run for President.

The medium range family car sector has always been a tough nut to crack but you get the sense that the manufacturers whose products compete there are having a harder time of it than ever. The market for this type of vehicle is being squeezed from all sides, by the increasing popularity of specialised alternatives like compact MPVs and 4x4s as well as by compact executive saloons from above and premium family hatchbacks from below. On top of all this, the medium range contenders themselves are an increasingly capable bunch, forcing the brands that want to maintain a toehold in this market to work harder than ever for a slice of the fast diminishing pie. It’s in to this cutthroat environment that Renault pitches its latest Laguna, priced from £15,990 and offered with an impressive three year, 100,000 mile warranty as standard. The Laguna’s engine range is a comprehensive one with Renault aiming to cover the full gambit of customer demand for performance and economy. It’s the diesel engines that the fleet business that props up this sector of the market will be focused on and that means the 1.5-litre dCi 110 and the 2.0-litre dCi unit that’s offered 130, 150 or 175bhp form. The highlight of the petrol collection is a 2.0-litre 16v engine with 140bhp that was developed jointly by Renault and Nissan but a 168bhp turbocharged unit makes the roster to help sate those who prioritise performance. At the top of the range, the sporting GT version gets a 205bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit or the top 175bhp diesel. Six-speed manual gearboxes come as standard on all models but the 150bhp diesel and the turbocharged petrol engine are available with Renault’s impressive six-speed auto.

"Renault needed to give the Laguna a big boost and the latest model is the result."

The previous generation Laguna could certainly pound out the motorway mileage but it was never the sharpest of customers when presented with a corner. Renault has pulled out all the stops to address this shortfall on the current model with particular focus on keeping body-roll in check. The suspension set-up at the front and rear is respectively 20% and 50% stiffer while the back end also benefits from a meatier anti-roll bar. The steering has been quickened up a few notches as well while the more tightly-geared configuration provides enhanced feel. Since Renault knocked everyone for six with the Megane’s enormous but ultimately well-judged rear end, its styling direction has veered onto a more conservative heading. The Laguna is unlikely to have people swooning on all sides with bodywork that’s clearly derived from its predecessor. It’s a neat effort with a certain elegance courtesy of the clean lines that gently flow into each other. Stand-out features include the distinct shoulder line that runs down the flanks and right around the rear, the large headlamps and the high-mounted LED rear light clusters. With no grille to speak of, the front is dominated by the large bonnet-mounted Renault badge. The Sport Tourer estate model’s sloping rear window line suggests only a modest increase in capacity over that hatchback but Renault’s Superfold rear seats will help customers make the most of what space there is by providing a flat load floor. 10mm longer, 36mm wider and 12mm taller, this Laguna is comprehensively bigger than the model that preceded it but Renault takes some pride in the fact that it’s also 15kg lighter. Keeping the weight down has obvious benefits in terms of economy and performance but we’re assured that it has not come at the expense of comfort or, that traditional Renault strong suit, safety. All models get the latest ABS technology with brake assist and ESP stability control. Should that fail, the passive safety provision runs to double pressure, double chamber airbags and dual pre-tensioner seatbelts. Renault has also focused on side-impact protection with thorax and pelvis side airbags fitted along with sensors that determine the force of any impact, adjusting the release time of the safety systems accordingly. The Hatch and Sport Tourer bodystyles are offered in familiar Renault trim designations starting with Expression and Dynamique. All variants get alloy wheels, a CD-RDS stereo with fingertip remote control, air conditioning, an alarm, body coloured bumpers, door mirrors and handles, driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, electric windows all-round, electrically heated door mirrors and a leather steering wheel. At the top of the range, the Dynamique S models will cater for the sporty-set with Alcantara and leather interior trim, metallic detailing and a flat-bottomed steering wheel that references Renault’s F1 involvement. The Initiale is the level with most equipment lavished upon it so customers can expect wood and leather as well as the latest technological advances. There’s a choice of two satellite navigations systems, keyless entry, keyless ignition and bluetooth hands free technology. Unusually, it’s the smallest diesel engine in the Laguna range that will raise the most eyebrows. At 1.5-litres in capacity, it looks an impossibly small unit to power a full-size family car. At least the 110bhp output gives it a fighting chance and the real reason for its inclusion, the headline-grabbing 55.4mpg economy and 136g/km CO2 emissions, should attract a ready supply of cash-strapped company car users. The fleet market will be pivotal to the Laguna’s success or failure and the 1.5-litre engine’s 18,000-mile oil-change service intervals will help win it admirers in this sector. Renault has undertaken an extensive testing programme to ensure the Laguna’s durability in the toughest of conditions. 120 models were put through over six million kilometres of trials at locations around the world chosen for their harsh climates and demanding terrain. The majority of the work was carried out in Argentina, Australia, Malaysia and Russia to test the Laguna’s performance in extreme heat, cold and humidity as well as at high altitude, in dusty conditions and on poor surfaces. Even the British road network on a bank holiday weekend shouldn’t present a problem. The previous generation Renault Laguna was always safe and comfortable but that wasn’t enough to take on the best that the medium range sector had to offer. With 4x4s, MPVs and junior executive models all eating into the core customer base for traditional family cars, Renault needed to give the Laguna a big boost and the latest model is the result. The manufacturer claims advances across the board with improved green credentials, refinement, quality and a more involving edge to the driving experience. The Laguna will need all of the above if it’s to make headway but the initial signs are promising.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Laguna range PRICES: £15,990-£23,900 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8E-12E CO2 EMISSIONS: 136-210g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0T] 0-60mph 9.2s / Max Speed 137mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 dCi 110] (urban) 46.3mpg / (extra urban) 62.8mpg / (combined) 57.6mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side & curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, ESP. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Hatch] Length/Widthmm 4586/1800 [est]

PETROL WINS PRIZES Diesel is the fuel of choice in the medium range sector but can the 2.0-litre petrol version of Renault’s Laguna still make a case for itself? Steve Walker reports.

Diesel, diesel, diesel, the whole automotive world seems besotted by the stuff at the moment. The fuel that was once a byword for smoking exhausts and traction engine refinement has been reinvented as the answer to the company car driver’s prayers and the saviour of the planet. Where does it all leave petrol though? Pushed to the margins as a fuel for tiny city cars and high-end exotica? The 2.0-litre petrol models in Renault’s Laguna range certainly have a tough job on convincing buyers in the fleet-focused medium range sector.

Nowhere has the relentless march of diesel been felt more strongly than amongst motorway pounding medium range models. The vast majority of Ford Mondeos, Vauxhall Vectras and Volkswagen Passats are chosen either by company car users themselves or by their penny pinching fleet managers. It’s no surprise then that the low running costs of diesel dominate here. That’s not to say that petrol power is without its advantages but it will take a show-stopping performance from the Laguna 2.0 16v to convince the masses. With 140bhp from its four-cylinder 16-valve configuration, there isn’t anything wildly exotic about the Renault Laguna’s 2.0-litre petrol engine. Unlike the diesel alternatives that do their best work over a narrower section of the rev range, the 2.0-litre feeds its power in gradually up to the 140bhp peak at 6,000rpm. Torque arrives at the wheels in a progressive fashion with the 195Nm maximum produced at 3,750rpm. It means that the 2.0-litre petrol engine lacks the punchy low end of the Laguna’s 2.0-litre dCi 130 diesel which sends 320Nm coursing forth at 2,000rpm. Even the 1.5 dCi option has superior torque but the petrol serves up a smoother experience in the Laguna than either diesel, and a more refined one. The 2.0-litre 16v is impressively hushed across the full gamut of driving conditions and if you really value your peace and quiet, you might be tempted. The 0-62mph sprint takes just over 9 seconds and the top speed is 130mph so it’s not slow.

"The Laguna 2.0 16v is noticeably easier on the ears than the oil burners"

The previous generation Laguna could certainly pound out the motorway mileage but it was never the sharpest of customers when presented with a corner. Renault has pulled out all the stops to address this shortfall on the current model with particular focus on keeping body-roll in check. The suspension set-up at the front and rear is respectively 20% and 50% stiffer while the back end also benefits from a meatier anti-roll bar. The steering has been quickened up a few notches as well while the more tightly-geared configuration provides enhanced feel. Since Renault knocked everyone for six with the Megane’s enormous but ultimately well-judged rear end, its styling direction has veered onto a more conservative heading. The Laguna is unlikely to have people swooning on all sides with bodywork that’s clearly derived from its predecessor. It’s a neat effort with a certain elegance courtesy of the clean lines that gently flow into each other. Stand-out features include the distinct shoulder line that runs down the flanks and right around the rear, the large headlamps and the high-mounted LED rear light clusters. With no grille to speak of, the front is dominated by the large bonnet-mounted Renault badge. The Sport Tourer estate model’s sloping rear window line suggests only a modest increase in capacity over that hatchback but Renault’s Superfold rear seats will help customers make the most of what space there is by providing a flat load floor. Some 10mm longer, 36mm wider and 12mm taller, this Laguna is comprehensively bigger than the model that preceded it but Renault takes some pride in the fact that it’s also 15kg lighter. Keeping the weight down has obvious benefits in terms of economy and performance but we’re assured that it has not come at the expense of comfort or, that traditional Renault strong suit, safety. All models get the latest ABS technology with brake assist and ESP stability control. Should that fail, the passive safety provision runs to double pressure, double chamber airbags and dual pre-tensioner seatbelts. Renault has also focused on side-impact protection with thorax and pelvis side airbags fitted along with sensors that determine the force of any impact, adjusting the release time of the safety systems accordingly. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is widely available across the Laguna trim level range. You can have one in Expression, Dynamique, Dynamique S or Initiale form. Prices start at £15,990 for the Expression version positioning the 2.0-litre engine £360 below the 1.5-litre dCi option – an indicator of how far petrol’s stock has fallen in the modern marketplace. The Sport Tourer estate versions are £950 more expensive so the top price for a 2.0-litre 16v Laguna is £21,490 for the Sport Tourer in Initial trim. The Expression models get air-conditioning, a CD stereo and alloy wheels but the Laguna feels that bit more special in Dynamique guise. Here there’s aluminium detailing and part leather trim for the interior plus chrome window surrounds and front fog lights outside. Cruise control with an automatic speed limiter is also included. The Dynamique S gets climate control, 17" alloys and electric seats while the Initiale adds satellite navigation, full leather trim and Xenon directional headlamps amongst other things. Fleet customers invariably look straight to the bottom line when choosing their vehicles and here diesel power options tend to exert a marked advantage. The 2.0-litre petrol engine achieves around 36mpg on the combined cycle while the 2.0-litre dCi unit turns in a 47mpg showing and the 1.5-litre dCi tops the charts with 58mpg. It’s a similar story on the emissions front where the 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 185g/km of CO2 compared to the dCi 130’s 158g/km and the 1.5 dCi’s 130g/km. On costs, there is no contest in the Petrol Vs diesel match-up but in comparison to petrol powered rivals, the Laguna actually holds up very well. The Laguna comes with Renault’s 3-year/100,000-mile warranty with the first two years of cover having no mileage limit. The car also has lower insurance groupings than the model it replaced. The 2.0-litre models come in at 9E which is far from unreasonable. Petrol’s problem is that it used to sit on the right side of a gulf in refinement and performance with diesel languishing on the distant bank. In recent times, new diesel technology has bridged the gap while the economy advantage diesel has always held over petrol has grown. It’s hardly surprising that diesel sales have rocketed, especially in the cost-conscious mainstream market sectors but petrol power still has much to offer. The Laguna 2.0 16v is noticeably easier on the ears than the oil burners, its power delivery is more progressive and for most it will prove a more enjoyable car to drive when the road opens up ahead. The Laguna itself definitely lacks a touch of visual drama when you first catch sight of it but the styling isn’t going upset anyone and the interior is quite a piece of work. The materials and the quality of construction in the Laguna really stand out. It feels like a premium product and sat behind the wheel for a year’s worth of traffic jams, contra-flow systems and motorway marathons, company car users are going to have very little to complain about - except the obvious.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Laguna 2.0 16v PRICES: £15,990-£21,490 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 9E CO2 EMISSIONS: 185g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 9s / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 35.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side & curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, ESP. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Hatch] Length/Width/Heightmm 4801/2060/1445

GOOD VIBRATIONS Renault‘s latest Laguna has some tough competition to overcome if it’s to prove a worthy alternative to the class leaders. Jon Elliot checks out the frugal dCi models

In designing the revised Laguna, Renault understood the need to create something slightly different to other manufacturers. Hence its slightly unconventional looks. What isn’t different is the emphasis put on diesel power across the line-up and this model range offers buyers no fewer than four different dCi options. From this point of view, the French maker really seems to have things covered.

The reasons for making a class-leading diesel car appear clear. After all, the Government loves them, owners reaping rich rewards in tax benefits by driving an oil burner. Car manufacturers recognise this and so have jumped on the gravy train before it leaves the station. Which is why Renault’s third generation Laguna offers no fewer than four dCi diesel options in an attempt to gain a firm hold in this sector. The previous Laguna was reasonably well received in dCi form, so this further evolution is rightly expected to sell well, especially among business users. The competition though is fierce, with tough new rivals like Ford’s Mondeo, Citroen’s C5 and the latest Mazda6 to consider, plus there’s a shed load of other cars vying for buyers cash. In such cramped market conditions, manufacturers need to come up with something different to attract the attention of would-be owners. The previous Laguna was a creditable car but in order to succeed here, Renault may need to raise the benchmark still further in order to compete favourably with its peers. Sometimes, one over-riding facet of a car’s character is glaringly obvious. Take this Laguna. Put simply, its ride quality is quite clearly superb. The effort afforded to driver comfort in this car is apparent from the first uneven road or serious bend you take once behind the wheel. Body role is negligible, the Renault seemingly hovering above the tarmac, as if performing some party trick. The steering too has improved accuracy and is well weighted, although the drive itself is not overly involving.

"Every Laguna dCi deserves an audition against the very top performers in this class…"

In fact, the ride quality is so impressive the car manages to immediately gain your trust and as you increase the pace, the Laguna obligingly leads you from one bend to another, taking crests and uneven surfaces in its stride. It’s only when you press on that things seem to lose their way a little and driver can become slightly detached from the experience. The car is also let down by the less than impressive gear change. The 6-speed gearbox appears to have been an afterthought and left me slightly concerned by what else may have been overlooked. It’s all a bit woolly between cogs, which is unfortunate as the otherwise excellent driving dynamics are slightly let down by this lack of attention to detail. Renault’s latest Laguna may be one of the most impressive family cars we’ve driven this year. Take the build quality. It reminds us of more expensive brands we’ve recently come across. Everything closes with a reassuring thud, interior plastics are of a high quality, and there is a sense that this design has come of age when you’re sat at the wheel. The dash is clear and concise; in fact, it will even tell you when to change gear to achieve optimum fuel efficiency, a useful touch for the company car user. What may end up letting the Laguna down is it’s looks. When we first saw the pictures of the Laguna, we were seriously concerned. In truth it looks a lot better in the metal and certainly isn’t ugly. It is though, something of an acquired taste. The lack of a front grille seems to make the front of the bonnet endless and the lights look like a set of untrimmed eye brows left to run wild like a hedge in an unkempt garden. The rear of the car looks great though. It has a real presence about it. The middle part of the design continues the theme, but when you get to the bonnet and front lights, everything appears to go wrong. Renault offer four dCi diesel engines in the range and these are available in four different levels of trim. The 110bhp 1.5 is, in truth, for those who are rarely in a rush to get to their chosen destination. Acceleration in third at low speeds is rather negligible, but it does offer trouble free, relaxing motoring. The 2.0 engine is available with either 130 or 150bhp forms, offering improved levels of performance. The latter of these two engines develops an impressive 251lb of torque, enough to see it reach 60mph in around 9.5 seconds. At the top of the range is the dCi 175 variant. Several different trim levels are available on the Laguna. The Expression starts the range, but still offers enough electric options to keep your fingers busy. Marrying this to the 1.5 litre power plant will set you back £16,350. Step up to the Dynamic and cruise control and half leather are included. The Dynamic S adds Climate Control to the package. The range topping Initiale has a lovely combination of full leather and wood trim which sets the car off perfectly. At over £22,000, it may sound a lot of money, but as an all round package it takes some beating. Add around £1,000 to the asking prices if you want the Sport Tourer estate variant. Any model in the dCi range makes a compelling argument for the business user. At the pumps, they’re all noticeable frugal. The 1.5 dCi returns a combined mpg figure of 55.4 mpg. Despite the different power outputs of the two 2.0-litre 130 and 150 dCi engines that most will choose, they both record a combined figure of 47.1 mpg. Similarly, the CO2 readings are 158g/km in the 2.0-litre car and an improved (over the last generation model) 136g/km in the entry level 1.5 dCi. Insurance is likely to be reasonably cost effective too. The 1.5 dCi is rated as group 8. The 130bhp 2.0-litre engine achieves group 10 and the 150bhp unit is only rated at group 11. Depreciation could be a factor to consider for the private buyer. The outgoing model can now be bought for just a few thousand pounds on the second hand market. This could be a trait that continues, depending on how well received this generation Laguna range is by the public. With the improvement in diesel engines across the board though, second hand prices of this car in diesel form may be bolstered in the future as more used car buyers consider diesel purchases. Renault has produced an excellent car in the Laguna, especially when it comes to the diesel dCi variants. In fact, the competition may be shifting slightly uncomfortably in the seats right now. Each of the dCi models are simply effortless to drive and all offer excellent levels of comfort and ride. Loyal Renault owners are going to love this car and may find their neighbours peering over their fences with a green streak of envy. And the styling? Well, it may be a little controversial but with time, the lines should soften in public perception and merely appear as something less run of the mill. In truth the 2.0-litre dCi 150bhp car is the one to go for. It offers a blend of performance, style and near impeccable rode manners which the lesser models struggle to reach. But every Laguna dCi deserves an audition against the very top performers in this class, cars such as Ford’s Mondeo. This French challenger really is very good. If your checklist for car ownership majors on ride, comfort and practicality and if badges, brushed aluminium and looks matter little to you, then we have no qualms in recommending the Laguna to you.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Laguna dCi range PRICES: £16,350-£23,900 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8E-12E CO2 EMISSIONS: 136-188g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0 dCi 150] 0-60mph 9.5 / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 dCi 110] (combined) 53.3mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side & curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, ESP. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [5dr hatch] Length/width/heightmm 4695/1811/1445mm

LOADS BETTER? The Renault Laguna Sport Tourer offers a cerebral alternative to the usual mass market load luggers. Andy Enright reports

In building the Laguna Sport Tourer, Renault has focused very specifically on the requirements of target buyers and the result is extremely accomplished. All the things it needs to do it does very well. Its problem is that some rivals also do this and do the less important things better to boot.

A few years ago, the family estate car looked dead in the water. Anybody who needed a little more utility than was served up by a typical family hatch or saloon looked instead to the burgeoning wave of compact 4x4s and mini-MPVs that were flooding the market. After a while, however, customers reappraised their requirements. Having a vehicle with added space but which still drove as well as the saloon or hatch they were used to meant just one thing – an estate car, a design to which gradually they have returned. Renault hasn’t been slow to recognise this and the Sport Tourer estate version of its latest Laguna plays a pivotal role in this car’s European success. Rather than tack on the biggest loading bay in its class, the Laguna Sport Tourer instead plays smart and focuses on real world utility to very good effect. This car stands or falls on how closely it replicates the driving manners of the Laguna hatch and the good news is that there is precious little difference, only a marginal increase in noise from the rear betraying the fact that you’re lugging several more litres of fresh air about with you inside the Sport Tourer. The engine range is a comprehensive one with Renault aiming to cover the full gamut of customer demand for performance and economy. It’s the diesel engines that the fleet business that props up this sector of the market will be focused on and that means the 1.5-litre dCi 110 and the 2.0-litre dCi unit that’s offered in 130 or 150bhp form. The highlight of the petrol collection is a 2.0-litre 16v engine with 140bhp that was developed jointly by Renault and Nissan but a 168bhp turbocharged unit makes the roster to help sate those who prioritise performance. Six-speed manual gearboxes come as standard on all models but the 150bhp diesel and the turbocharged petrol engine are available with Renault’s impressive six-speed auto. The suspension set-up at the front and rear is respectively 20% and 50% stiffer, while the back end also benefits from a meatier anti-roll bar and you’ll certainly feel this on bumpy B-roads. The steering has been quickened up a few notches as well, while the more tightly-geared configuration provides enhanced feel.

"The Laguna Sport Tourer features some smart solutions that make it very usable. …"

The Sport Tourer is a full 108mm longer from stem to stern than the hatchback upon which it’s based, and the fact that the wheelbase is similar should tell you that all that additional length has been devoted to its rear end. The rather raked rear screen and swooping roofline tell a conflicting story, however, hinting that space inside isn’t going to be class leading. And so it proves. Yes, at 508 litres, the capacity is a full 33 litres better than its predecessor, but it’s still some way shy of the 626 litres you’d get in a Honda Accord Tourer or the 554 litres a Ford Mondeo estate will serve up. Whisper it, but it’s actually less than the ‘smaller’ Renault Megane Sport Tourer. The Laguna counters with some very smart solutions that make it very usable. For a start – and unlike many rivals - the sides of the luggage bay are completely vertical, allowing you to use every cubic centimetre when storing bulky items. Buttons on the door pillars and levers in the boot fold the seats flat without any other manual intervention, while the parcel shelf retracts automatically and can be stored under the luggage bay floor. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into making the most of what the Sport Tourer has. Prices start at £16,940, a premium of around £1,000 over the equivalent hatch. Customers get an impressive three year, 100,000 mile warranty as standard. The Sport Tourer bodystyle is offered in familiar Renault trim designations starting with Expression and Dynamique. All variants get alloy wheels, a CD-RDS stereo with fingertip remote control, air conditioning, an alarm, body coloured bumpers, door mirrors and handles, driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, electric windows all-round, electrically heated door mirrors and a leather steering wheel. At the top of the range, the Dynamique S models will cater for the sporty-set with Alcantara and leather interior trim, metallic detailing and a flat-bottomed steering wheel that references Renault’s F1 involvement. The Initiale is the level with most equipment lavished upon it so customers can expect wood and leather as well as the latest technological advances. There’s a choice of two satellite navigations systems, keyless entry, keyless ignition and bluetooth hands free technology. Unusually, it’s the smallest diesel engine in the Laguna Sport Tourer range that will raise the most eyebrows. At 1.5-litres in capacity, it looks an impossibly small unit to power a decently-sized estate car but it’s not shy of torque to haul even a fully loaded Sport Tourer. The 110bhp power output gives it a fighting chance and the real reason for its inclusion, the headline-grabbing 55.4mpg economy and 136g/km CO2 emissions, should attract a ready supply of cash-strapped company car users. The fleet market will be pivotal to the Laguna’s success or failure and the 1.5-litre engine’s 18,000-mile oil-change service intervals will help win it admirers in this sector. Renault has undertaken an extensive testing programme to ensure the Laguna’s durability in the toughest of conditions. 120 models were put through over six million kilometres of trials at locations around the world chosen for their harsh climates and demanding terrain. The majority of the work was carried out in Argentina, Australia, Malaysia and Russia to test the Laguna’s performance in extreme heat, cold and humidity as well as at high altitude, in dusty conditions and on poor surfaces. Even the British road network on a bank holiday weekend shouldn’t present a problem. Renault has undoubtedly played a very smart hand with the latest Laguna Sport Tourer. It manages to pack a lot of utility into a very manageable overall size, it features a range of excellent engines, superb safety provision and decent equipment levels. It’s been ruthlessly honed for the needs of its target market. It’s refined, it will devour motorway miles with no fuss and will do so at a competitive price. The thing is, this sort of super-focused targeting has been done before in this class with Vauxhall’s Vectra, a great motorway car that was lambasted by the media because it wasn’t exciting to drive or look at and didn’t handle brilliantly. I suspect the Laguna Sport Tourer will receive the same treatment. What it boils down to is asking yourself whether you are content to pay what Renault is asking and get these core features or whether you’ll pay a premium for a Mondeo or an Accord and get all the fringe benefits of superior handling and sharper styling. Choice can be so problematic.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Laguna Sport Tourer range PRICES: £16,940-£23,900 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 8E-12E CO2 EMISSIONS: 133-210g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0] 0-60mph 9.0s / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 dCi 110] (combined) 53.3mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side & curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, ESP. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4911/2060/1445

LE GRAND TOUR The GT versions of Renault’s Laguna aim to convince UK buyers that this model can take the fight to more focused medium range cars. Andy Enright thinks it’ll be a tough assignment.

Quick. Name a sporty Renault Laguna. I’ll bet that you can’t. Meganes and Clios, no problem, but a properly sporty Laguna just hasn’t happened yet. Renault thinks it can change all that with the latest Laguna GT, powered with either 180 or 205bhp engines. With four-wheel steer, the GT is certainly nimble but it faces an uphill battle convincing British buyers of its talents.

When it comes to building sporting cars, few mainstream manufacturers have had as many hits on their hands as Renault. Their back catalogue is stuffed with some real gems; cars like the 5 Turbo II and the GT Turbo, the Clio Williams and Clio 172, 182, 197 and V6 variants, the Megane Renaultsport, the Sport Spider, the Alpine A110, A310, A610 and GTA models and even less acclaimed stuff like the 17 Gordini and the 19 16v – all were fun cars. At this point, you may well notice that, despite having been in production in three main iterations since 1994, there’s no Laguna in that list: and with good reason. While Renault has turned out some decently rapid Laguna models in the past, they’ve always been long distance mile-munchers rather than anything to get your pulse racing. The latest GT model promises much, but is unlikely to trouble the list of the all-time great Renault sporting cars. Two engines for the GT are available. There’s a diesel that features a 180bhp 2.0-litre dCi engine and fronts up with an impressive 400Nm of torque. This will get it to 60mph in 8.2 seconds. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre 16v petrol engine that cranks out 205bhp and will get to 60 in just 7.5 seconds. So far, so reasonable. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Laguna GT is what’s going on at the back wheels. No, it isn’t four-wheel drive, but the back wheels aren’t there as mere accessories to keep its derriere from dragging. Renault has developed a clever four-wheel steer system that significantly increases the car’s manoeuvrability and agility. The Active Drive Chassis turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at angles of up to 3.5 degrees at speed of up to 38mph. This creates a pivot point in the middle of the car, bringing a smaller turning circle and less steering input required. Above 38mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts to increase precision, setting the rear axle on a more effective trajectory. Rather reassuringly, the stability control electronics have been specially optimised to work in conjunction with the Active Drive Chassis.

"The Laguna GT isn’t the most immediately appealing car, but do your homework and it might well prove to be an unexpected gem…."

The Laguna GT features a revised front bumper with a bigger front grille featuring lateral air intakes and black background headlights to give it a much meaner face than the standard Laguna. Eighteen-inch Celsium alloy wheels are shod with 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres while braking is taken care of with big 320mm discs up front and 300mm rotors at the back. Smoked rear lights, gloss black door mirror housings, twin tailpipes and sill extensions complete the look. Inside, the GT buyer will find embossed leather and alcantara sports seats, drilled aluminium pedals, an aluminium gearshift knob and a GT-specific sports steering wheel. Some 10mm longer, 36mm wider and 12mm taller, this Laguna is comprehensively bigger than the model that preceded it but Renault takes some pride in the fact that it’s also 15kg lighter. Keeping the weight down has obvious benefits in terms of economy and performance but we’re assured that it has not come at the expense of comfort or, that traditional Renault strong suit, safety. All models get the latest ABS technology with brake assist and ESP stability control. Should that fail, the passive safety provision runs to double pressure, double chamber airbags and dual pre-tensioner seatbelts. Renault has also focused on side-impact protection with thorax and pelvis side airbags fitted along with sensors that determine the force of any impact, adjusting the release time of the safety systems accordingly. Available in both Hatch and Sport Tourer estate guises and priced from £21,050, the GT sits just below the luxury Initiale models in the Laguna line up. Standard equipment includes climate controlled air conditioning, a CD stereo, front fog lights, cruise control with an automatic speed limiter. The diesel version is also fitted with a particulate filter and exhaust gas recyclingf valve with enhanced cooling. This improves efficiency and reduces the emission of particulates into the environment. Great care has been put into managing the negative side effects of diesel combustion, right down to the fitment of ultra-efficient glow plugs that ensure the car starts at the touch of a button right down to -23 degrees Celsius. With such powerful engines, the Laguna GT isn’t going to be pocket change to run, and upper specification Laguna models have not had the best record in terms of retaining their value when the time comes to sell. That said, the diesel model at least manages some decent numbers in terms of economy and emissions. The 172g/km carbon dioxide figure is extremely good for a car this big and rapid. Compare it to the 189g/km for a Ford Mondeo diesel with 50bhp less and you’ll see the measure of Renault’s achievement. Eking 47.3 miles from a gallon of derv isn’t too shoddy either. The 2.0-litre petrol car isn’t quite so green, emitting a still creditable 194g/km and managing an average of 34.6mpg. Like all Lagunas, the GT comes with Renault’s 3-year/100,000-mile warranty with the first two years of cover having no mileage limit. Is the Laguna GT going to make a dent on the list of all-time great Renault sporting cars. In all likelihood, no. That doesn’t mean that it’s not a car without merit, and nor does it necessarily entail that it doesn’t deserve closer scrutiny. It just fulfils a rather specific brief. If your wish list is for a firm riding car with livewire steering and a chassis full of feedback, the Laguna GT isn’t that vehicle. What it does represent is a vehicle that will cover ground quickly and safely while remaining relatively unobtrusive which, when all is said and done, is not dissimilar to the quicker versions of previous Laguna models. So where’s the progress? It certainly hasn’t come in the area of visual flair. Most canvassed think this generation Laguna isn’t as neat a piece of styling as its handsome predecessor but move beneath the skin and you’ll find a car that’s packed with state of the art safety features and which features a choice between two extremely good engines. The Laguna GT isn’t the most immediately appealing car, but do your homework and it might well prove to be an unexpected gem.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Renault Laguna GT PRICES: £21,050-£22,170 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-15E CO2 EMISSIONS: 172-196g/km PERFORMANCE: [2.0dCi] 0-60mph 8.2s / Max Speed 139mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0dCi] (urban) 32.8mpg / (extra urban) 51.3mpg / (combined) 43.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side & curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, ESP. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Hatch] Length/Width/Heightmm 4801/2060/1445