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Smooth operator. Image by Dave Jenkins.

Smooth operator
The Renault Laguna divides opinion with its fresh looks, but we reckon it's among the best cars in the D-segment.

   



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| A Week at the Wheel | Cambs, England | Renault Laguna Dynamique dCi 150 |

Inside & Out: star star star star star

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the Laguna is a real opinion divider when it comes to its looks. Renault is said to have toned down the appearance of the car, preferring to keep bold styling statements to its niche offerings such as the new coupé, However, the Laguna hatch remains a contentious design that looks much better in the flesh than it does on the page. The front end is oddly reminiscent of the Phase 2 Clio V6 and is clearly a Renault face while the rest of the car is a safe evolutionary update to the previous Laguna.

Inside the story is much less controversial and met with almost universal praise. The standard is well clear of the majority of the competition and begins to bridge the gap between Audi and the rest of the field that has barely closed in the past five years. The design and choice of materials in the Laguna is first rate and the ergonomics are equally well reasoned. Renault has also joined the throng of manufacturers who position control interfaces just below the gear lever. In this case, its version looks good and actually works very well.

Engine & Transmission: star star star star star

Renault's 2.0-litre, four-cylinder dCi unit is likely to be one of the biggest sellers in the range offering as it does an excellent blend of performance, refinement and economy. Boasting 148bhp and an equally impressive 251lb.ft at a lowly 2,000rpm it gives the Laguna a typically diesel persona of relaxed muscle and pace with little outward sign of effort. Performance against the clock is typical for the class with 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and a maximum just north of 130mph. In practice the dCi 150 is a match for the 170bhp petrol model. Renault has made much of its environmental responsibilities of late and the CO2 emissions figure of 158g/km is a reflection of this.

Ride & Handling: star star star star star

The latest Laguna represents a significant step forward from the previous model in this department boasting a fine blend of ride and handling. The chassis is clearly biased towards comfort and this reaps rewards around town and on the motorway. On the back roads the Laguna is keen to please, but body control falls someway short of best in class and it doesn't have the same ability to engage or entertain as a Mondeo has. Outright dynamic ability aside, the refinement and comfort should make the Laguna an amiable tool for racking up miles or ferrying the family around.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money: star star star star star

Dynamique trim level denotes one of the mid-range specifications in the Renault line up but boasts an impressive array of standard equipment and finish including part leather sports seats, climate control, a raft of airbags and safety features and a decent stereo. Priced competitively against the competition in terms of purchase, running costs should be equally reasonable thanks to a 40mpg average and sensibly lengthy service intervals.

Overall: star star star star star

Without doubt the Renault Laguna is a well rounded and capable car; only the appearance is controversial: for some the looks may be off-putting, but skimming through the range of colours and accessories this issue should be easy to work around. This bone of contention aside the Laguna's interior, refinement and accommodation are all first rate and while no match for the latest Mondeo dynamically, the Laguna at least matches the majority of contenders in this talented sector, which has probably never enjoyed such strength in depth.

Dave Jenkins - 2 Jul 2008



  www.renault.co.uk    - Renault road tests
- Renault news
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2008 Renault Laguna specifications: (Dynamique dCi 150)
Price: £18,700 on-the-road.
0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
Top speed: 131mph
Combined economy: 47.1mpg
Emissions: 157g/km
Kerb weight: 1462kg

2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.

2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.    


2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 

2008 Renault Laguna. Image by Dave Jenkins.
 






 

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