| New Model Pricing | UK Market Specification | Renault Laguna |
Renault has given its flagship model a breath of life and we now have all the UK prices and specifications. The new Laguna has been redesigned inside out as part of the French manufacturer's three-year growth plan, with hopes of placing its new car amongst the top three in its segment.
To do this, Renault has focused on developing the outright capability of the car utilising a steering rack that has a smaller turning ratio, as well as uprating the suspension and tuning the damping system. With
Ford's Mondeo set firmly in its sights, the Laguna's handling ability and feel must be top notch, as must its ride comfort if it hopes to compete.
Renault will build the car in two forms, Hatch and Sport Tourer estate - the former being available to order now and in showrooms October 19th. The Sport Tourer however, is available to order mid-September, appearing in showrooms in January 2008.
The Laguna will be available in four trim levels (Expression, Dynamique, Dynamique S and Initiale), starting at £15,990 and rising to £24,350. The range-topping Initiale includes bi-xenon headlamps and metallic paint, satellite navigation and an upgraded interior. These along with other items can be bought as optional extras on lesser models, or alternatively chosen in one of three Options Packs (Comfort, Comfort Plus and S).
Renault is offering a multitude of engines for the Laguna in both petrol and diesel form, coupled to either a six-speed manual or auto 'box. The top spec petrol motor is a turbocharged 2.0-litre 16-valve unit, which develops 170bhp and returns 31.7mpg, coming with an insurance rating of 12E. The most powerful oil-burner unit is the 2.0-litre dCi 150 that develops 150bhp and gives a respectable 42.1mpg. In Expression and Dynamique trim levels, the diesel attracts an 11E insurance rating, which rises to 12E for the Dynamique S and Initiale.
All Lagunas will come with ABS, ESP and TC as standard along with Renault's Anti-Intruder Device (R.A.I.D), all set to assist the new car achieve full marks in the Euro NCAP safety tests.
Kyle Molyneux - 22 Aug 2007
