The new Laguna has its work cut out to succeed in a highly competitive sector but there is one interesting engine option that will prove quite tempting.
Having spent a couple of rain sodden days in Austria test driving the new Renault in 2 litre diesel, 2 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel guise, it came as a surprise to find the car that delivered the best driving experience was the pint-sized one.
With 110bhp on tap coupled to great fuel economy and decent diesel pulling power the 1.5 ‘Dci’ will be the only practical choice in the range when it goes on sale in late October. Laguna has to be cheap but dynamically excellent to go up against Ireland’s biggest selling model the stunning new Ford Mondeo.
The outgoing Laguna II was truly innovative in terms of its exterior styling, but unfortunately reliability issues did little to enhance the French firm’s reputation. The new car is predictably bigger inside and it has grown outside too but somehow the bland styling makes it looks smaller!
The front end gets interesting headlights, the side view reveals a low waistline, which goes against the current design trend, while the rear view of the five-seat hatchback is Laguna’s best asset.
The interior is smartened up with new switchgear and trim. Our test cars were high spec with Renault’s new Sat Nav system and other toys to play with. The seating is comfortable but during a brief spin as a rear seat passenger I found little room for my size 10s under the front seat.
The speedometer, like so many French cars, features odd numerals only, so our key speed limits of 60, 80, 100 & 120 km/h are merely indicated by dash markings. This is unacceptable in this day and age. I had words with the designers about the Speedo who at least now are aware of the issue.
The instrument cluster features a new indicator that aids better fuel economy by suggesting when to shift up or down gear. The boot is far from class leading, with 450 litres of space, but the seats fold flat and the cargo area is adaptable. The estate or ‘Sport Tourer’ which is better looking than the hatchback has a 510-litre boot and up to 1593 litres of cargo space available.
On wet Austrian roads Laguna scrambled for grip at times but was very hushed inside. The ride is firm for a French car, yet refined. Six-speed gearboxes feature in both manual and automatic versions to help make the most of the available power. The steering ratio has been geared a little quicker too.
Renault Ireland will launch a 1.6 petrol version early next year but for the moment the 1.5 Dci will be launched at price point lower than the outgoing entry level 1.6 petrol version. Two V6 engines will be available with a 3 Dci and 3.5 litre petrol version. These versions sadly make no sense here due to our outrageous VRT and road tax.
Laguna II was the first car to score five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and the new car continues to advance active and passive safety for occupants and pedestrians.
A range-topping Coupe version is due to arrive towards the end of 2008 but to be honest it needs to come sooner to deliver a bit of glamour to the range.
Michael Sheridan
