The all-new Renault laguna is diesel-only – for now
Let’s get this straight - the mid-size Renault Laguna is one of the world’s best-selling cars and the all-new model emerged top of the class from Euro NCAP safety testing – scoring a record 36 points out of a possible 37 and easily commanding a five-star rating.
The 2.3 million buyers who have bought Lagunas (mostly in Europe) since the name first appeared back in 1994 show just how popular this vehicle is.
Australia though is a different story and - with the all-new Laguna lineup currently priced from $44,490 (the manual verson will drop the entry price to $41,990 in September) - Renault faces a Herculean task conquesting sales in a segment already boasting Euro rivals the Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 407 and Volkswagen Passat and also the Honda Accord and Mazda6.
But if you’re shopping in that segment you really should consider the Laguna as it is impressive by any measure.
The new model is currently only available as a five-door hatchback, powered by Renault’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 110kW at 4000rom and 340Nm at 2000rpm.
Drive is to the front wheels via a sixspeed electronic automatic transmission.
Wagon models and petrol engines join the Laguna team in September.
On the outside, the new Luguna has a stylish, contemporary and clearly European look. Ditto, the interior which is very attractive and comfortable and oozes that indefinable European class in the choice of materials, conservative layout and quality feel of the steering wheel, gearlever and switch gear. It compares more than favourably with its French and German rivals.
Underlined by its world-beating Euro NCAP safety rating, the Laguna’s safety features are thorough and include electronic stability control, front, side and curtain airbags, traction control and anti-lock brakes.
Standard features also tick all of the boxes, including climate-control airconditioning, cruise control and automatic wipers. Range-topping ‘Privilege’ models gain 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, rear parking sensors and few more features.
