Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi (December 2007)

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Launched: Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi

Wheels Magazine
November, 2007

Unless I'm very much mistaken, the new Laguna is the best large/family-size model Renault has produced in its 109-year career. Not that there was a lot wrong with the original Laguna from 1994, or Laguna II from '01. It's just that they were a bit underwhelming, particularly outside their native French environment. But that's changing in the wake of Renault being revitalised from the top down, by the likes of CEO Carlos Ghosn and product wiz Patrick Pelata.

Swept by a raft of new brooms, Renault is committed to producing cars of 'Top Three' quality and reliability, while further expanding its already broad range with a new or updated model each month for the next 18 months. It also plans to increase production and sales, and lift profitability to six percent by '09.

As one of the most important players in Renault's ambitious game plan, the Laguna III has a lot riding on its shapely shoulders. Only just released in Europe (the hatch will reach us mid-'08, with the wagon due before that year's end), visually it breaks no new ground, yet brings a freshly polished and handsome update to an established theme.

Although the Laguna III range draws upon several of the 100-plus different powertrains in Renault's warehouse, we'll initially get just one: a 2.0-litre turbo diesel teamed with six-speed auto transmission. Waiting in the wings is a six-speed manual and, just maybe, a 2.0-litre petrol alternative, too.

With expectations of continuing Laguna's under-$50K pricing, the new model bids on two levels: as the mid-spec Dynamique and the high(er)-grade Privilege. They differ only in equipment levels; one with cloth trim, for example, the other leather - the drivetrain and running gear are shared.

The 2.0-litre dCi common-rail diesel has a variable-geometry turbocharger, and uses injection pressures up to 1600bar (circa 26,700psi). With an exhause particulate filter, the engine meets Euro4 emissions standards, but Europe will soon be offered a cleaner version that meets the Euro5 standards, two years before they come into effect.

The engine destined for Oz delivers 110kW at 4000rpm, and 340Nm at 2000rpm. Red-lined at 4500rpm, it will stretch to five grand when fully extended. From outside, the engine has the giveaway diesel rattle, but from inside is identifiable only by its lusty torque.

The previous 2.2-litre dCi claimed 102kW and 320Nm. It had a five-speed auto and officially rated 7.7L/100km, whearas the six-speed has sequential shift facility and boasts combined-cycle fuel thrift of just 7.0L/100km.

In this form, the Laguna's performance is reportedly good for a 210km/h top speed, with 0-100km/h in under 10 seconds and the standing 400m put away in under 17sec. You probably wouldn't call the performance 'sporty', but with heavy-footed encouragement the acceleration generally feels responsively willing.

As far as can be judged from lapping a road-course test track, the Laguna promises quick and quiet cruising, with almost 52km/h per 1000rpm in top gear. It's also confidently self-assured through corners for a car of its not inconsiderable size and weight. (Actually, although the 2756mm wheelbase is just 8mm longer than before, overall length has grown almost 120mm and width by 28mm. The 2.0 dCi Laguna weighs 1536kg and is reckoned on average to be 15kg lighter than the outgoing equivalent.)

Whether cornered forcefully, or hurried along the track's inbuilt bumpy/noisy sections, the Laguna's significantly stiffened body certainly feels very tight, while keeping road and wind noise subdued. It rides pretty well, too, for the suspension manages well-disciplined body control (Renault's data says less than average bodyroll), yet is comfortingly supple also.

The electrically pumped hydraulic power steering is consistently well weighted (if a touch light for some tastes) and reasonably direct with 2.8 turns for an 11-metre turning circle.

Lurking behind the 17-inch alloys with their 215/50 sheaths, the big brakes are finely modulated and impressively arresting when used with serious intent.

Beyond that, the Laguna III is a persuasively functional five-door - perceptibly well built, very well finished, generously equipped, amply roomy in all directions and invitingly comfortable wherever you sit.

Feel the quality, sense the new-found prestige and it's easy to appreciate that the cars the Laguna III was benchmarked against included Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Lexus IS220d, Peugeot 407 and BMW 3 Series. Their influences, and Renault's born-again approach to design, engineering, quality and reliability, make the Laguna III exactly what it is: Renault's best large/family model ever. No doubt.

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