FOR those in search of the car with everything there is one in Renault's former Laguna line-up that is hard to beat.
It is the Laguna 175 GT, which is included in the previous-generation hatchback and Sport Tourer body styles which are replaced this month by the revised range.
However, there are still some of the run-out models to be had new, or alternatively they are now up for grabs on the nearly-new market too.
This particular Laguna is among an extremely rare breed of motor car that can boast an unusual combination of outstanding economy and performance, which usually contradict each other.
In the case of the two-litre turbodiesel Laguna the figures are 47mpg and 140mph, which takes some beating.
If you are wondering what on earth is the point of such prodigious performance it is the sheer ease with which the car carries out its daily tasks whilst sipping fuel at such a sparing rate.
An acceleration time of under eight and a half seconds from standstill to 60mph is more akin to that of a sports model than a frugal diesel, with a lowly CO2 figure of just 159g/km being the icing on the cake.
This means that for company user-choosers the tax banding is 21 per cent, which is virtually unheard of for an executive model.
Equipment levels are just as remarkable and encompass cruise control, leather upholstery, traction control, satellite navigation, side and curtain air bags and a host of other goodies too numerous to mention.
The car earns the GT badge by virtue of its 175bhp engine, which is an even more powerful version of the 150bhp unit available throughout the range.
Not only is there an increase in power but also torque, or pulling power, which rises from 250lb/ft to a high of 265lb/ft, which means effortless travelling and fewer gear changes.
Other standard kit includes metallic paint and distinctive alloy wheels to make the car look special plus full climate control and electric operation of virtually everything that moves.
The official price tag was £22,570 for the hatchback and £23,650 for the Sport Tourer before the replacement range arrived this month but dealers are willing to shave at least £5,000 off those prices.
If you are not worried about having a car that is not the latest shape then this car is a cracking buy.
FAST FACTS
Renault Laguna 175 GT
Price: £17,570
Mechanical: 175bhp, 2.0-litre, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 140mph
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Combined mpg: 47
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust.