What they said when the Renault Laguna was new… (Apr 30 2001)
WITH a deft artistic stroke, the Renault Laguna II has moved ahead of its rivals.
Out has gone the capable if lack-lustre Laguna of old and in its place is a striking, well built and extremely well engineered successor. It is also the first car to pick up the highest safety ratings and that counts for a lot on today's crowded roads.
Following the modern trend towards lifestyle models, there is the catch all hatchback or a more up market semi-estate Touring model, which I tested.
UK specialists Reliant pioneered the Touring concept many years ago and it was popularised by BMW but now Renault has taken it a stage further and brought it to the masses.
There are a range of engines, both petrol and diesel, and two types of transmission, but the 1.8 Dynamique is expected to be a popular choice.
The new engine combines smoothness with very good economy and a reasonable but not exceptional power output. It was brisk when driven one-up but pile on the weight and it struggled a bit. The gearchange was light and crisp, the brakes very powerful with only modest effort and the steering delightfully easy, if a little too light at speed.
I liked the secondary controls and the clear instruments, and I particularly admired the keycard entry and ignition system with a push-button starter. Car thieves will not trouble you again.
Heating and ventilation was straightforward and worked well and visibility all round was good. Wipers and lights were effective. Oddments room was good throughout and the small luggage area with four seats used could be quickly expanded by folding the back seat, but the shape of the roofline and opening restricted the size of objects which would fit in.
Passengers accessed easily and once inside the seats were well shaped, comfortable and had good adjustment range.
It really rode well over all manner of roads yet its handling was responsive and grip was surefooted. You felt it could take a lot more power.
Mechanically it was quiet and it did not suffer a lot of wind noise, but you knew how hard the suspension was working by the sounds entering the cabin.
Nevertheless, the Renault Laguna II ST is probably the most satisfying drive of the new medium sized models now on sale.
Knowing it is the safest in its class gives an added sense of well being.
Words: Robin Roberts
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