VIVE la differance is Renault's current watchword and if the Laguna isn't as radical in design as the latest arrivals, it still offers an alternative to all those Passat-inspired family cars.
The really clever trick, though, is to bring this freshness to an estate, so often the box job of a car family.
The Laguna Sport Tourer, indeed, can reasonably be described as a pretty car, while still fulfilling the basic role of being a fair load-carrier.
There's up to 1,334 litres of space available, and while that may not match some of the big boys, it's flat and wide and all useable. A metal loading guard at the well-shaped hatch re-emphasises the Renault's admirably practical nature.
Passengers also get a good deal, with fine leg space at the back, lowering head room the only penalty for design flair.
And the Laguna Sport Tourer has that in abundance.
Externally, it starts with an attractive wide-eyed face, with broad arches and neat pinch lines giving character to the bonnet.
But it is in profile that the car outpoints most of its rivals, a rising waistline and the falling curve of the roof giving it an eager stance.
Inside, chicness rules. The soft-touch fascia is curvaceously elegant, with a flip-down aluminium cover for the audio controls, a pop-out cup holder and, where fitted, the satnav operation (the actual screen is set, hooded, atop the dash in an excellent eye-line position).
Below these controls are the big aircon/ventilation dials. All in all, it's a clean and practical set-up. And if it's too much for you, there's remote sound control on a steering wheel stalk.
The Dynamique-trim test car featured leather and quality-fabric seats, the cloth matched on the doors and the well-shaped centre armrest, which includes a useful-capacity container.
This compensates for a poor glove box, and the door bins are a useful size, certainly deep enough to accommodate a drinks bottle.
The seats themselves are exceptionally comfortable and supportive. Multi adjustment at the front and a two-way shifting steering column ensure an ideal driving position is easily acquired.
The Sport Tourer is available with petrol engines and auto transmission, but this particular car was powered by a 150bhp 2.2-litre turbo diesel teamed with a six-speed manual box.
The top two gears are really for cruising only, but came into their own on a lengthy, purring motorway trip. Despite a long dawdle on the dreaded M25, the computer credited me with a journey average of 42mpg, not bad for a well-laden estate.
With its slightly soft suspension, the car is ideal for distance driving, but it fared reasonably well on worn town roads.
Steering feel is a little neutral, but there is good togetherness about the build, and the set-up seems a happy-enough compromise to meet a variety of conditions.
The Laguna was the first car to achieve five-star crash-test status, and with the new Megane gaining a similar award, Renault is leaping ahead in the safety stakes. Here there is a stability program and six airbags to make you feel secure.
Equipment levels generally are good, the £19,085 test Dynamique offering all-round electric windows, heated mirrors, alloys, leather grips, air conditioning, tyre pressure sensors, Xenon headlamps with washers, fog lights and central locking with deadlocks, operated by the plip card which provides keyless entry and starting.
There's quite a bit more, and I liked the twin roof lights at the back, which together with a pull-down central armrest/tray, seatback pockets and a 12v power socket, the rear area should keep occupants happy, notably youngsters.
That just about sums up the Laguna Sport Tourer - it can be a worker and it can be a fine family car. And, whatever its role, it does it in style.
That's a very likeable combination.
FAST FACTS
Renault Laguna Sport Tourer 2.2 dCi Dynamique
Price: £19,085
Mechanical: 150bhp, 2,188cc 4cyl turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd gearbox
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 10secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 170g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12 yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint