THE latest Renault Laguna is a brilliant car, but the previous one was also very good and is now quite a bargain.
It was awarded five stars in crash tests so it’s almost as safe as the latest model and there is an estate as well as the hatch.
All have a light clutch and slick gearchange, superb brakes, decent steering and in the Renault tradition, a good ride.
The handling is excellent and there is huge grip from large wheels and low profile tyres.
There’s hardly any roll and the way it hugs the road over different road surfaces makes it very safe.
The credit card ignition key can take a bit of getting used to but works well.
There are 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 petrol engines but the two smaller units are hardly man enough for the weight.
Best choice is the 1.9DCi turbo diesel which has 120 or 130bhp and delivers economy with decent performance.
Interior
Standard equipment is excellent with top Initiale models having a voice warning system, leather upholstery, electric front seats, cruise control and a CD autochanger.
All have twin front and side airbags, curtain airbags, air conditioning, deadlocks and that excellent keyless entry. Service history is a must.
FAST FACTS
Renault Laguna
Price: Pay £2,350 for an ’04 04 Expression, or £4,000 for an ’07 57-reg Dynamique
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,870cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 10.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 51
Insurance group: 21
CO2 emissions: 150g/km
Marks: 7/10
Main rival: Peugeot 407