THE handsome Renault Laguna Sport Tourer has always caught the eye - it looks the kind of vehicle that a truly discerning driver would go for.
The new high performance GT version, which features state-of-the-art technology aimed at providing better handling and response, is a terrific drive.
One new piece of kit is the innovative 4Control chassis with four wheel steering, developed by Renault Sport Technologies.
Under the 4Control system, at speeds above 38mph, the rear wheels move following the front wheel pattern to aid higher speed stability.
At less than 38mph, the back wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to an angle of 3.5 degrees, resulting in a smaller turning circle and reduced steering wheel input required thanks to the more direct, specially calibrated steering.
The system means improved manoeuvrability, sharpened response and impressive steering precision giving the driver truly intuitive control over the cornering line, so that the Laguna GT corners with impressively little body roll.
The petrol Laguna GT is powered by a turbo-charged two-litre, 16 valve unit which has been specially reworked for the vehicle to produce the best performance, handling and driving satisfaction.
It accelerates from 0-62mph in eight seconds, has a top speed in excess of 140mph, yet has a respectable fuel consumption of 34mpg on the combined cycle.
Streamlined and elegant, its lines and dimensions have an executive, though robust feel.
The GT's performance character is underlined by a new front bumper, a larger front grille, black background to the headlamps and a body-coloured lower section to the rear bumper.
The GT sits on 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres with new 18-inch 'Celsium' alloy wheels and comes in four metallic colours.
The new Laguna is slightly longer than its predecessor and a little taller, too. But on average it is 15kg lighter than the previous model, thanks to the strategic use of lightweight materials including high tensile steel, aluminium and redesigned parts.
Inside it has a quality feel, with careful attention paid to the materials used and the standard of fit and finish.
The dashboard accentuates the new Laguna's executive feel, with the positioning of all the controls carefully thought through in order to deliver the best ergonomic solution for visibility and ease of use.
The centre console incorporates the main controls for cruise control and speed limiter, automatic parking brake and the multimedia satellite navigation system.
It's very practical, too, with plenty of handy storage spaces and a decent sized load area incorporating Renault's new 'Super-fold' system for quick and easy folding of the rear seats.
A pull of a lever located on either side of the tailgate aperture is all that is needed for the back seats to fold automatically, leaving a good sized flat load in excess of two metres in length.
With the rear seats in place you get 508 litres of space, while a maximum capacity of 1,593 is on offer with the back seats down.
FAST FACTS
Renault Leguna Sport Tourer GT 205 Turbo
Price: £22,680
Mechanical: 205bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 142mph
0-62mph: 8 secs
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 196g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust