Renault Laguna Estate in the spotlightBy Emmanuel TresmontantAlthough the new third-generation Laguna, launched on 12th October 2007, won us over with its driving comfort and high-performance acoustics (but left us unmoved with its consensus-based design), the estate version – contrary to all expectations – has just won two “beauty prizes” at the 23rd International Automobile Festival in Paris… So on 10th February 2008, the Laguna Estate picked up awards for the “Most Beautiful Car of 2007” and “Best Interior of 2007”… Unheard of for an estate! On the market for 4 months in 56 countries, the Laguna Estate was actually voted for by over one million Internet surfers (a record!) won over by both the exterior design of the vehicle and its interior, boasting an exceptional level of trim. Out of the 11 awards handed out during this Festival, these two prizes confirm – if it were necessary – the “revival” of the Laguna that Carlos Ghosn hoped to reposition among the top three in the upmarket segment after years of relative decline (only 73,000 Laguna IIs were sold in 2006).  © Renault So the utilitarian estate can also be aesthetically pleasing!Dedicated to driving pleasure, the Laguna Estate’s exterior design is streamlined, flowing, elegant and a throwback to the “shooting brake” spirit. With a long, plunging, ribbed bonnet and a generous air intake emphasised by a chrome bar, the front hints at the presence of generous engines. As for the light units, they have an expressive profile and a powerful look. The Laguna Estate measures 4.80 m long and 1.81 m wide, its lines and dimensions giving it a robust dynamic look. Along the wings, the plunging shoulderline gives it a propulsive character. With an elongated glazed surface, the shape of the 3rd side window accentuates the sporty lines, as do its streamlined roof bars.  © Renault Like its saloon sister, the Laguna Estate is impressive for its trim and serious ambience, featuring soft-touch plastics above the dashboard. Whatever their format, the radio or navigation screens are perfectly integrated. Perfectly fitted carpet, absorbent suede seats, flawless ergonomics, pale wood on the dashboard (made by Faurecia) and door panels. The Laguna Estate also confirms the acoustic comfort: at 130 km/h (80 mph) on the motorway, the diesel engine purrs quietly, allowing passengers to talk without raising their voices. Although it gains 10 centimetres, the boot capacity increases by “only” 58 litres, reaching 508 litres – far from the vast Ford Mondeo SW (542 litres) and Volkswagen Passat SW (603 litres).  © Renault Devoid of any unwanted vibration, the 4-cylinder engine goes unnoticed as you glide along winding roads with no body roll. The brake system, for its part, is faultless, with a very soft brake pedal. The emergency brake assist system (one of the most high-performance in the world) makes it possible to gain between 5 and 10 metres. Furthermore, sensors attached to the accelerator record the driver’s habits: in the event that the foot is lifted suddenly, the vehicle automatically slows down even before the brake pedal has been activated. Another important detail: when reducing speed on the motorway, if you go down to 60 km/h (37 mph) in 6th gear, you can accelerate without having to change down, since the engine has enough power to pick up again in 6th. Lastly, we should remind you that, having invested over 1 billion euros during the 32 months necessary for its development, Renault is undertaking to offer a 3-year (or 100,000 mile) warranty for the new Laguna. Better than Toyota, the world benchmark in matters of quality, and enough to appeal to the most finicky customers! Technical dataLaguna Estate 1.5 dCI Number of cylinders: 4 Displacement (cc): 1,461 Maximum output in kW (engine speed in rpm): 81 (4,000) Output in hp: 110 Maximum torque in Nm (engine speed in rpm): 240 (2,000) 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) (s): 12’’30 Urban / extra urban / combined fuel consumption (l/100): 6.1 / 4.8 / 5.3 CO2 emissions (g/km): 139 Fuel tank capacity (l): 66 |
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