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10 February 2012

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Renault Laguna Hatch road test report

Renault Laguna Hatch

The new Laguna is the third generation of Renault's large family car and it has, at last, seemed to have evolved into a car that can compete with the best in its class. Renault has addressed the quality issues that plagued the previous generation, but there are still two major obstacles to overcome. The first is that even if you discount the premium German models in the segment, it’s up against the latest Mondeo, Insignia and Honda Accord. Plus, it’s entering the large family car market, which has been shrinking for some years, so competition is fiercer than ever.

A front-facing image of the Renault Laguna Hatch

Image number 2 of the Renault Laguna Hatch

Image number 3 of the Renault Laguna Hatch

Image number 4 of the Renault Laguna Hatch

Performance

The Laguna’s 2.0-litre petrol engine comes in three variants: 138bhp, 167bhp, plus the GT’s 203bhp. We drove the 167bhp version paired with a six-speed automatic transmission: the auto 'box didn't lag too much during changes and the engine was smooth, quiet and enabled the car to cruise comfortably at high speed on the motorway. There are also four diesel engines in the range: a 1.5-litre dCi producing 108bhp and 177lb-ft; and a 2.0-litre dCi with three power ratings – 128bhp and 236lb-ft, 147bhp and 250lb-ft, and 173bhp and 280lb-ft. The 1.5-litre unit is a little unrefined, but it doesn't feel as underpowered as one would expect and was surprisingly capable. The other engine we tested, the mid-range 2.0-litre volume seller, is much more refined and very quiet, even at high speed on the motorway. It pulls along nicely and there's plenty of power on tap for overtaking when needed.

Ride & Handling

One of the most noticeable changes compared to the previous generation of the Laguna is its steering. There's still no real feel – which isn’t unexpected in a mass-market car – but there is a real advance in precision. Renault has reduced the steering ratio and stiffened the steering column, so that that every steering input, however slight, results in a concomitant change in the car's direction. This agility is as welcome as it is surprising, standing up to the twisting and turning narrow mountain roads on which we tested the car. The ride has also been improved thanks to uprated anti-roll bars and stiffer springs in the suspension, making it firmer than before. On the road, this translates to an unsettled feel, bordering on crashy at times: with the general standard of UK road surfaces being pretty poor, this doesn’t make for a hugely relaxing experience.

Build Quality & Reliability

The old Laguna had a terrible reputation for quality, which, once it got a hold, proved hard to shift, even when Renault did work to rectify the situation. Renault had better get it right this time and there's evidence that it's not for the want of trying. For example, Renault's engineers built three prototype platforms to test just the electrics and electronics – the biggest source of problems in the previous Laguna – before the first full prototype of the car was built. The cars we tested certainly showed no signs of electrical glitches, but that's only to be expected. The jury's still out on this one, but keep an eye out for the results of customer satisfaction surveys such as JD Power. Elsewhere, the car also showed signs of quality, from the consistent shutlines on the exterior to an interior that consisted of high-quality materials and switchgear, and well-finished surfaces.

Safety & Security

Renault is renowned for its safety – the last Laguna was the first car to be awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests – and the new car has numerous safety features to ensure that it maintains those high standards. So there's ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), emergency brake assistance (EBA), plus ESP and ASR traction control as standard. There are six airbags, plus an optional rear thorax 'bag; pre-tensioning seatbelts and an anti-submarining system in the front seats; three-point belts throughout with stress limiters; and Isofix fixings and optional convertible child headrests. These features have resulted in the Laguna being awarded five stars for adult protection, four for child protection and two for pedestrian impacts. Security comes in the form of a central locking deadlocks, immobiliser and Category 1 alarm, plus automatic door-locking at speeds over 5mph.

Space & Practicality

The driving position is very good, with reach and rake adjustment to the steering wheel and a range of adjustment in the seat that allows drivers of all sizes to find a position that will suit them. The Laguna is also well equipped in all four trim levels. The base Expression trim comes with 16" alloy wheels, CD/radio, air con, electric windows, electrically heated door mirrors, Renault's keyless card system and leather steering wheel. The Dynamique trim level adds part-leather sports seats, cruise control, front fog lamps and speed limiter. Dynamique S comes with leather and Alcantara electrically adjustable seats, aluminium dashboard, automatic parking brake, automatic headlamps/wipers and climate control. The top-of-the-range Initiale trim gets full leather, sat nav with Bluetooth, a CD/radio with MP3 CD reader, heated seats, integrated sunblinds in the rear windows, rear reading lights, front and rear parking sensors, bi-xenon directional headlights and folding wing mirrors.

Ownership & Value

Renault claims that it has worked hard to reduce running costs, a process that starts with lower purchase prices (starting at £15,990). Service intervals are longer, at 18,000 miles or one year for all models except the more powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, which needs to be checked after 12,000 miles. Insurance groups start at 8E (1.5-litre dCi), rising to 12E. Fuel consumption figures are decent, with the most frugal versions being those powered by the 1.5-litre dCi (55.5mpg on the combined cycle), falling to 31.7mpg for the 2.0-litre petrol models with the automatic 'box. The diesels all lie within VED bands C and D, while the two petrol engines emit 185g/km and 210g/km, putting them in bands E and F, respectively. Residuals should be pretty solid for a car as well equipped as the Laguna, especially if it can live up to Renault's claims for reliability and quality.

Submitted: 28/04/2009 10:19:23

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