Renault Laguna Hatchback 2007-2009

The third generation of the Renault Laguna features a coupe, estate and hatchback models. Renault has worked hard to build these cars to a really high spec in order to compete with other main stream rivals and they have succeeded well. All of them feel well built and strong and even the coupe that has exceptionally good looks, but it is still a Laguna inside with the same interior as the estate and hatchback. There is a wide range of engines to choose from and the coupe comes with two extra engines of its own that will thrill you with their speed and power.

Pros and Cons:

• Decent interior
  Low running costs
  Good diesel engines

• Steering lacks feel
  Uninspiring looks

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Exterior and Interior

Renault is known for building distinctive and stylish cars and the Laguna is definitely that. The coupe is better looking than the other two as Renault have tried to give it more of a sporty look. Some people may find the estate a bit dull, but then it is aimed as a family vehicle. The coupe is designed as a four seater compared to the estate and hatchback which are aimed as being five seaters, although in the estate three adults may feel a little cramped on longer journeys. All of different versions are extremely comfortable though.

The boot space in the estate is smaller than some of its rivals such as the Ford Mondeo, however, it can easily swallow a family's luggage or a month's supply of shopping and with its low sill it makes loading easy. It also comes with hooks and lashing points so you can tie down any objects that you don't want moving around in the boot. The coupe's boot is bigger than most rivals and you can easily fit in a couple of bags for a weekend away. The hatchbacks boot is small coming in at only 463litres, but again the low lip does make loading bulkier items easy. The back seats in all of the models do fold flat so the boot space can be increased for any large items you may need to transport. The interior is made of good quality materials and also looks good with the same dash being fitted into all three models which coupe owners may find a bit disappointing.

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Engines

There are multiple engines available in the Laguna with the estate and hatchback models coming with the same choice of seven engines. The coupe has a different range, but gains two more engines of its own. The estate and hatchbacks engines start with a 2.0-litre petrol producing 140bhp followed by another 2.0-litre producing 170bhp. In 2008 and new GT petrol engine was brought out, the 2.0-litre T 16valve which produces 202bhp and is quick for cars of this size.

The diesel engines consist of a 1.5-litre producing 110bhp followed by two 2.0-litre engines producing 130bhp and 150bhp. A GT diesel engine was also released in 2008 in a 2.0-litre which produced 180bhp and wasn't that much slower than the GT petrol. The coupe comes with the same 2.0-litre dCi 150bhp as the other two cars as well as both of the GT engines, but it also comes with two of its own engines. These are the 3.5-litre V6 petrol which produces 236bhp and a 3.0-litre dCi V6 diesel engine producing 231bhp. Most of the cars are sold with a six-speed manual gearbox with the 2.0-litre 150bhp diesel having the option of a six-speed automatic. The V6 diesel in the coupe only comes with six-speed automatic, but it can also be used for semi-automatic gearshifts by using the gearstick.

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Performance and Economy

Both of the small petrol engines in the estate and hatchback are very smooth but can lack pulling power when it's needed. The diesel engines are all very good with even the small 1.5-litre putting in a good performance. The 2.0-litre diesel producing 150bhp is the better engine to go for in the hatchback and estate models. It is quicker than the smaller 2.0-litre engine by more than a second going from 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds and still manages to maintain the same fuel efficiency at 47mpg. The 2.0-litre GT diesel engine is the best engine to go for in the coupe as it's not much slower than the 2.0-litre GT petrol engines (7.6 seconds 0-60mph) doing the same in just over 8 seconds. It also manages almost 10mpg better than the petrol with 43mpg. The top of the range coupe engines are extremely quick and powerful with the 3.0-litre diesel being surprisingly faster than the 3.5-litre petrol flying from 0-60mph in just 7.1 seconds. The fuel efficiency isn't half bad either managing 39mpg which is better than any of the petrol engines across the range.

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What it's like to Drive

The handling in the estate and hatchback models leaves a lot to be desired with Renault focusing more on comfort than a car that handles the corners well. The ride is nice and smooth but, the steering feels light and lifeless although there is ample grip. The coupe is a whole different beast though with very good handling in the corners thanks to its 4Control chassis which allows the back wheel to turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels at slower speeds by 3.5 degrees which helps to provide flatter cornering and reduces understeer. At higher speeds the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels to improve its agility. The coupe also feels very nimble and has reduced body roll which is also due to the lowered suspension and shortened chassis. The driving position in all of the models is good with both the seat and steering wheel being adjustable and you have a good all-round view.

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Faults and Repairs

There have been few problems reported with the Laguna, although some owners have reported some of the trim coming loose. The repair and service costs are fairly average when looking at its rivals so there's nothing to worry about there.

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