2005 Renault Laguna Reviews

Renault Laguna is a medium sized French car sold as a sedan, hatchback and station wagon, though not all bodies were offered at the same time.

The competition for mid-sized sales has become fiercely contested in recent times as sales of the traditional big cars have plunged and buyers have turned elsewhere to spend their dollars. Some have turned to SUVs, others have downsized to mid-sized models where they have been spoiled for choice.NEWThe mid-sized market has split in two, with cars like the Cruze, Mondeo, Mazda6 and others forming an affordable group, while others like the Passat, Peugeot 407 and Renault Laguna coming together in a separate prestige grouping for those with more cash to splash. The Laguna was Renault's main strike weapon when it re-entered the Australian market in 2001, but failed to get much attention and sales slumbered.Step forward to 2008 and the company had a another crack at making a mark on the market, and a new Laguna was again flying the tricolor. This time it was position as the company's flagship and was equipped as such. That also meant it carried a hefty price tag. There were two body styles offered, a hatch and a wagon, and three models in the Expression, Privilege and Dynamique. The new model was longer, wider and taller than the earlier model, but a smidgeon lighter.Two engines were offered, one a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that delivered decent performance while slurping premium unleaded, the other was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that was the best driver of the two thanks to its enormous reserves of torque in the range that's best suited to everyday driving. Renault also offered two transmissions, a six-speed auto was the primary 'box across the range and was a smooth operator with seamless shifts and easy drivability, and there was a six-speed manual available in some models.Out on the road the Laguna's ride was comfortable, much as you would expect a French car to be, while the handling was surprisingly agile and reassuring, with a high level of grip. Inside the cabin the Laguna was a little plain, but spacious and well appointed.NOWRenault build quality has always been questionable and the Laguna is no different. It can be variable, so check possible purchases thoroughly before deciding to buy. We receive few complaints here at Carsguide to suggest there are any issues worth noting with the car,but that could simply be a result of the low sales.It's also worth checking where you could have the car serviced, as the dealer network isn't as large as some other brands and that could mean a longish trip to have an oil change and lube job. There are specialist mechanics around who not only know the Renault brand, but also take pride in working on the cars, and that often means you'll get a better job from a more conscientious worker.Look for oil leaks around the engine, check for coolant leaks as well, and make sure your chosen car has been regularly serviced. There have been reports of poor AM radio reception, even in major cities, and that suggests Renault Australia hasn't done its homework.SMITHY SAYSComfortable transport with refined road manners, with a few small issues. No bargain. One for the diehards.Renault Laguna 2008-2010Price new: $42,990 to $49,990Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, 125 kW/270 Nm; 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, 110kW/340 NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 6-speed manual, FWDEconomy: 8.9 L/100 km (petrol), 6.0 L/100 km (TD)Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door wagonVariants: Expression, Privilege, DynamiqueSafety: 5-star ANCAPCOMING UPDo you own a Ford Fiesta? If so tell us what you think of itby sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.  

Let’s face it, Renault has had a tough time trying to re-establish its credentials in Australia since its return in 2001. Local buyers have not warmed to the French carmaker in big numbers despite the brand's reputation for quality, its enviable crash safety record and outstanding turbo-diesel engines.But today there is renewed enthusiasm for the brand and executives finally realise it must tackle the dominant Japanese players head-on on prices and equipment. To do this it has slashed prices and launched an expanded Laguna hatch and wagon range.Prices have come down between $1500 and $4000 depending on the model, without losing any equipment. A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine now joins the model mix, complementing the competent 2.0-litre dCi turbo-diesel.Like the Koleos too, Renault has extended the warranty to three years and unlimited kilometres. It's clear the Renault France is helping the local operations adopt a more serious marketing attitude.Exterior Like many new-generation wagons, the Estate as Renault insists on calling it, looks very sporty and not at all like a tradition family wagon. Ahead of the B-pillar, the styling follows the Laguna III hatch, launched here last June. That means the front end gets the same streamlined headlights and long, sloping bonnet.On the hatch, the crease line extends along the boot, just below the rear LED lights, which give the car a distinctive rear profile at night. Diesel hatch models also get dual chrome-plated exhausts.Both the hatch and wagon share the same 2760mm wheelbase but the wagon has a bigger luggage area as befits its load-carrying design. The wagon has 501-litres of luggage space with the 60/40 split rear seats in place, increasing to 1593 litres when folded.At 4690mm long the, the hatch is 36mm wider than its predecessor, 10mm longer and 12mm taller. Although larger and more spacious the hatch 15kg lighter than the previous model.Chrome highlights on the side windows distinguish the Dynamique wagon and Privilege hatch. Depending upon the model, Laguna gets 16-inch or 18-inch alloys. Practical design features include an integrated fuel tank flap that replaces the cap, so you don't have to get your hands dirty when refueling. The wagon gets a steeply raked rear window, while the slightly elongated and curved side windows accentuate the car's sporty lines.PricingBoth the Laguna hatch and wagon are between $1500 and $4000 cheaper than previous incarnations. Hatch prices now start from $37,990 for the entry dCi hatch six-speed Expression manual, rising to $48,490 for the dCi hatch Privilege six-speed sequential automatic. This does not include on-road prices.Three new automatic-only wagons join the lineup, the Expression 2.0-litre petrol, Expression 2.0-litre dCi and luxury Dynamique 2.0-litre dCi. Wagon prices start at $41,990 for the Expression petrol, $43,990 for the Expression dCi and $46,990 for the Dynamique dCi. However, to get a final on-road price it's best to check with your local dealer.EquipmentThe Laguna has a five-star crashing rating and is well equipped. It has that polished European flare that will appeal to buyers looking for something different from the mainstream Japanese products.Both the Expression hatch and wagon get the full complement of safety gear from electronic stability control and traction control, eight airbags, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers, front and rear foglights, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic parking brake, 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel and gear knob, rear side sunblinds, dual-zone climate control with carbon and odour filter, heated door mirrors, cloth upholstery and a single CD player with MP3 compatibility and satellite audio controls.The Privilege is the range topper in the hatch lineup and adds a beige leather interior with electrically adjustable heated front seats, parking sensors, 18-inch alloys, chrome window surrounds, xenon directional headlights with washers, auto-folding mirrors, auto dimming rearview mirror and a premium in-dash six stack CD stereo.The Dynamique wagon ups the ante with dark-carbon leather/alcantra trim, 17-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, auto folding rearview mirrors, premium six-disc in-dash CD player and auto dimming rear-view mirror. Both the Privilege hatch and Dynamique wagon also get tyre pressure monitors.DrivetrainThe 2.0 litre dCi delivers 110kW at 4000 revs and 340Nm at just 2000 revs. Depending upon the model, the engine is matched to a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential automatic.The 2.0 dCi hatch's combined fuel economy figure is 6.0 litres/100km for the six speed-manual and 7.0 litres/100km the six-speed automatic. The dCi engine also complies with the Euro V emission requirements.Manual diesels get a dash-mounted gearshift indicator, called “eco-shift”, which tells the driver the best gear to select to improve fuel consumption.The 16-valve 2.0-litre petrol engine is turbo-charged, delivering 125kW at 5000 revs and 270Nm at 3250 revs mated to the automatic. The petrol engine delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 8.9 litres/100km.DrivingIn keeping with its French credentials, the Laguna wagon has a plush, supple ride and quiet, lavishly equipped high-quality cabin. However, the soft suspension comes at the expense of some damper control. An average roads north of Melbourne the wagon could be caught out over sharp bumps, sometimes crashing to its bump stops before recovering.It's not an issue on the highway, where the plush big-car ride will eat up the kilometres with ease. Despite the suspension, the wagon's overall dynamics are crisp, grip is reassuring and there's plenty of steering feedback.Both the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and turbo diesel are smooth and quiet and the six-speed automatic seamless and well mated to either engine. Those who appreciate the low-speed grunt of a diesel will opt for the dCi but the petrol is by no means a poor cousin.Adding the turbo petrol engine into the hatch lineup should broaden model's appeal. Renault expects it to account for 75 per cent of hatch and wagon sales.Snapshot Renault Laguna hatch and wagon Engines: 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel driving the front wheels.Power: 125kW at 5000 revs (2.0 petrol); 110kW at 4000 revs (2.0 dCi)Torque: 270Nm at 3250 revs (2.0 petrol); 340Nm at 2000 revs (2.0 dCi)Economy: 8.9 litres/100km (2.0 petrol); 6.0 litres/100km (2.0 dCi)

Renault won plenty of respect in Australia with its success in early rallies where it demonstrated a blend of rugged reliability and innovative design. Who could forget the R8, R10 and the wonderful 16?But that was a long time ago and the French brand has struggled in recent times, partly because it hasn’t had a consistent local presence. It is now backed by the factory through its alliance with Nissan, but when the Laguna was first launched in 1995 the company was in bed with Volvo and it was Volvo that made a somewhat abortive attempt to reintroduce it to the Australian market.MODEL WATCHThe Laguna was part of a new wave of models released by Renault as it fought back from the difficult financial times it went through in the 1980s.Unlike earlier Renaults the Laguna wasn’t particularly remarkable, it was much like the other cars coming from European factories and beginning to find their way to Australia with the market freed of tariffs.The Laguna was an attractive mid-sized five-door hatch with smooth, clean, but unremarkable lines.When it arrived here there was the choice of three up-spec variants, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder RXE with manual or auto transmissions, and the 3.0-litre V6, which was only available with the auto transmission.The interior was quite roomy. The front seats were height adjustable and trimmed in velour, the rear was a 60/40 split-fold bench for flexibility of use. Power adjustment was available for the front seats on the RXE, but standard on the V6, and charcoal leather was an option on all models.Given its position in the prestige segment it came packed with plenty of tasty fruit. Auto air headed the list, which also included power windows and mirrors, central locking, trip computer, and radio/cassette sound.The V6 also boasted standard cruise control, with options including a sunroof, CD stacker and a rear spoiler.Power for the entry level variant was provided by a torquey long stroke 2.0-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine, which put out a modest 83 kW at 5250 revs, but a more respectable 168 Nm at 3500 revs. Ninety per cent of the peak torque was on tap between 1750 and 5250 revs making the four a smooth driving unit, if not particularly spirited.The V6 was a more stirring driver with 123 kW available at 5500 revs and 235 Nm on tap at 4500 revs.Transmission choices for the four consisted of a rather vague shifting five-speed manual and a four-speed auto, the latter much better suited to the Laguna’s laid-back cruising personality.MacPherson Struts were employed at the front with the rear using transverse torsion bars located by trailing arms and shocks. Anti-sway bars were used at both ends.On the road the Laguna showed pronounced body roll, but it still clung to the tarmac with admirable tenacity, displaying mild understeer as the cornering speed rose.The ride was supple with good isolation from road imperfections.It’s power-assisted rack and pinion steering was comfortably weighted while still giving good road feel.Brakes were a combination of vented front discs and solid rears with ABS anti-skid electronics standard across the range, and got the job done without fuss.The base RXE rode on steel wheels with trims, but the V6 had better-looking alloys filling the wheel arches.IN THE SHOPFind a mechanic who is familiar with Renaults and you will have a much happier time. There are a number of specialist service outlets with expert knowledge of French cars, and they’re the best to service your car.Owners report that mechanics didn’t know much about the Laguna in the early days and the servicing wasn’t as good as it should have been so some were poorly maintained. The arrival of Renault dealers under the new alliance with Nissan has improved the knowledge of the product and the quality of servicing has improved as a result.Renaults are often owned by people who specifically went out to buy the brand, they’re less often bought be people who don’t know them or don’t care for them.That means they’re usually well cared for so they can be a good buy if you’re prepared to punt on a brand that doesn’t have a great recent history of stability in this country.Little really goes wrong with them, the engines, gearboxes and suspension seem robust, the interior stands up quite well.IN A CRASHAll models in the range had a driver’s airbag and ABS was standard making quite a solid safety net in the event in the event an accident situation arises.OWNERS SAYStephen Robards bought his Laguna V6 two years ago. The five-star safety rating was one of the Laguna’s attractions, he says, but he also likes its comfort, handling, low noise level, and fuel economy. On the downside he’s critical of the build quality and says it’s slow off the mark for a six, but comes on strong at the top end. He says servicing was a problem in the early days, but has improved since Renault has arrived as a factory operation. It has now done 70,000 km and in that time the cooling system has been cleaned out, a new radiator expansion tank and a reconditioned starter have been fitted.LOOK FOR• Unremarkable styling• Flexible hatch body• Smooth, supple ride• Modest performance• Auto better choice than manualTHE BOTTOM LINESmooth driving, comfortable, refined five-door hatch for the converted.RATING55/100

But how does it go on our streets where diesel costs about 12 more?With the launch here this year of the Phase II Laguna in a one-spec diesel model, Renault has become one of the last European companies to get on board the diesel road train in Australia.Europeans go nuts for diesel, which is not only cheaper, but also attracts all sorts of concessions and subsidies from their governments.No such luck here. We pay more for the cruder fuel type and get no help whatsoever from our governments.Still, with diesel power about 30 per cent more efficient then petrol, diesel passenger car sales are up about 140 per cent on last year, although it is only 3.6 per cent of the total passenger car market.Renault is therefore not chasing a big total market share with its Laguna, but the introduction of the car in diesel-only shows it is after its fair share of the growing oil-burner sector.When it was last sold here about 20 months ago, Laguna came in seven hatchback and wagon variants priced from $39,990 to $57,990.Since then, Renault has streamlined its product range for efficiency, so now you get the Laguna 2.2 dCi for $46,990. And that's it.Its design is sleeker and less geeky than when it was last here, but it is still no fashion leader.The exterior shape is more like the 1990s Honda and Subaru when those companies fell off the design bandwagon with a solid thump.It's probably not that bad, but certainly no design chiefs are benchmarking future product on it. Even its long rear hatchback design is one which has long been passed over.However, if you like a sedan look with the virtues and practicality of a hatch, this is one of the few around to choose from.The interior is another matter.The new dashboard, console, leather-wrap steering wheel and instruments are classy, modern and functional.The cloth and leather seats are also comfortable and supportive.It is a supremely pleasant environment for driver and passengers with just about every feature you can name.There are auto wipers, rear and rear-side sun blinds, stalk-mounted audio controls, cruise and speed limiter controls, and adjustable headlights. Safety features include a host of airbags (dual front, two side and curtain), anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and electronic stability control including anti-understeer.Two convenience features stand out.They are: an electronic handbrake which automatically engages when the vehicle is in park and switched off, then disengages when the accelerator is pressed; and a hands-free key card which unlocks/locks the doors without pressing any buttons.These are the sorts of features that usually come only in luxury German cars.It is powered by a 2.2-litre direct injection common-rail diesel engine producing 320Nm of torque, 10Nm less than a VE Commodore.The unit is a little lethargic to begin with. Stamp on the throttle and it pauses, then kicks into life.It is actually better to squeeze the juice slower and more smoothly for a better response.So long as you are a patient driver, it works fine.In the meat of the daily driving rev range there are ample portions of power. In fact, maximum torque runs from 1750-2500rpm.Then there is a top-end fizzle. It simply runs out of steam, er diesel.Economy is claimed to be 7.7litres per 100km, which is good for a medium-size desel car, but not great.For those concerned about the environment, it is Euro 4 compliant and is fitted with a particulate filter to cut emissions.Across cobblestone Paris streets the Laguna would be a dream with its lush suspension.Yet that does not translate into a wallowing barge on our roads.Renault has struck a great compromise between handling and ride with a flat cornering attitude and a smooth feel over potholes.Steering feels heavy and vague, with slow turn-in.Cabin noise is exceptionally low for a diesel. You would have to wind the window down at traffic lights to identify it as a diesel.The biggest letdown in this otherwise value package is the transmission which is slow, unresponsive and unpredictable.This hopeless box hunts around for gears, sometimes selects the wrong ones and flares on engagement.However, if you don't challenge it with awkward snap decisions, it works just fine.This car is one for patient, considerate, economical and environmental drivers.