Car test R0136
See also R0071
June 2001
Renault Laguna II
Featured model: 1.8 16v Hatchback Dynamique
W
ITH THE LATEST MONDEO
getting rave reviews, is it worth
considering this Gallic alternative?
We think so, because the elegant Laguna
not only offers “something a bit different”, but
it’s arguably one of the safest cars in its
sector. It also boasts a bunch of new
electronic aids to the motoring good life.
The first of these is needed to get into
the car. There are no keys, just a card,
with the promise of automatic unlocking
(soon) simply because you’re carrying the
card on you. Other unique features
include being able to check your tyre
pressures without having to get out and
kick them, the possibility of no less than
eight airbags (six on our car), plus
pretensioning belts for four.
The Laguna isn’t as long as the Mondeo,
and it shows in the back seat area. The
absence of footroom under the front seats
results in a “knees-up” posture, though
kneeroom is adequate. In truth, Renault has
gone for style before functionality – even the
rear cushion remains fixed, though the
extended load area is carefully trimmed.
It’s a different story up front, however;
both seats have height adjusters and
generally cosset well, with good legroom
for both taller and shorter drivers. There
are irritations in control, but they’re of a
minor nature, such as hard-to-see
warning lights low-down and a door mirror
that’s not converted for right-hand drive.
When it comes to pressing the new
(old-fashioned) starter button, the Laguna
soon demonstrates differences from the
Ford in its road manners, too.
Even in the “sporty” Dynamique, with its
ultra-low-profile-tyres, the suspension is
biased more towards ride than handling
prowess, and its engine’s unremarkable
performance is delivered with affable flexibility
around town and more hush at motorway
pace. Nevertheless, around town the two litre,
with more power, could be a good idea.
The ABS brakes have brake-assist, that
reduces the effort required if you depress
the pedal suddenly (as in an emergency).
This sound notion is spoilt by too much
servo assistance at any time – so you tend
to stop more quickly than you bargain for,
when there isn’t a panic situation.
The Laguna’s crash-safety seems
beyond reproach, although our front
passengers found the seatbelt socket
difficult to locate. Also, we hope that all the
new features designed to augment safety
and security prove reliable – the previous
Laguna had a patchy track record in this
respect.
VERDICT
The Laguna 1.8 Hatchback is very safe
and very cossetting, yet it shuns
Scenic-style versatility with maximum
use of space. Neither does it offer
anything special in terms of acceleration
or fuel economy, yet it’s a very
undemanding, flexible performer. Though
not a “sweep-the-board” class leader, its
special convenience, safety and security
features nevertheless break new ground
in the family car sector. Nice and
reassuring.
AT A GLANCE
considering size, price and rivals
Overtaking ability
Space/practicality
Controls/displays
Handling/steering
Comfort
Fuel economy
SPECIFICATION
engine 1783cc, 4-cylinder, petrol: 123bhp
at 5750rpm, 125 lb ft at 3750rpm; beltdriven twin overhead camshafts, 16 valves
transmission 5-speed manual, frontwheel drive; 20.8 mph/1000rpm in 5th,
16.9 in 4th
suspension front: independent damper/
struts with integral coil springs. Rear:
torsion beam (dead) axle with coil
springs; telescopic dampers
steering engine-speed sensitive
hydraulic power assistance; 3.2 turns
lock-to-lock; 10.9m diameter turning
circle between kerbs (17.4m for one turn
of the wheel)
brakes ventilated discs front, solid discs
rear, with anti-skid and brake-assist
override controls both standard
wheels/tyres 6½in pressed aluminium
with 205/55R16 tyres (cast alloy – with
225/45R17 on Dynamique test car);
205/55R16 (steel) spare
LIKES ...
oddments spaces lined – so silent!
hazard lights come on in heavy braking
entire facia has soft-feel finish
no external aerial to get bent
and GRIPES
rear cushions fixed – no flat load deck
offside door mirror adjustment limited
odd-sized spare wheel
sun visors too shallow
THE LAGUNA RANGE
type and size upper medium (mid-priced)
hatchback and estate
trim levels Authentique, Expression,
Dynamique, Privilége, Initiale
engines petrol: 4 cylinder/1.6 litre/110bhp;
4/1.8/123, 4/2.0(Di)/140, V6/3.0/210
diesel: 4/1.9/120, (4/2.2/145 later)
drive front-wheel drive, 5-speed (petrol)
and 6-speed (diesel); 4/5-speed stepped
automatics, with torque converter, optional
Safety
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS Reach and rake steering plus seat height and lumbar levers. Clear, accurate displays plus unusual “card key” and tyre pressure monitor. Automatic locking – only if you want it
File Type: PDF Download here
CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS Reach and rake steering plus seat height and lumbar levers. Clear, accurate displays plus unusual “card key” and tyre pressure monitor. Automatic locking – only if you want it
File Type: PDF Download here