Renault Laguna Privilege (February 2009)

Launched: Renault Laguna Privilege

Wheels Magazine
January, 2009

If there is such thing as Middle Child Syndrome, then the Renault Laguna (if it were a child) would certainly be a victim. It's the centre-rear-seat passenger of the mid-size sedan world, uncomfortably wedged between the premium Japanese and entry-level Germans.

For example, the base Expression petrol ($42,490 auto) and diesel ($41,990 manual/$44,490 auto) line-up exactly where the Accord Euro and Mazda 6 flagships top out. Move to the Privilege petrol ($47,990 auto) and diesel ($49,990 auto), and you're fast approaching Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class territory.

The Laguna's drivetrains certainly appear competitive. Both petrol and diesel are 2.0-litre turbocharged units, the former producing 125kW/270Nm, the latter 110kW/340Nm. Six-speeds for both manual and auto, too.

The wedgy new shape also looks good, and because (like the previous model) Laguna is a hatch, there's a huge boot and luggage flexibility aplenty. Inside, the Renault's minimalist design looks stylish, there's a pleasant blend of tones and textures, and plastics quality is excellent.

But hit the starter button and do the urban shuffle ... and the Laguna falls and fails. Diesel clatter at idle is an issue, the ride is incessantly busy, and yet body control is lacking over big hits and speed humps. The steering becomes increasingly light as lock is wound on, and it suffers noticeable rack rattle over larger pot-holes and mid-corner bumps.

Yet escaping the city limits does much to help this Renault's cause. Point the Laguna's nose at a winding rural road - the sort lined with B&Bs and curiously-onlooking cows - and it feels right at home. The diesel happily surfs its torque wave, whilst remaining smoothly flexible and punchy (above the clattery region off idle), and the six-speed automatic is something of a revelation as French slush 'boxes go; slick, responsive, excellent.

The suspension, too, works well in this environment, where it wafts, rather than wallows, over undulations and scarred black-top. In tighter corners, the Laguna does feel a little nose-heavy when pushed, requiring extra lock to combat understeer, which sets in earlier than you'd hope. But there is a surprising lack of bodyroll. Factor into the equation excellent wind- and road-noise suppression, and Laguna establishes itself as a fine open-road tourer; a GT car more than a sporting sedan like, say, Mazda's 6. Even the steering, clearly the French mid-sizer's weakest link, at least offers reasonably crisp turn-in.

If there's a word that sums up the new Laguna, it's 'inconsistent'. Knock $10K off the price, however, and it could be considered a worthy, avant-garde alternative to a premium mid-size Japanese car. Otherwise, it's back to the centre-rear seat for Renault.

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