AT almost $60,000 in top-of-the-line configuration, the Renault Laguna V6 faces head-on the might of the Germans at the lower end of the prestige market. Its weaponry includes a spacious, very comfortable interior with plenty of bells and whistles, a smooth, punchy 3.0-litre six-cylinder - where the Germans make do with two litres and four cylinders - and a hatchback body that adds versatility in a market where that is becoming an all-too-rare quality. In every way, the Renault is a strong competitor in a segment where, unfortunately, having the right badge is more important than just about anything else. It might be European and that is a good thing - although, for some, still not quite good enough.