Sydney show: Laguna goes diesel

THE huge influx of diesels Down Under continues at the Sydney motor show, with Renault for one unveiling its Laguna Phase II 2.2 dCi diesel yesterday.

On sale from this week, and priced from $46,990, the "reborn" Laguna is fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission and benefits from the latest changes to the Laguna line-up, which last saw duty here in January as a Phase I model.

The Euro IV-compliant diesel develops 112kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm from 1750rpm, offering sub-6.0L/100km fuel economy and accelerating from 0-100km/h in 10.3 seconds, and gives the Laguna hatch a top speed of 210km/h.

More diesel models will follow from Renault, including the arrival early next year of the Megane turbo-diesel range.