Laguna Mk3

Renault’s entry in the super competitive mid-size segment is the Laguna. Now in its third generation, the Gallic contender is available as a hatch and a wagon.

Customers can choose from diesel or petrol engines, both 2.0-litres in size and both turbocharged.

The petrol engine generates 125kW and 270Nm of torque, while the diesel makes 110kW and 340Nm.

A six-speed automatic is available for the petrol engine, while the diesel is available with either six-speed auto or six-speed manual.

Built on an all new platform, the new Laguna is longer, wider and taller than the previous model, but has somehow managed to shed 15kg.

The Laguna scored five stars and a record 36 points (out of a possible 37) in the Euro NCAP test and comes with a full-suite of airbags and electronic stability control.

In mid 2009 Renault lowered Laguna prices by up to $4000 as it sought to resuscitate the moribund sales of the European mid-sizer.

The changes saw the arrival of the petrol-powered Laguna models, bringing the total range of variations up to eight.

It completed a staggered launch for the third-generation, X91 series family car range, which has been available since June 2008 as a diesel-only hatch. The Estate wagon models arrived in December 2008.

To further stimulate interest in Laguna, Renault increased the warranty mileage maximum from 150,000km to an unlimited amount within the three-year timeframe.

The 2.0 Turbo is a 1998cc 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 125kW of power at 5000rpm and 270Nm of torque at 3250rpm.

Emissions rated as a Euro IV engine, it delivers 8.9 litres per 100km on 95 RON premium unleaded petrol, and 210 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide emissions.

In contrast, the existing 1995cc 2.0-litre common-rail four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit – compliant to Euro V emissions rules – pumps out 110kW at 4000rpm and 340Nm at 2400rpm, and returns 7.1L/100km and 188g/km of CO2 respectively.

Torque is transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox with a sequential shift facility Renault calls Pro-Active, while the six-speed manual is reserved solely for the base dCi hatch.

The 4.8-metre Estate wagon is built on the same 2.76m wheelbase as the shorter hatch, so relies on extra rear overhang to increase luggage capabilities, especially as the sloping rear window cuts into potential cargo space.

It is rated at 501 litres when the split/fold rear seats are erect, swelling to 1593 litres when laid down flat.

All models achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and to this end feature electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution), traction control, dual front and rear-side airbags, and curtain airbags.