Renault Laguna

NEW CAR REVIEW
RENAULT LAGUNA GT
LE GRAND TOUR
By Andy Enright
Quick. Name a sporty Renault Laguna. I'll bet that you can't. Meganes and Clios, no problem, but a properly sporty Laguna just hasn't happened yet. Renault thinks it can change all that with the latest Laguna GT, powered with either 180 or 205bhp engines. With four-wheel steer, the GT is certainly nimble but it faces an uphill battle convincing British buyers of its talents.

Two engines for the GT are available. There's a diesel that features a 180bhp 2.0-litre dCi engine and fronts up with an impressive 400Nm of torque. This will get it to 60mph in 8.2 seconds. Alternatively, buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre 16v petrol engine that cranks out 205bhp and will get to 60 in just 7.5 seconds. So far, so reasonable. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Laguna GT is what's going on at the back wheels. No, it isn't four-wheel drive, but the back wheels aren't there as mere accessories to keep its derriere from dragging. Renault has developed a clever four-wheel steer system that significantly increases the car's manoeuvrability and agility.
The Active Drive Chassis turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts at angles of up to 3.5 degrees at speed of up to 38mph. This creates a pivot point in the middle of the car, bringing a smaller turning circle and less steering input required. Above 38mph, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts to increase precision, setting the rear axle on a more effective trajectory. Rather reassuringly, the stability control electronics have been specially optimised to work in conjunction with the Active Drive Chassis.

The Laguna GT features a revised front bumper with a bigger front grille featuring lateral air intakes and black background headlights to give it a much meaner face than the standard Laguna. Eighteen-inch Celsium alloy wheels are shod with 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza tyres while braking is taken care of with big 320mm discs up front and 300mm rotors at the back. Smoked rear lights, gloss black door mirror housings, twin tailpipes and sill extensions complete the look. Inside, the GT buyer will find embossed leather and alcantara sports seats, drilled aluminium pedals, an aluminium gearshift knob and a GT-specific sports steering wheel. Available in both Hatch and Sport Tourer estate guises, the GT sits just below the luxury Initiale models in the Laguna line up.

If your wish list is for a firm riding car with livewire steering and a chassis full of feedback, the Laguna GT isn't that vehicle. What it does represent is a vehicle that will cover ground quickly and safely while remaining relatively unobtrusive which, when all is said and done, is not dissimilar to the quicker versions of previous Laguna models. So where's the progress?
It certainly hasn't come in the area of visual flair. Most canvassed think this generation Laguna isn't as neat a piece of styling as its handsome predecessor but move beneath the skin and you'll find a car that's packed with state of the art safety features and which features a choice between two extremely good engines. The Laguna GT isn't the most immediately appealing car, but do your homework and it might well prove to be an unexpected gem.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Renault Laguna GT
PRICES: £21,050-£22,170 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-15E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 172-196g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0dCi] 0-60mph 8.2s / Max Speed 139mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0dCi] (combined) 47.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front,side & curtain airbags, ABS, EBA, ESP.
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: [Hatch] Length/Width/Heightmm 4801/2060/1445
WHO TO SEE:
April 8th 2008