
TOUR DE FRANCE
Renault Laguna Sport Tourer (2001- To 2007)
Introduction
History of the Laguna
March 2001 saw the option of a five-speed automatic gearbox offered with the 1.8-litre engine, knocking power back from 123bhp to 118bhp in the process. A 2.2-litre dCi engine was also unveiled which packed a hefty 150bhp punch. In early 2003, Renault introduced a 165bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine, designed to plug the yawning gap between the 140bhp 2.0 16v engine and the 3.0-litre 210bhp V6 powerplant. At the same time, a value-packed Dynamique Techno trim level was announced, offering additional features designed to appeal to private buyers but by Spring 2004, that trim level had been replaced by the GT.
Renault weren’t finished either, 2005 brought more revisions with revised styling and upgraded interior materials. A key development was the Euro IV development of the dCi 120, which was introduced with a 130bhp power output. The trim levels were also reshuffled with the GT specification becoming solely available with the high performance GT205 model which packed a 205bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. A little later on, the 2.2-litre dCi engine was replaced by a 2.0-litre dCi with an identical 150bhp output.
Navigation versions of the Expression and Dynamique arrived in early 2006, making colour screen satellite navigation more easily affordable. These were joined by the Privilege Navigation later in the same year. An all new Laguna was unveiled in autumn 2007.
Why should I buy a Laguna?
Its hardly surprising then, that the Laguna II marks a change of approach on this front - though not as great a change as you might think. In the car park, the Sport Tourer has all the styling hallmarks that mark out cars like BMW’s 3 Series Touring and Audi’s A4 Avant. Arguably, it’s even better looking. Where Renault has set a new standard is in being able to provide lifestyle chic with load-lugging capacity. Sure, there’s less space than there was in the old model but not that much: expect to find 475 litres with all seats in use and up to 1,500 litres with the seats folded flat.
Aside from this of course, it’s the same recipe as the Laguna II hatch: the engine choice is largely identical and there’s not much of a price premium for the extra carriage space. In a medium range market that’s assuming an increasingly Germanic feel, Renault’s Laguna Sport Tourer arrived as something of a breath of fresh air. No chiselled edges or sombre plastics: instead, plenty of design flair and innovative thinking. We’ve heard – and seen – this from Renault before of course. The difference is that this time, the creative approach was been matched by standards of quality far above anything the company had previously produced.
How much could I expect to pay?
What should I look out for?
Are parts expensive?
What is a Laguna like to drive?
In its original form the 2.2-litre dCi diesel was first offered in a Renault Espace, debuting in September 2000. The engine was subsequently adapted to generate its full quota of 150bhp and an impressive torque figure of 320Nm over a decently wide range from 1,750 to 3,200rpm. When mated to a six-speed manual gearbox this results in an average fuel consumption figure of 44.8mpg. The Laguna has a comfortingly capacious fuel tank, which means that total range is now in the region of 670 miles. That’s London to Chamonix non-stop.
On the road, flexibility is where these engines really shine. The torque plateau is reached early in the rev range for example and unlike many rivals has some duration. In other words, you won't have to row the car along with the gear stick as you have to with some other turbo diesels. Just put your foot down and let the engine do the work. Performance is suitably lively, the hatchback version reaching 60mph in 9.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 134mph. The Sport Tourer is only slightly tardier, its figures being 9.8 seconds and 133mph respectively. The 3.0-litre engine is a flier, if a little thirsty, but it emits a beautiful noise and, well, do you really need any more excuses at this price?
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