Renault Laguna

The models in this week's mag were spied undergoing final testing in France by our eagle-eyed photographer. And he managed to snap both the hatch and Sport Tourer estate on the road – with the latter undisguised.

When it goes on sale next year, the much anticipated family car line-up is set to battle it out with the class’s big guns, such as the next-generation Ford Mondeo and the Volkswagen Passat. Completely fresh from the ground up – with new engines and a huge leap for­ward in interior quality – Renault says the Laguna will be a match for its rivals.

The styling has also undergone a major overhaul, as the current angular look has been replaced by bold curves and a dramatic new corporate face set to feature on all future Renaults.

Drawing inspiration from the Nepta concept, which was revealed at the Paris Motor Show in September, the Laguna debuts a different design direction for the company. The diamond logo dominates the front end, sitting between flush-fit headlamps.

The rears of both cars are equally bold. On the hatch, a sweeping roofline flows down to meet large, distinctive tail-lights and raised haunches, while the estate’s rising waistline curves up to create a distinctive C-pillar.

Further enhancing the new Laguna’s looks is a panoramic glass sunroof. It will let lots of light into the interior – an area the design team at Renault has worked very hard on.

With a 10cm increase in length, plus a new platform, there is more space in-side for passengers and luggage. Due to its stiffer structure, the car improves on Renault’s already excellent record in Euro NCAP crash testing, with a maximum five-star score a certainty.

Under the bonnet, buyers will get a choice of petrol and diesel engines from the current range. These include a 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol and the 175bhp 2.0 dCi oil-burner. The flagship 3.5 V6, which has already been seen in the Vel Satis and Espace, will power an exciting new coupé version, due at the end of 2008.

Meanwhile, the hatchback and Sport Tourer models in the mag's pictures are set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn next year. The five-door hits UK main dealers in October, and the Sport Tourer goes on sale in January 2008. Prices are expected to start at £16,500.