Renault Laguna

	The car is packed with hi-tech equipment, including a choice of two satellite navigation systems, both of which boast Bluetooth compatibility

Our spy photographers have been tracking the development of the family car by capturing disguised prototypes being put through their paces in a series of tough tests across the globe.

Now the French giant has taken the wraps off the hatchback and Sport Tourer versions of the car that will rival Ford’s new Mondeo.
As we reported last week, the third-generation Laguna is longer, wider and taller than the current model, but its typical weight has actually dropped by 15kg.

Designers have given it large, striking headlamps and a low bonnet line at the front, while the broad air intake incorporates a pair of fog-lamps. And it’s just as distinctive at the back, where a new kinked waistline wraps around beneath high-mounted LED light clusters.

The Sport Tourer puts looks before outright capacity, and gets contrasting roof rails and a tapered back window, with an integrated rear spoiler. The Renault also features a low load height, thanks to its large tailgate, and fresh light clusters at the rear. Inside, one-touch ‘Superfold’ back seats provide a perfectly flat floor to maximise practicality.

Up front, all versions feature the latest high-grade, soft-touch plastics. The dashboard design does without a conventional centre console, but the car is packed with hi-tech equipment, including a choice of two satellite navigation systems, both of which boast Bluetooth compatibility. Mean-while, music fans will get Renault’s clever TunePoint set-up, which enables owners to connect their portable MP3 players and USB keys directly to the in-car entertainment system. Other new features include a power-assisted parking brake and the latest hands-free entry system.

On the road, the newcomer has a stiffer set-up than the outgoing model, as engineers have tuned the Laguna to enhance the driving experience. And a far more sporty steering configuration has also been adopted.

A broad engine line-up includes a new 108bhp 1.5dCi diesel, which is capable of an impressive 55.4mpg. With CO2 emissions of 136g/km, it is also the most environmentally-friendly powerplant in the range. It will be joined by 128bhp, 148bhp and 173bhp versions of the frugal 2.0 dCi, while the mid-spec 148bhp variant can hit 47mpg, with CO2 discharges of less than 158g/km.

Petrol choices include a 138bhp 2.0-litre model and a 168bhp 2.0 turbo. All engines will come with a six-speed manual gearbox, although the 148bhp diesel and turbocharged petrol variants will both be available as automatics, too.

Buyers can expect a solid Euro NCAP crash test rating from the safety-conscious firm, and the newcomer also has strong green credentials, with 35kg of recycled plastic used in its construction.
The new Laguna is set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany in September, and hit showrooms in the UK on 12 October. The range will be bolstered by the addition of a coupé model next year. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but are not expected to increase significantly as the brand seeks to compete with the highly acclaimed new Ford Mondeo.