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Next Laguna to be a crossover

Renault boss hints that its Laguna and Espace models will return as crossovers

Renault Twingo badge

By Graham Hope

27th December 2011

Renault has dropped its biggest clues yet as to what it is planning for its Laguna and Espace replacements.

Both models are to be axed from the UK line-up due to low sales, and the company is already looking ahead to the next-generation models.

UK managing director Thierry Sybord said: “If we come up with the same sort of car as the Laguna and Espace, we will have the same results. But if we can come up with new concepts, there may be an opportunity for us.”

And that is likely to mean crossovers. Sybord continued: “The situation is like when Nissan got rid of the Primera and went with the Qashqai and Juke. It works.”

It is not yet decided whether the replacement models will come to the UK, however. “The D-segment car [Laguna] will be difficult,” admitted Sybord. “Customers tend to be quite conservative. With the Espace I think there is more to play with.”

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4 Comments

Crossovers

One of the reasons the Qashqai has been so popular is because it has proven to be reliable. Any crossover from Renault needs to be backed up with a solid warranty and reassurance to potential buyers that Nissan have been involved in designing/making key components.

By gaztt on 28 December, 2011, 1:07am

Key to success

They have to re invent both cars as nowadays most drivers prefer versatility from their hatch or MPV. Reliability is also very essential too.

Dr Abs
http://mylookathealth.blogspot.com

By DrAbs on 29 December, 2011, 9:56am

reliable?

Renault needs to learn more from it's Japanese partner for build quality.

By ducatinova on 2 January, 2012, 3:07pm

Crazy thinking

...."And that is likely to mean crossovers. Sybord continued: “The situation is like when Nissan got rid of the Primera and went with the Qashqai and Juke. It works.”....."

With due respect, coming from a top man, what dangerously flawed thinking- just how this will work for Renault of all people. The Primera lost sales because the very last model was a relativley mediocre effort so got simply outclassed, and the Juke/Qashqai success story is mainly if not purely due to shrewd timing - Nissan getting the first cross-overs trend-setting novelty within the industry. However in either case, Nissan's reputation for quality build and reliability more than compensated for any potential or real flaw that could have brough the whole scheme down.
Renault trying the same not only plunges them head-on into an increasingly cut-throat competitive segment but crucially against a sorry history viz reliability/quality issues compared to Nissan and others. Without any prior saving grace and actually when the cross-over faze is dying out, you cannot get it any more wrong than this!

By jossjjew on 11 January, 2012, 2:45am

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