This is the all-new Renault Laguna which will go on sale in all major European markets before the end of this year. Renault is claiming it represents a dramatic step forward in the saloon car market, bringing new levels of quality, refinement and environmental frendliness.
That last claim is certainly borne out by the performance of the 1.5dCi diesel model, for which Renault is quoting and emissions figure of just 136g/km of CO2. That's a remarkable level for a large, comfy executive express.
So far, just four engines have been announced. The 1.5 diesel and its 2.0-litre sister oil-burner, and two petrol engines, a 2.0 and a 2.0 Turbo. There's no word yet on whether capacity-sensitive Ireland will get a 1.6 or 1.8 petrol, but if the oft-discussed new CO2-based VRT import tax finally gets the go-ahead, then we'll all be driving the 1.5 anyway.
Just as significantly, Renault is claiming that the new Laguna represents a major leap in quality for the French car maker. Renault boss Carlos Ghosn spoke of matching Toyota levels of quality with this new car, and from what we've seen so far of the gorgeous, soft-touch interior, he may not have been too far from the truth.
One thing though; if this car is such an improvement, why does it look so much like the old one?
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