New Renault Laguna Officially Revealed: In Detail

Press Release

New Laguna's refined lines have been carefully crafted to create a dynamic, fluid design that

effortlessly underpins the model's status as a true Grand Tourer. Thanks to its impeccable handling and broad range of powertrain packages, New Laguna guarantees genuine driving pleasure:

Impeccable handling

New Laguna's responsive chassis stands out as one of the best on the market in terms of both steering precision and control of cornering roll thanks essentially to the new model's closer-ratio steering and uprated suspension. Significant work has also gone into the tuning of its damping performance to ensure even greater driving pleasure and comfort.

A broad range of powertrain packages

The New Laguna line-up features the brand's familiar engines, including the 130 and 175hp versions of the 2.0 dCi (96/127kW) which are particularly responsive and punchy when mated to Renault's AJO automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the economical and environmentally-respectful 1.5 dCi 110hp (81kW) combines remarkable performance with even lower fuel consumption, returning a frugal 5.1 litres/100km (equivalent to 136g of CO2/km) to offer one of the segment's most attractive compromises between

performance, fuel economy and emissions. Developed jointly by Renault and Nissan, the smooth, responsive 145hp (103.4kW) 2.0 16V petrol engine ensures a particularly high level of acoustic comfort.

The following features ensure peace of mind for all New Laguna occupants:

Class-leading active and passive safety

New Laguna benefits from Renault’s extensive experience in the field of safety and special attention has been paid to the new car's side impact protection performance. Equipment includes an exclusive new-generation double lateral airbag (thorax + pelvis) which is based on a twin-chamber, dual pressure system triggered by two sensors located in the front door and B-pillar. A specific algorithm adjusts the system's deployment time as a function of the force of the impact. On the active safety front, New Laguna’s brakes are amongst the most fade-resistant on the market.

Optimised comfort

In addition to its finely-tuned suspension, New Laguna offers a degree of acoustic comfort that sets new standards in its segment, thanks notably to more effective soundproofing between the engine compartment and cabin. Meanwhile, the particularly demanding brief relating to thermal comfort has led to the introduction of a new, externally-controlled, high capacity compressor that is capable of producing cold air particularly quickly.

Extremely practical

It is now easier than ever to take in the information displayed on the dashboard, while careful attention has also been paid to drive-station ergonomics. A long list of practical features, including parking brake assist and the second-generation hands-free card, further contribute to taking them stress out of day-to-day motoring. Last but by no means least, the Estate version is equipped with a system that allows a flat boot-floor to be obtained at the push of a button.

From the design and validation phases through to production and servicing, New Laguna has been engineered for robustness and reliability:

One of the chief pledges of the Renault Commitment 2009 plan concerned New Laguna directly, namely the target for the new model to rank among the top three cars in its segment in terms of product and service quality. In addition to the more stringent design and production processes that have been put into place, more than 120 New Lagunas were subjected to the equivalent of six million kilometres of testing in the most gruelling climatic and road conditions imaginable.

New Laguna rivals with the best in its segment regarding running, repair and servicing costs:

• This has notably been achieved thanks to its 110hp (81kW) and 150hp (110kW) dCi diesel engines which return fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km and 6.0 litres/100km respectively, equivalent to 136g and 158g of CO2/km.

• As one of the models covered by the Renault eco² line – an appellation conceived as a hallmark for the range's economical and ecologically-sound vehicles – a version of New Laguna will be available that emits just 136g of CO2/km and incorporates a high 35kg of recycled plastic. To further optimize fuel consumption, New Laguna tips the scales at an average 15kg less than its predecessor.

New Laguna will be unveiled to the public at September's Frankfurt Motor Show and is scheduled to go on sale from October 2007.

Grand Tourer refinement

Today sees the wraps come off New Laguna and its elegant, fluid, dynamic exterior styling. The meticulous attention that has been paid to the quality of the materials employed and its high standard of fit and finish reflect the extensive work that has gone into perceived quality both on the outside as well as in the cabin.

Elegant, fluid, dynamic lines

New Laguna's styling epitomizes the quest for dynamism and driving pleasure that prevailed throughout its design and development. Its front end features sweeping headlamps, a long, steeply-raked bonnet and large grille that combine to hint at a range of satisfying powerplants. At 4.69 metres in length, New Laguna’s naturally balanced proportions ensure a dynamic stance, while the plunging shoulder line contributes to the new model's assertive, elegant looks. Chrome side window surrounds provide an extra touch of status-enhancing class and the distinctive sills ensure that the car sits squarely on its 16- to 18-inch alloy wheels. The waistline crease of the Saloon version extends across the boot and underneath the LED rear lights which give the car a distinctive night-time lighting signature. The higher performance versions feature twin chrome exhaust tailpipes, a tell-tale sign of the presence of a pedigree powerplant at the other end of the car...

A distinctive Estate with real personality

The dynamic, modern styling of the Estate version of New Laguna features a steeply-raked rear screen, while the generous glazed area of the rearmost side windows further accentuates the newcomer's assertive looks. Ensuring a functional and practical interior was another key priority, as can be seen by the numerous new innovative stowage solutions. Meanwhile, the exemplary travelling comfort is complemented by the ability to create a perfectly flat boot-floor at the touch of a button.

A status-enhancing interior

New Laguna’s elegant exterior looks are echoed by the refined finish of the cabin which features a blend of high-grade materials that exude an inescapable sense of quality and comfort. The enveloping dashboard makes an active contribution to this upper-range ambience, while the design and location of the controls and displays have been ergonomically tailored to facilitate driving. Depending on trim level, the centre console houses the controls for the parking brake assist and cruise control/speed limiter, as well as for the navigation and hands-free telephone functions of the Carminat Navigation and Communication system. The Initiale trim level aims to appeal to the broadest possible clientele thanks to its wood and leather finish and is available in a choice of either dark charcoal or a lighter hue. The Alcantara leather upholstery of Dynamique versions combines with a metallic ambience. The unmistakably sporty feel of the dark charcoal interior of Dynamique models is further reinforced by the flat-section steering wheel and the seats' more pronounced lateral support.

Driving pleasure

Everything about New Laguna has been carefully thought through to guarantee genuine driving pleasure that combines benchmark handling and first class dynamic performance. Its carefully engineered chassis and precise, responsive steering enable drivers to profit fully from the new car's contained weight and comprehensive range of powertrain packages that deliver both performance and fuel economy.

A selection of advanced engines and transmissions

New Laguna is available with a broad choice of powerplants, all mated to six-speed transmissions. Each one features as one of the best in its category in terms of driving comfort and fuel consumption performance. The petrol range will be built up gradually, beginning with the dynamic, smooth and quietrunning 2.0 16V (M4R). Jointly-developed by Renault and Nissan, this 145hp (103.4kW) unit features punch and torque from very low revs, plus feisty performance at higher engine speeds and remarkable acoustic comfort across the full rev-band. The petrol engine range also features the 170hp (125kW) 2.0 16V Turbo which is coupled to a six-speed Proactive automatic transmission.

The diesel range is based on two market benchmarks: the 1.5 dCi, which delivers 110hp (81kW) and strikes the segment's best balance between performance and fuel consumption. With CO2 emissions of just 136g/km, its also qualifies for 'eco-leader' status. Meanwhile, the 2.0 dCi block is available in a choice of three versions (130hp, 150hp and 175hp; respectively 96, 110 and 127kW), the second of which will be available with six-speed Proactive automatic transmission from launch. Equipped with a low inertia, variable geometry turbo and ultra-fast glow plugs, this version truly comes into its own under the bonnet of New Laguna.

Other engines will be added to the catalogue shortly after the model's launch to produce a comprehensive range capable of meeting the needs of all the different markets in which the model is marketed. Within the framework of the Renault Commitment 2009 plan, New Laguna is also poised to make a key contribution to Renault's eco² environmental drive thanks to engines that already comply with the forthcoming Euro5 legislation.