Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Laguna review (2007-2012)

The Renault Laguna hatchback doesn’t offer enough to be a top contender.

Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
Find your Renault Laguna
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Driving
The latest Laguna is derived from the old car’s underpinnings. While it is comfortable and pliant on motorway surfaces, the ride is a disappointment on bumpy town roads – there’s simply too much movement. The dampers don’t control the suspension that well, and this really shows up on A-roads, where it lacks composure. What’s more, the steering leaves you feeling detached, and the handling, while safe and predicable, can’t meet the standards set by some excellent rivals. Driver enjoyment is lacking. As for engines, diesel is best. The popular 2.0-litre dCi is very refined, and there is little in the way of engine noise, even under full throttle. The power delivery is very smooth too, though the gearbox and clutch are vague.

Marketplace
The family car market is now more diverse than ever. The Laguna hatchback and Sport Tourer estate aren't as dramatically styled as before, Renault preferring instead to major on quality and luxury. This is crucial, given the reliability woes of the old car. There’s a large range of engines, and trims span from entry-level Expression versions, to sporty Dynamique and Dynamique, S, to the lavish Initiale range-toppers. Key rivals include the massive Ford Mondeo and sporty Mazda 6, plus the Peugeot 407, Vauxhall Vectra and Volkswagen Passat.

Owning
From the driver’s seat, impressions are promising. The interior has taken a big step forward. The cabin is clearly and logically laid out, while the high-quality plastics are very impressive. Again, it’s not as distinctive as other Renaults, but it’s a very refined and comfortable place to spend time, with a decent driving position (though some testers found the offset pedals uncomfortable). It’s extremely well equipped as well. In the rear, fold-flat seats enhance practicality, as does the wide-opening hatchback rear, though passengers fare less well. Head and legroom are lacking compared to the class-leading Ford Mondeo. Initial impressions back up Renault’s claim to have improved quality by leaps and bounds, too: impressively, the maker is supporting this with a three-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Factor in strong fuel efficiency from the diesel engines, and the Laguna looks impressive on paper. Retained values show a welcome improvement over the old model, too.

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates
Mazda CX-60 - front 3/4 static

Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates

Mazda’s SUV has picked up some worthy trim and technical updates
News
13 Nov 2024
Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?
Dacia Duster and MG ZS - front tracking

Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?

The new Dacia Duster and MG ZS are the UK’s cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
Car group tests
13 Nov 2024