Since it was first launched in January 1994, over 2.3 million of the first two generations of the Renault Laguna have been sold.
Preparing for Renault's return to the luxury car segment, the new Laguna has been manufactured for robustness and reliability, aiming to be among the top three in its segment for product and service quality.
The new Laguna has a dynamic, streamlined and elegant form, positioning it among the grand tourers. More spacious than its predecessor, this model is notably lighter by an average 15 kg, and is available with some powerful and economical engines from launch, all with six-speed manual gearboxes.
In terms of protection, this model benefits from Renault's acclaimed real-world accident knowledge and all of the latest technologies, particularly side impact with an innovative thorax double airbag. The sophisticated air conditioning system offers class-leading thermal comfort.
With an economical and ecological 'Renault eco2' version, the Laguna dCi 110 hp only consumes 5.1 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle, or 136 g of CO2 emissions per km. Within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009, new Laguna dCi 110 hp will make an important contribution to the Renault eco2 environmental programme. It fulfils three environmental criteria over its whole life cycle: CO2 emissions are lower than 140 g per km or vehicle operating on biofuels; it is manufactured from a minimum of five per cent recycled plastic material; it is manufactured in an ISO 14001-certified factory.
The impressive dynamic performance of the Laguna's chassis is complemented by the best braking performance of its category, particularly in the endurance test while braking when hot (only 40 metres distance measured with 16-inch wheels performing 10 consecutive braking operations from 100 to 0 km/h).
The Laguna Mark II was the first car in history to be awarded five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. To recognise and react to impact twice as fast, the Laguna boasts a unique system comprising two sensors, implanted in the front door and centre pillar. A specific algorithm adapts the reaction time delay to the violence of the impact and sets off a new double-side airbag, with a double chamber and double pressure.
On the front seat-belts, the double pretension now operates at each end of the belt (exterior pelvic part and the rolled-up section). In conjunction with an anti-submarining system in the seat, this solution not only means that the passenger's pelvis remains on the seat, but also provides improved restraint for the upper part of the body at thorax level in the event of a frontal impact.
The central buckle is optimised to facilitate the attaching of the seatbelt. In the rear seats, pre-tensioners are available for the seats at each side, as are Isofix fixings.
The new Laguna was entirely developed at the Renault Technocentre: 32 months have gone by since the initial design and the green light for manufacturing. The choice of design, in autumn 2004, made it possible to draw up the contract, an important step which necessitated the commitment of each department, with the support of selected suppliers, for a price: performance level within the framework of detailed planning. The parts were then designed in the smallest detail to check their suitability. At the same time, all Renault's wealth of experience in the field of quality was invested in the project to obtain top quality results.
Renault agents Auto Sales Ltd launched the Laguna earlier this month. A long list of standard equipment on three versions - EX 1.5dCI, DY 1.5dCI and DY 2.0dCI - includes alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, fog lamps, driver, passenger and curtain airbags, fully aumomatic dual climate control, tinted glass, six-speed manual gearbox, auto and exit lights and cruise control. Prices start at Lm12,990.