Renault Laguna Coupe GT 2.0 Turbo 205

Jun 12 2009 Ian Johnson

RENAULT is on a roll with car designs because its new Laguna Coupe has to one of the most stylish models of its type available today.

With daring, sweeping lines encompassing the latest Renault frontal signature and a rear end that pays homage to Aston Martin, the Laguna Coupe is out to turn heads.

It features an interior that is not compromised on space by its daring and chic look and a range of engines that include a 3.0-litre V6 dCi 235 diesel engine, a 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit (240hp), plus four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo petrol (205hp) and dCi 150 and 180 diesels.

It comes in two trim levels - Coupe and Coupe GT - and my test vehicle was a GT 2.0-litre Turbo in Oyster Grey metallic.

This car is no cheapie being £25,005 on the road. But a succession of optional extras including satellite navigation bumped up the price of my test car to £28,200. Quite a lot to pay for a Laguna, but the Coupe range is making a statement that the range is moving distinctly upmarket.

This is a very advanced car and is loaded with electronics and technology. For instance the GT versions gain 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering, automatic parking brake, full leather upholstery, cruise control, speed limiter and Hands Free Renault Card.

It is also the first Renault to benefit from new standard-fit '3D Sound' audio system developed with sound specialists Arkamys

This is not a mere Laguna reshape but a true stand-alone design with a road presence that expresses individuality. But thanks to the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering the GT is an intelligent, dynamic, and rewarding driving experience.

The sporty 205hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine produces maximum power at 5,000rpm,with peak torque of 300Nm available from 3,000rpm. It uses a six-speed manual transmission and profits from Renaultsport technology previously applied to the Mégane Renaultsport.

Acceleration from rest to 62mph is accomplished in 7.8 seconds, yet fuel consumption is a low 34.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 194g/km.

The 4Control system with four-wheel steering counters the centrifugal force that tends to the push the rear outwards around bends, and consequently raises the safe cornering speed. It certainly gives that 'running-on-rails experience even when pushed hard on bends. But the proof of the pudding is the way this car expresses itself. Does it turn more heads than a BMW or an Audi or draw more gasps of amazement than a Peugeot 308CC?

We will never get official figures on this but all I know is that the GT version I drove was a people magnet. They just had to touch it.

There may be wagging fingers over recession and financial hardship warning that days are numbered for slinky numbers like the Laguna Coupe, but I firmly believe that with cars such as this we are getting rather spoiled.

In the current demanding market Renault has upped its build quality tremendously - as have other French manufacturers who are making hay in the light of the horrendous financial situation of American automotive giants.

Certainly makes you wonder if driving could get any better under £30,000.

FAST FACTS

Renault Laguna Coupe GT 2.0 Turbo 205

Price: £25,005

Mechanical: 205bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox.

Max speed: 147mph

0-62mph: 7.8 seconds

Combined economy: 34.4mpg

Insurance group: 17

C02 emissions: 194g/km

BIK rating: 25%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 100,000 miles