Renault Laguna Coupe GT Line TomTom dCi 180 FAP 2dr Car Review - March 2012

The 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel engine produces maximum figures of 180bhp at 3750rpm and 295lb-ft at 2000rpm and feels adequately potent. A 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 139mph are respectable figures and the engine is surprisingly smooth and refined.

The Laguna Coupe’s ride is generally comfortable albeit a little on the firm side although it can feel unsettled on uneven surfaces. Four wheel steering is part of the GT Line package and it helps improve grip in corners and overall agility. As with the other models in the line-up, body roll is kept pretty much in check too but the steering doesn’t provide much feedback as to what is happening down at the front wheels. On the open road at cruising speeds there is very little in the way of wind and road noise in the cabin and overall it’s a pleasant place to soak up motorway miles.

There’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat and the steering wheel so most drivers should be able to find a decent position. The dashboard is nicely laid with easy to read instruments and for the most part it has an upmarket look and feel about it.

The Renault Laguna Coupe GT Line TomTom dCi 180 FAP 2dr is a svelte looking car and there is something quintessentially French about its smooth lines. Inside, you get a CD, MP3 connectivity, Satnav, Bluetooth, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, leather seats, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and climate control as standard. It also comes with alloy wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

Metallic paint is a £470 option.

There is plenty of room in the cabin to seat four however taller rear seat passengers may struggle for headroom – a trade-off for that lovely sloping roofline. The boot has a reasonable amount of load space for a coupe – 423 litres and the rear seats can be lowered to create more however the narrow opening and high boot lip restricts access a little.

The Laguna comes with six airbags as well as ABS and stability control.

Renault’s have a questionable reputation for reliability but the company purport to have worked hard on improvements but for a certain piece of mind this car comes with a three year 100,000 mile warranty. Fuel economy is very good for a car of this size and its carbon footprint of 150 g/km means its running costs won’t be too high.

At £25,005 the Renault Laguna Coupe GT Line TomTom dCi 180 FAP 2dr is competitively priced in its class. It has a roomy, comfortable cabin with a high spec and a useful amount of luggage space. With its four-wheel-steering it drives well, has plenty of grunt and gives a reasonably refined ride. It feels sturdy and well bolted together and its rarity adds to its appeal but it’ll attract fairly low resale values and it’s not as desirable as some of its rivals.

A combined cycle of 49.5mpg is an impressive figure for a car of this class and with a CO2 emissions figure of 150g/km the taxes and running costs won’t break the bank. With decent performance and an excellent range of equipment, the model represents fairly good value for money.