Renault Laguna Sport Tourer Dynamique TomTom 1.5 dCi 110 FAP 5dr Car Review - March 2008

The 1.5 litre four cylinder diesel engine produces maximum figures of 110bhp at 4000rpm and 177lb-ft at 1750rpm but unlike in the hatchback where it feels adequately potent, in the big estate body it feels a little underwhelming. A 0-62 mph time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 117mph reveal that it’s no firecracker but the engine is surprisingly smooth and refined.

The Laguna Sport Tourer’s ride is generally comfortable albeit a little on the firm side although potholes and larger bumps can send a jolt from the suspension clonking through the cabin. It grips well in corners and 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 Sport Tourer Dynamique TomTom 1.5 dCi 110 FAP 5dr is a smart if not exciting looking car and there is something quintessentially French about its smooth lines. Inside, you get a CD, MP3 connectivity, Satnav, Bluetooth, electric windows, electric door mirrors, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and climate control as standard. It also comes with alloy wheels, an alarm and immobiliser and front fog lights.

Metallic paint is a £470 option and leather and Alcantara seats £2,100.

There is plenty of room in the cabin to seat five however the boot doesn’t offer as much loading space as others in this class - 501 litres of space with the rear seats in place or 1593 litres with them folded down.

The Laguna comes with a five star Euro NCAP rating so it’s a safe car to travel in. It has six airbags as well as ABS and stability control.

Renault have a questionable reputation for reliability although they 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 109 g/km means its running costs will be pleasingly low too.

At £21,500 the Renault Laguna Sport Tourer Dynamique TomTom 1.5 dCi 110 FAP 5dr is competitively priced in its class. It has a roomy, comfortable cabin with a high spec and a useful amount of luggage space. It drives well and gives a reasonably refined ride. It feels sturdy and well bolted together but it’s not the most appealing or practical car in its class and it’ll attract fairly low resale values.

A combined cycle of 67.3mpg is an impressive figure for a car of this size and with a CO2 emissions figure of 110g/km the taxes and running costs are pleasingly low. Overall it represents excellent value for money.