Renault LAGUNA Dynamique range
If You Like The Latest
Renault Laguna But Want Something Sportier, These Dynamique Models May Suit. Jonathan Crouch Reports
Racewear by Renault. No, not a range of sporty jackets, polo shirts and baseball caps. Instead, a sporty package intended to make your Laguna look a bit more. aggressive.
Or, as the French would say, Dynamique
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The importers expect large numbers of Laguna buyers to go for this mid to upper-range trim level. It entitles you to sports front seats, climate control, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, hands-free door opening, a rear spoiler, part-leather upholstery, an insurance approved category 1 alarm and 16-inch Lazuli alloy wheels. Thats in addition to features borrowed from the lower Expression and Extreme models. These include amongst other things front foglamps, all-round electric windows and a heat-reflecting windscreen.
Not to mention Renaults class leading safety provision. Prices start from £16,825 on the road for the five-door (theres no saloon) and from £17,825 for the Sport Tourer. Engine-wise, theres a five-way choice, including a selection of Renaults latest technology. The line-up opens with the 135bhp 2.
0-litre 16-valve petrol engine but buyers seeking a little more power to back-up the Dynamiques sporting pretensions may want to extend themselves to the 165bhp turpocharged version of that 2.0-litre powerplant. The other options are diesels. Theres the 120bhp 1.
9-litre dCi 120 or the 130bhp dCi 130, the later of which is compliant with the Euro IV emissions regulations and subject to a lower taxation burden. Finally, the 150bhp 2.2-litre dCi tops the Dynamique line-up.
"For long motorway trips, its arguably the best in the class, bar none"
But is it Dynamique to drive? Well would-be Schumachers probably wont think so. If you want instant response and perfect on the limit handling, a Mondeo would probably suit you better. However, this
Renault gets much closer to the handling class leaders than its dowdy predecessor and for long motorway trips, its arguably the best in the class. The 165bhp 2.
0-litre turbocharged engine will probably be the favourite for keen drivers but theres a lot to be said for the accesible power band you get with the diesel models. Even without the Dynamique add-ons, theres no mistaking a Laguna on the road. On the latest car, the nose has been modified with a one-piece component that integrates the front bumper and grille. The bonnet line is shortened and more convex and the headlamps have been extended lengthwise.
Moving round to the back shows a revised tail light configuration. The interior has come in for some attention too with improved ergonomics and materials quality. The dashboard features better quality plastics with a redesigned centre console and repositioned stereo and ventilation controls. A new moulding surrounds the top part of the fascia giving a swoopier look to the dashboard, but the basic architecture still feels a little older than some rivals.
The changes made dont concentrate solely on the aesthetic. The suspension has been tuned to offer better body control and to reduce unwanted vibration. Safety has also been improved and although its predecessor was the first passenger car to attain the coveted five-star Euro NCAP rating, the latest Laguna (New Laguna as Renault dub it) features better restraint systems, road holding and braking plus a later generation of anti lock brakes and electronic stability control. The ESP system now features understeer control that even takes into account the actions of the suspension and the wear of the tyres.
With a revised program, the stability control system can now react even quicker than before, preventing the build up of yaw forces before they get out of control. Theres also a major investment in technology to make the Laguna easier to live with. The Renault Card with hands free engine ignition already offered on the Megane and Scenic debuts on the Laguna. The parking brake is now automatic and a revised Carminat 3D Navigation and Communication centre has also been developed.
Audio systems have been improved and a multimedia selector has been created, sited where a conventional handbrake would normally sit. Drivers can operate it without taking their eyes off the road due to different shaped buttons which enable tactile recognition part of Renaults Touch design philosophy. If the Dynamique isnt quite sporty enough buyers may like to turn their attention to the GT 205 model. Sitting alongside the plush Initiale as the ranges flagship, the GT 205 features a 2.
0-litre turbocharged engine good for as its name suggests some 205bhp. Renault claim its a Grand Touring model dedicated to driving enjoyment and is both sporting and civilised in everyday driving. Thats as maybe, but its certainly extremely quick, accelerating through 60mph from a standstill in 7 seconds flat and not letting up until it gets to 146mph. In fact, the performance isnt that far off the acclaimed Clio Renaultsport 182.
One can imagine enterprising Clio owners already wondering how they can lay their hands on one of these engines. With specially developed Michelin Pilot Exalto2 tyres on 17inch wheels and lowered and stiffened suspension, the GT 205 features a lower air intake grille, wheels with a smoked chrome finish, a rear wing for the hatchback model and satin finished roof rails and dark tinted side windows for the Sport Tourer estate version. The interior of the GT is something of an acquired taste, with red and black leather upholstery with satin aluminium detailing on the dashboard. It's easy to see why the Laguna is such a popular family choice. The well-priced Dynamique packages are particularly convincing with their blend of sporty look and sensible pricing.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Renault Laguna Dynamique range
PRICES: £16,825-£19,925 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 8-13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 150-201g/km
PERFORMANCE: [2.0 16v] 0-60mph 9.6s / Max Speed 131mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0 16v] (Urban) 27.2/ (Extra urban) 46.3/ (Combined) 36.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS, EBD, seatbelt pretensioners
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: (length/width/height) 177/69/56" [5dr]
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