Renault's Laguna made its UK debut in February 2001, and has proved a worthy alternative to the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra and even Volkswagen Passat. With its striking styling, distinctive cabin design and gadgets including a key card entry system, ignition button and tyre pressure monitoring, it's certainly not a default-option boring rep car. Lauded for its safety - it scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests - its other qualities include a fine line-up of diesel engines and very comfortable, supportive seats. However, its reliability record has been patchy, and the Laguna isn't the most exciting drive.
Available in the UK in hatchback or Sport Tourer (estate) bodystyles, the Laguna's petrol engines range from a 1.8 16v (125 bhp) to the 3.0 V6 24v (210 bhp), and the diesels are the 1.9 dCi - in 90 bhp, 100 bhp and 120 bhp form - or the excellent 2.2 dCi 150. Specification levels are generous with plenty of variants to choose from.
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