Renault Laguna comparable to BMW

Nov 16 2009 Peter Hayward

COMPARING the Renault Laguna to the BMW 3-Series might seem daft but their list prices are very close.

Luckily, the Renault has much bigger discounts, making it very good value - especially in the 47mpg 150 turbo diesel I've been driving.

Performance is excellent, with tremendous pull from any speed in all six gears from a very refined and quiet engine.

When I drove the 180bhp version of this car, I found the ride unsettled at times, but this one was much better, soaking up everything with ease.

Handling and road-holding are quite superb, with excellent body control, but the steering is still a bit too vague in corners and really needs to be sharpened up.

Although the engine is right up there with the best, the gearchange could be slicker.

The Laguna is one of the safest cars in the class, with a five star Euro NCAP rating, six airbags and stability control.

There's also a standard alarm system with deadlocks to deter the thieves.

Interior

Initiale trim brings electric seats and leather, climate and high quality fit and finish. It comes with keyless entry and starting, the usual electric pack and if you want it, Tom Tom sat nav.

But with all the adjustments just right, my left knee hit the steering column, which was a bit annoying.

FAST FACTS

Renault Laguna

Price: £23,850

Mechanical: 148bhp, 1,995cc, 4 cylinder diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 9.5 seconds

Combined mpg: 47

Insurance group: 10

CO2 emissions: 157g/km

BIK rating: 22%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 99,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia