Renault Launches Laguna 2010 Range

Continuing its inexorable product offensive, Renault has now released UK pricing for the new Laguna 2010 range, ranging from £16,795 to £25,650.

Featuring a new ‘GT' sport look for the core-selling versions in the Hatch and Sport Tourer ranges, Laguna 2010 also introduces several new equipment features and ten eco² versions. Emphasising the increasing growth of Renault's eco² programme, all eligible versions of Laguna 2010 will feature its badging, as well as the label as part of their full model name.

Among the changes with the new range is the launch of the new Carminat TomTom® navigation system, combining Renault's expertise with TomTom's technology. Affordable, easy-to-update and user-friendly, it boasts a large 5''8 colour display, with the accuracy of data and ergonomy of a fully integrated system. Laguna 2010 also benefits from the 3D Sound by Arkamys® system with Bluetooth, from the New Mégane range. Now offered as standard across the range, it will soon be joined by a Bose® Sound system.

The new Laguna 2010 range offers 38 versions across four distinct trim levels: Expression, Dynamique, TomTom Edition and Initiale.

Core equipment features include 16" alloy wheels, air conditioning, front thorax/side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags, electric and heated door mirrors, and ESP with ASR traction control and CSV understeer control.

The key differences between each trim level are:

• Expression, featuring the 3D Sound by Arkamys® 4x45W single CD radio with Bluetooth and MP3 connection (RCA socket)
• Dynamique, with ‘GT' look: sport front grille, air intakes, smoked rear lights, pearl black door mirrors, twin chrome exhausts (except on 2.0 16V 140 and dCi 110 eco²), dual zone climate control, satin finish centre console, automatic parking brake, rear parking sensors, front fog lights
• TomTom Edition, based on Dynamique, this version is naturally equipped with the new Carminat TomTom® navigation system, ideal for business customers
• Initiale, with Carminat TomTom® as standard, it also features additional luxury equipment such as full leather upholstery, 17" alloy wheels, electrically adjustable and heated seats with memory, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, multi-functional TunePoint, opening tailgate window (Sport Tourer), Renault hands free card, Xenon directional headlights, front and rear parking sensors and wood interior detailing.

New positioning The new Laguna 2010 range has been designed in response to customer feedback since its European launch at the end of 2007. The revised range now boasts more aggressive styling, a simplified range structure, while building on the model's inherent strengths, quality, fuel-efficient engines and useful technology,

Aside from the changes, Laguna 2010 retains the impressive safety credentials of its predecessor, with 36 points out of 37 from Euro NCAP, the high levels of quality which have seen it rise to ‘TOP3' in its class in Europe, and lastly, the key 3 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Fuel efficiency On the new Laguna 2010 range, two diesel engines are available as part of Renault's eco² label: dCi 110 and dCi 150 FAP. Representing around 20% of sales in 2008, the dCi 110 has proved to be a real success. Appreciated for its fuel efficiency (a 745-mile range on a single tank with combined fuel economy of 57.6 mpg) and low CO2 emissions, it still delivers performance which belies its engine size (240 Nm of torque). Emitting only 130g CO2 per km, it gives clear advantages to retail and fleet customers from both an environmental and tax perspective.

Already leader in its class in terms of performance, quietness and fuel efficiency, the 2.0 diesel engine (M9R) is available with three power outputs: dCi 130, dCi 150 and dCi 180. The dCi 150 (core of the line up) is now available with and without FAP (particulate filter). The FAP version shows a significant decrease of CO2 emissions close to 20 g/km. Thanks to the addition of variable power-assisted steering (GEP), new engine settings and revised gear ratios (in fourth, fifth and sixth), the dCi 150 is now part of Renault's eco² label, with emissions at just 139g per kilometre.

On Dynamique and above, Laguna is also available with the powerful, yet refined, 2.0 dCi 180 with maximum torque of 400 Nm for even greater driving pleasure.

A new navigation and multimedia offer Two satellite navigation systems are available in the Laguna 2010 range. The best offer in its class for price and function, the Carminat TomTom® navigation system is now available on the Laguna 2010 as an option at £450, and as a version in its own right, TomTom Edition.

Carminat TomTom® is the combination of Renault's expertise as the pioneer in fully integrated car navigation systems (Carminat) for more than 25 years, with TomTom's technology as the European leader of mobile navigation.

Easy to use, this system offers all the functionalities required from a top-of-the-range system, with detailed and accurate maps on a large display ‘Birds-eye view' (5.8''), traffic information with alternative route, speed camera alerts (depending on country legislation), speed limit indicators, numerous points of interest (POI) and a large number of personalisation possibilities. Thanks to the SD card (supplied with the Carminat TomTom®), the user can easily update the system from his computer.

The 3D navigation system (DVD), is still the flagship offer, fully integrated in the dashboard (7" colour screen) with joystick control, plus 6-CD changer, MP3 compatibility, voice recognition and Bluetooth®.

Laguna 2010 features as standard the 3D Sound by Arkamys® with Bluetooth and MP3 connection (RCA socket), as currently seen on Laguna Coupé. The Bose® Sound system will be available in early 2010, delivering the finest sound quality on offer. Like its sister Coupé, Laguna 2010 will also offer the Multi-functional TunePointwith USB and iPod connections.

An attractive range All the interiors have been improved in the Laguna 2010 range. Quality has been enhanced thanks to the use of satin paints (centre console and inserts) and harmonious colours.

On the entry-level Expression, carbon is the dominant colour. On the outside, the door handles and lateral moldings are body coloured and the window surrounds are finished in chrome.

The sport-oriented GT look taken from the previous GT version, is now fitted as standard on Dynamique and TomTom Edition versions. The more aggressive look includes: GT front bumper with air intakes, black surround headlights, smoked rear lights, pearl black door mirrors and twin chrome exhausts (except 2.0 16V 140 and dCi 110 eco²).

The Dynamique versions also benefit from higher equipment levels, with dual zone climate control, automatic parking brake, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, satin chrome centre console, 3D Arkamys sound, Bluetooth and MP3 connection (RCA). In addition, a Premium Pack, costing £1,200, is available, providing electric and heated Alcantara sports seats, aluminum inserts and pedals.

Initiale remains the flagship of the range with luxury features including full leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated seats with memory, Xenons with directional headlights, front and rear parking sensors and wood interior detailing.

Reliable Since its launch in October 2007, Renault's third-generation Laguna has achieved its build quality objectives. After several customer studies and the release of independent agency publications (most recently ADAC's 2008 results, where Laguna III ranked in second place), the results for quality and reliability show that Laguna is in the 'TOP3' in terms of quality for product and services. The 3 year/100, 000 mile warranty is yet further proof of the company's belief in Laguna III as a class leader in terms of quality and reliability.

Full pricing for the new Laguna 2010 range for both Hatch and Sport Tourer models is outlined below.

Laguna Hatch 2010

Laguna Sport Tourer 2010