Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi 180 CV GT 4Control, test drive (Equipment, prices and assessment)

We close our review of this powerful Renault Laguna, which on this occasion we have tested with the two-litre diesel engine capable of delivering 180 CV, although we undoubtedly liked it for its 4Control system, with rear-wheel steering. In the first part we talked about the engine, performance and handling, while in the second we focused on the exterior and interior design.

Every time we finish a test we always review the equipment, and within this we also look at the standard safety equipment, as well as the prices, and we finish with our overall assessment of the model. In this case we can already tell you that we are not facing the typical boring diesel saloon; on the contrary, we liked it because it stands out in some aspects that we will now try to summarise.

Equipment

But first we need to talk about safety: the Laguna as standard (our trim level is GT) comes with safety features such as six airbags (front, side, front and rear curtain), stability control, as well as ABS and emergency brake assist. Optionally there is also a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Renault Laguna has held five stars since it went on sale. The tests were carried out in 2007 (under the old rating system), but at the time it already demonstrated a high level of occupant protection.

Having seen the safety equipment, the Laguna is structured into four trim levels: Emotion, Dynamique TomTom, Bose Edition and GT 4Control. Even from the base trim you already get, as standard, dual-zone climate control, fog lights, electric mirrors, a CD/MP3 radio with 8 speakers, Bluetooth and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Among the highlights of the equipment on our unit, we must mention the TomTom navigation system integrated, which comes as standard from the second trim level. The central screen combines the navigation functions (controlled from the centre console) and the radio, which is operated from the centre console. It is good that it comes as standard and is complete in its functions, not to mention the USB port, but operating the radio is a little complicated.

We always move with two buttons: one to move from left to right through the menus we want to change (track, folder, radio station, stored stations…), and once selected we have to turn a small wheel to browse the options, a system that is not very intuitive and a bit confusing.

On the other hand, we liked the sound system, which, although not a BOSE, does have eight speakers with decent quality.

Other extras on our unit were the 18-inch black alloy wheels and the sunroof; otherwise the car came fully equipped. It is a shame that the bi-xenon headlights were not included as standard on this GT version.

Prices

• Dynamique TomTom 2.0 16V 140 CV 23,800 EUR
• Bose Edition 2.0 16V 140 CV 25,300 EUR
• Emotion dCi 110 CV 21,100 EUR
• Dynamique TomTom dCi 110 22,500 EUR
• Dynamique TomTom 2.0 Energy dCi 130 CV 23,600 EUR
• Dynamique TomTom 2.0 Energy dCi 150 CV 24,700 EUR
• Bose Edition 2.0 Energy dCi 150 CV 26,200 EUR
• Bose Edition dCi 175 CV Auto. 29,000 EUR
• GT 4Control dCi 130 CV 26,000 EUR
• GT 4Control dCi 150 CV 27,100 EUR
• GT 4Control dCi 175 CV Auto. 29,500 EUR
• GT 4Control dCi 180 CV 28,600 EUR

Overall Assessment

If we look at the sales history of the Renault Laguna, the favourite engine will surely be the 150 CV version, a more sensible option with enough power to move the Laguna. But the model we have tested today is a somewhat more fun version, for two reasons: power and the 4Control system.

The agility on the road is guaranteed by the 4Control system, as is the manoeuvrability in the city, where we forget we are driving a saloon of more than four metres. The French saloon’s weak points are its consumption and its suspension, which does not aspire to sporty handling.

The design has undergone small changes to keep the model up to date, but perhaps this is where there is room for improvement. Even so, it now looks more current and does not show the passage of time as much as the pre-restyling version.

While the interior is spacious and very comfortable for travelling, with rear seats comfortable for two or even three adults, the design does impose some limits on headroom.

And one of the elements in its favour is the complete standard equipment, which lacks nothing, at a very attractive entry price. But even the version we tested costs around 28,600 EUR (26,900 EUR with the current campaign), a good argument for choosing the Renault Laguna.

Photos | David Taboada