Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi 180 CV GT 4Control, test drive (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue with the Renault Laguna in GT trim, the sportiest and most powerful version in the French manufacturer’s range. Paired with this trim is the two-litre, 180 CV diesel engine, but without a doubt the most significant feature of the model is the 4Control system with rear-wheel steering.

We have already analysed everything related to the engine and performance, so now it’s time to talk about the design, a design that was recently refreshed, since the model you see in this article is the this year’s restyle. Besides the exterior, we will also analyse the interior space and the quality of the materials, so let’s start this second part of the test.

Exterior design

After the small restyle it underwent this year, the Renault Laguna now features a sportier front end, with redesigned headlights (xenon optional) and a central grille with black elements and new chrome trim, slightly changing the front design to give it a more modern and sporty touch.

At the rear, the light clusters have also been changed; they are now darker and feature LED technology, continuing the sporty theme started at the front and updating headlights that until now used traditional bulbs. To distinguish the more powerful 150 CV and 180 CV versions, the rear features a twin exhaust outlet, another sporty nod.

The new colour combinations and wheels, such as those on our test car (the 18-inch black wheels are optional), complete the change of direction for a Laguna that was starting to show its age.

Another optional extra on our unit was the sunroof, which always lets plenty of light into the cabin and is very welcome during the summer months or in hot weather.

This exterior styling, closer to a sports model than a traditional saloon, may win over more than a few buyers, since, for a model that is familiar on our roads, this trim stood out from the typical dark or black Renault Laguna models we see on our roads.

Interior design, space and finishes

The dashboard design has barely changed since sales began in 2007. It is an interior with good-quality materials and more than adequate finishes, but the design is already familiar. It is characterised by a clean design with elegant, simple lines, where the position of the climate control in the centre stands out.

The upper part of the dashboard stands out for its padded-feel materials, while the lower plastics don’t quite match the quality of the upper ones but still feel acceptable, as do the fittings, which are on par with the rest of the cabin.

To operate the radio (integrated with the TomTom navigation system with colour screen), we have to use the controls on the centre console, which are complemented by those on the central tunnel (mainly for navigation functions). The radio is fairly basic, and we are still not convinced by the controls for handling a USB device or browsing files and folders, or simply changing radio station (we will go into the system in more detail in the third part).

The seats in GT trim are sporty in style, with two-tone upholstery and front seats that hold the body well, with notable lateral support. The driving position is comfortable, with everything within easy reach, good visibility and good seat support. The seats are electric and heated, but they lack lumbar adjustment, a detail that could be improved.

The rear seats offer more than enough legroom, but headroom suffers, reducing the space available. If you are taller than 1.75 metres, you won’t travel very comfortably in the back, which is a pity, because the seats are comfortable and match the front ones.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage, there is a cup holder on the centre tunnel, but the large ashtray is especially practical, and can be used to store a phone or keys. It also has a large main glovebox and considerably sized door pockets.

The boot has a capacity of 450 litres. Access is more than adequate, but some kind of hooks for securing the load would be welcome when carrying small items, to stop them sliding around the boot, something that is gradually becoming more common in the equipment of these saloons.

In the third part of the test we will focus on equipment (including safety equipment), prices and our overall assessment of this Renault Laguna 2.0 dCi 180 CV GT 4Control.

Photos: David Taboada