Qualitative, safe, sleek, practical and cheap to run; these are some of the 2008 Laguna’s most notable characteristics according to Renault’s preliminary press release that came out a day after the official pictures leaked on the web. Then again, all press releases are full of it so we’ll wait until the Laguna “falls” in our hands to see what’s really hidden behind that blunt face. To be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September the third-generation Laguna will be available in two versions, 5d hatch and the surprisingly better looking Sport Tourer (station-wagon). The engine range includes four diesel motors -1.5 dCi 110hp and 2.0 dCi in a choice of three versions (130hp, 150hp and 175hp) and two petrol motors, 2.0 16V 140Hp and 2.0 Turbo 175Hp. Other engines will be added to the catalogue shortly after the model's European launch in October. -Press Release and Images after the jump
New Laguna, for driving pleasure and peace of mind
New Laguna's refined lines have been carefully crafted to create a dynamic, fluid design that effortlessly underpins the model's status as a true Grand Tourer.
Thanks to its impeccable handling and broad range of powertrain packages, New Laguna guarantees genuine driving pleasure:
• Impeccable handling
New Laguna's responsive chassis stands out as one of the best on the market in terms of both steering precision and control of cornering roll thanks essentially to the new model's closer-ratio steering and uprated suspension. Significant work has also gone into the tuning of its damping performance to ensure even greater driving pleasure and comfort.
• A broad range of powertrain packages
The New Laguna line-up features the brand's familiar engines, including the 130 and 175hp versions of the 2.0 dCi (96/127kW) which are particularly responsive and punchy when mated to Renault's AJO automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the economical and environmentally-respectful 1.5 dCi 110hp (81kW) combines remarkable performance with even lower fuel consumption, returning a frugal 5.1 litres/100km (equivalent to 136g of CO2/km) to offer one of the segment's most attractive compromises between performance, fuel economy and emissions. Developed jointly by Renault and Nissan, the smooth, responsive 145hp (103.4kW) 2.0 16V petrol engine ensures a particularly high level of acoustic comfort.
The following features ensure peace of mind for all New Laguna occupants:
• Class-leading active and passive safety
New Laguna benefits from Renault’s extensive experience in the field of safety and special attention has been paid to the new car's side impact protection performance. Equipment includes an exclusive new-generation double lateral airbag (thorax + pelvis) which is based on a twin-chamber, dual pressure system triggered by two sensors located in the front door and B-pillar. A specific algorithm adjusts the system's deployment time as a function of the force of the impact. On the active safety front, New Laguna’s brakes are amongst the most fade-resistant on the market.
• Optimised comfort
In addition to its finely-tuned suspension, New Laguna offers a degree of acoustic comfort that sets new standards in its segment, thanks notably to more effective soundproofing between the engine compartment and cabin. Meanwhile, the particularly demanding brief relating to thermal comfort has led to the introduction of a new, externally-controlled, high capacity compressor that is capable of producing cold air particularly quickly.
• Extremely practical
It is now easier than ever to take in the information displayed on the dashboard, while careful attention has also been paid to drive-station ergonomics. A long list of practical features, including parking brake assist and the second-generation hands-free card, further contribute to taking the stress out of day-to-day motoring. Last but by no means least, the Estate version is equipped with a system that allows a flat boot-floor to be obtained at the push of a button.
From the design and validation phases through to production and servicing, New Laguna has been engineered for robustness and reliability:
One of the chief pledges of the Renault Commitment 2009 plan concerned New Laguna directly, namely the target for the new model to rank among the top three cars in its segment in terms of product and service quality. In addition to the more stringent design and production processes that have been put into place, more than 120 New Lagunas were subjected to the equivalent of six million kilometres of testing in the most gruelling climatic and road conditions imaginable.
New Laguna rivals with the best in its segment regarding running, repair and servicing costs:
This has notably been achieved thanks to its 110hp (81kW) and 150hp (110kW) dCi diesel engines which return fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km and 6.0 litres/100km respectively, equivalent to 136g and 158g of CO2/km.
As one of the models covered by the Renault eco² csp line – an appellation conceived as a hallmark for the range's economical and ecologically-sound vehicles – a version of New Laguna will be available that emits just 136g of CO2/km and incorporates a high 35kg of recycled plastic. To further optimize fuel consumption, New Laguna tips the scales at an average 15kg less than its predecessor.
New Laguna will be unveiled to the public at September's
Grand Tourer refinement
Today sees the wraps come off New Laguna and its elegant, fluid, dynamic exterior styling. The meticulous attention that has been paid to the quality of the materials employed and its high standard of fit and finish reflect the extensive work that has gone into perceived quality both on the outside as well as in the cabin.
Elegant, fluid, dynamic lines
New Laguna's styling epitomizes the quest for dynamism and driving pleasure that prevailed throughout its design and development. Its front end features sweeping headlamps, a long, steeply-raked bonnet and large grille that combine to hint at a range of satisfying powerplants. At 4.69 metres in length, New Laguna’s naturally balanced proportions ensure a dynamic stance, while the plunging shoulder line contributes to the new model's assertive, elegant looks. Chrome side window surrounds provide an extra touch of status-enhancing class and the distinctive sills ensure that the car sits squarely on its 16- to 18inch alloy csp wheels. The waistline crease of the Saloon version extends across the boot and underneath the LED rear lights which give the car a distinctive night-time lighting signature. The higher performance versions feature twin chrome exhaust tailpipes, a tell-tale sign of the presence of a pedigree powerplant at the other end of the car...
A distinctive Estate with real personality
The dynamic, modern styling of the Estate version of New Laguna features a steeply-raked rear screen, while the generous glazed area of the rearmost side windows further accentuates the newcomer's assertive looks. Ensuring a functional and practical interior was another key priority, as can be seen by the numerous new innovative stowage solutions. Meanwhile, the exemplary travelling comfort is complemented by the ability to create a perfectly flat boot-floor at the touch of a button.
A status-enhancing interior
New Laguna’s elegant exterior looks are echoed by the refined finish of the cabin which features a blend of high-grade materials that exude an inescapable sense of quality and comfort. The enveloping dashboard makes an active contribution to this upper-range ambience, while the design and location of the controls and displays have been ergonomically tailored to facilitate driving. Depending on trim level, the centre console houses the controls for the parking brake assist and cruise control/speed limiter, as well as for the navigation and hands-free telephone functions of the Carminat Navigation and Communication system. The Initiale trim level aims to appeal to the broadest possible clientele thanks to its wood and leather finish and is available in a choice of either dark charcoal or a lighter hue. The Alcantara leather upholstery of Dynamique versions combines with a metallic ambience. The unmistakably sporty feel of the dark charcoal interior of Dynamique models is further reinforced by the flat-section steering wheel and the seats' more pronounced lateral support
Driving pleasure
Everything about New Laguna has been carefully thought through to guarantee genuine driving pleasure that combines benchmark handling and first class dynamic performance. Its carefully engineered chassis and precise, responsive steering enable drivers to profit fully from the new car's contained weight and comprehensive range of powertrain packages that deliver both performance and fuel economy.
A selection of advanced engines and transmissions
New Laguna is available with a broad choice of powerplants, all mated to six-speed transmissions. Each one features as one of the best in its category in terms of driving comfort and fuel consumption performance. The petrol range will be built up gradually, beginning with the dynamic, smooth and quietrunning 2.0 16V (M4R). Jointly-developed by Renault and Nissan, this 145hp (103.4kW) unit features punch and torque from very low revs, plus feisty performance at higher engine speeds and remarkable acoustic comfort across the full rev-band. The petrol engine range also features the 170hp (125kW) 2.0 16V Turbo which is coupled to a six-speed Proactive automatic transmission. The diesel range is based on two market benchmarks: the 1.5 dCi, which delivers 110hp (81kW) and strikes the segment's best balance between performance and fuel consumption. With CO2 emissions of just 136g/km, its also qualifies for 'eco-leader' status. Meanwhile, the 2.0 dCi block is available in a choice of three versions (130hp, 150hp and 175hp; respectively 96, 110 and 127kW), the second of which will be available with six-speed Proactive automatic transmission from launch. Equipped with a low inertia, variable geometry turbo and ultra-fast glow plugs, this version truly comes into its own under the bonnet of New Laguna. Other engines will be added to the catalogue shortly after the model's launch to produce a comprehensive range capable of meeting the needs of all the different markets in which the model is marketed. Within the framework of the Renault Commitment 2009 plan, New Laguna is also poised to make a key contribution to Renault's eco² environmental drive thanks to engines that already comply with the forthcoming Euro5 legislation.
A precise, responsive chassis
New Laguna's chassis features among the very best in its segment. Engineered by Renault to surpass the acclaimed dynamic performance of its predecessor, its steering precision and cornering roll control are sure to satisfy the most exacting drivers. Development focused on New Laguna's specific body-roll with front and rear suspension stiffness uprated by 20 and 50%, respectively, plus higher performance anti-roll bars. For enhanced driving pleasure along twisty roads, New Laguna also features closer-ratio steering, as well as unrivalled filtering of the surface's irregularities and an even greater sense of contact with the road. At the same time, specific work was carried out on the dampers to ensure a remarkably comfortable ride. Indeed, like its forebear, New Laguna continues to figure among the very best in terms of comfort and safety, while the new model's weight has been carefully contained, since it is the first new Renault to be lighter than its predecessor after shedding an average 15kg across the range.
Tranquillity and peace of mind
New Laguna's dynamic performance ensures a reassuring ride for all occupants along with highest-standard comfort and safety, plus first class thermal comfort. Particular attention has been paid, too, to New Laguna's acoustics which – notably on the diesel versions – stand out as the benchmark in the car's segment.
The very best of Renault's active and passive safety expertise
New Laguna has benefited extensively from Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the realms of both active and passive safety. In addition to the outstanding handling afforded by its chassis, New Laguna’s braking performance puts it at the very top end of its class, especially with regard to its hot performance test results (total stopping distance measured over ten consecutive stops from 100kph to standstill). New generation ABS technology with ESP and electronic Emergency Brake Assist is combined with a new electro-hydraulic control unit. On the passive safety front, Renault has developed several solutions based on accident research and real-life situations, which ensure a further-reaching and more effective approach to the issue of occupant safety. A much more stringent brief has led to New Laguna being equipped with latest-generation features such as twin-chamber, dual pressure airbags and dualpretensioner seatbelts. The most spectacular progress, however, has been achieved in the domain of protection against side impact, a major cause of accident fatalities. Side impact protection has been improved thanks to the car's advanced electronic architecture, which has evolved to permit occupant protection systems to be triggered sooner. Based on two sensors positioned in the front door and in the B-post, a specific algorithm automatically adjusts the protection systems' deployment as a function of the impact's force. This set-up is combined with a new-generation, double-side airbag that protects both the thorax and the pelvic area.
Practical and extremely comfortable
Three factors have led to making New Laguna the most silent-running Saloon in its segment: reduced engine-generated noise, especially at low revs, the dampening of road-induced noise and, above all, work on combating wind noise at high speeds. New Laguna is also the first Renault model to benefit from the findings of a series of customer surveys conducted in 2001 and 2002 regarding thermal comfort. A better understanding of customer expectations, and the development of a new air-conditioning unit in association with Nissan for the American market have combined to ensure class-leading performance in this domain. The adoption of an externally-controlled, high-capacity compressor also means that cool air can be produced quickly while calling on the car's air-conditioning only as required to curb fuel consumption. On those markets where it has been assessed, New Laguna's air-conditioning system ranks among the very best systems available. In terms of heating, cabin temperature is raised more swiftly thanks to the powerful electrical resistors employed on the diesel versions. The air-conditioning controls feature an innovative new "Soft-Auto-Fast" triple-action system and are intuitively positioned between the air vents. The location of all the controls on the new dashboard and the way information is displayed have also been revised with a view to further facilitating the task of driving.
Dialled-in reliability and strength
With quality an overriding factor throughout New Laguna's design and development phases, the accent was placed very much on strength and reliability. The new model is targeted to rank among the top three cars in its segment in terms of product and service quality and has accordingly sought to build on the progress achieved on the quality front on other recent vehicles. This work not only extended from its original design to production sign-off, but also covered production itself and servicing.
The following four phases in the development of New Laguna were subject to particularly close scrutiny:
-Design: The functional tests that proved so successful in the case of Modus and Clio were stepped up for New Laguna. Three electronic integration platforms reproducing the vehicle's electrical and electronic architecture allowed all possible combinations to be simulated and ensure they functioned without failure. Experience gained solving problems encountered on previous models – and notably Laguna, either during the warranty period or during roadworthiness inspections – has been fully exploited. New Laguna is also the first vehicle to have been put through its paces in the course of its development at the Electro-Magnetic Compatibility unit which was inaugurated at the Aubevoye Technical Centre in
-Validation: More than 120 New Lagunas were put through their paces in a far-reaching series of test track, bench and on-road validation tests over the equivalent of more than 6 million kilometres prior to the model's launch. New Laguna was discretely road-tested across the world with a view to evaluating its capacity to resist such extreme environments as
- Production: every aspect of the production process has been thought through to deliver the targeted results. Active discussion began at a very early stage to ensure that the best of existing Renault and Nissan production practices were implemented. This concerted approach has led to assembly operations across the complete production cycle at the Sandouville factory in
- Servicing: efforts geared toward optimising New Laguna's quality do not end once the car has left the factory. The notions of servicing and reparability were taken onboard from the very first computersimulated models of the new car. Prototype workshops were set up to evaluate and test diagnostics tools and repair procedures. Meanwhile, specific staff training programmes have been introduced, including courses in the use of the Alliance CLIP set which will be extended throughout the network, worldwide. Other initiatives in this sense include specific sales and technical training using e-learning techniques. Already in 2006, the quality of service improved from 71 to 75% of customers reporting to be either satisfied or very satisfied. New Laguna will also reap the benefits of the implementation of the Renault Excellence Plan (PER4) which targets customer satisfaction both at the point of sale and regarding after-sales service.
The promise of low running costs
In addition to being affordable, New Laguna has been designed to be competitive with regard to running costs, too. The new car's attractive running, servicing and repair costs rank it among the best in its segment, thanks notably to its 110hp (81kW) and dCi 150hp (110kW) powerplants.
The promise of low running costs
The constraint of ensuring attractive purchase, running and servicing costs for all category types was imposed on Renault's engineering and development staff. The concept of Total Cost of Ownership was chosen to serve as a yardstick since it takes into account all the financial factors associated with keeping a vehicle (depreciation and residual value), running costs (e.g. fuel duties) and the budget relating to scheduled servicing (tyre wear, servicing, etc.). Regarding residual value, which is a function of the model's quality and image, New Laguna has several arguments in its favour in terms of real and perceived quality, as well as its performance on the road. On the running costs front, New Laguna will be highly competitive. Available alongside the 2.0 dCi 150hp (110kW) engine, the dCi 110hp version stands out as a particularly attractive alternative for both private and professional users. Its running and repair costs have been carefully contained regarding both servicing intervals and repair times.
The 1.5 dCi: the market's indisputable eco-leader
Best in its class on New Laguna, this 110hp (81kW) diesel engine sips a mere 5.1 litres of fuel per 100km (equivalent to CO2 emissions of 136g/km), while oil changes are only necessary every 30,000km. This powerful, reliable powerplant is suitable for the toughest of uses, and particularly for high mileage customers.
The 2.0 dCi: a landmark in driving pleasure, reliability and economy
A leader in the realms of performance and driving pleasure, this 150hp (110kW) engine has been carefully tuned to match the performance characteristics of New Laguna's chassis. Given the vehicle's performance characteristics, the Saloon version's combined cycle fuel consumption is an extremely competitive 6 litres/100km, equivalent to 158g of CO2/km. Its timing chain no longer needs replacing and, like the 1.5 dCi version, it offers similarly longer service intervals and complies with forthcoming Euro5 legislation.
An environmentally-respectful design
The Renault eco² appellation is a hallmark of Renault’s environmental policy and applies to vehicles in its range that comply with specific ecological and economical criteria. Renault eco² vehicles must be manufactured in an ISO 14001-certified factory, have CO2 emissions of less than 140g/km (or else run on either E85 bioethanol or B30 biodiesel) and at least 5% of the plastics they contain must be sourced from recycling. The 110hp diesel-powered New Laguna meets all the conditions required to qualify for the Renault eco² CSP appellation. In addition to being 85% recyclable and 95% re-usable in accordance with the quotas anticipated for 2015, it contains more than 35kg of recycled plastic and also more than 15kg of renewable materials
Technorati: Renault, Renault+Laguna, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles
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