Last Chance To Buy: Renault Laguna

When is it going?

When is it going?

The old Laguna is on its way out as a new face-lifted one comes in. There is a new corporate snout, but inside the changes are more pronounced, with a revised and much more user-friendly dashboard. Also the suspension and engines have been upgraded.

What's good about it?

When it arrived four years ago, the Laguna grabbed a lot of attention for simply looking very stylish and being kitted out with a long list of standard extras. By comparison, the Peugeot 406s and Vectras looked very old, tired and ordinary.

The Laguna was all very Space Age, and the Carte Renault credit card was the only way in and the only way to start the thing. Never mind electric windows and central locking, of course the Laguna came with all the usual toys, but also a whole load that you had never heard of and never knew that you needed. Electronic tyre-pressure monitor, interior light dimmer switch and electrochromatic mirrors.

As well as luxury kit there was a host of safety features, which helped the Laguna to gain a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the first car to get this accolade. Driving a Laguna is nice as the handling is very assured. Refinement levels are good and there are some good engines. The 2.2 Td is the pick of the bunch.

What's bad about it?

It's a big car, or at least it looks like a big car, but the accommodation is limited compared with the majority of its rivals. That sloping roof restricts headroom and there is a slightly cramped feeling inside. Perhaps the biggest gripe is that all the complicated electronics seem to go wrong quite a lot.

How much?

Renault's latest special offers at www.offers.renault.co.uk turned up a 1.8 16V with a £3,480 saving, meaning the car cost just £11,995. Virgin Cars could save over £5,000 on a 1.6 Authentique for just £11,699.

Any snags?

Loads. Since launch, there have been nine recalls, which isn't good. The problems are not minor either - engines that cut out, engines that surge, fuel leaks, failing brakes and engines that have a mind of their own. If you are buying used, make sure there is a history or that you get a professional check.

FACT FILE

Launched 2001

Engine 1.6; 1.8; 2.0; 2.0 Turbo; 1.9dCi; 2.2dCi; 3.0 V6

Performance (1.8) top speed 126mph; 0-60 in 10.7 secs

Economy 37.7mpg

NCAP five stars