Renault Laguna

Introduction

The Renault Laguna was introduced in 1993 as a mid-size family car, replacing the Renault 21. Produced until 2015, it was available in hatchback, sedan, and estate (wagon) body styles across three generations. Designed to compete in Europe’s highly competitive D-segment, the Laguna combined French styling with comfort, practicality, and advanced features for its class.

Exterior

The Laguna’s exterior evolved with each generation. The first generation had a conservative but elegant design, while the second generation (2000) featured smoother, more aerodynamic lines. The third generation adopted a sharper, more premium appearance, with bold front grilles, flowing headlights, and coupe-inspired proportions. Estate versions offered additional practicality without sacrificing style.

Interior

Inside, the Laguna offered a comfortable and spacious cabin with a focus on driver and passenger convenience. Depending on the trim, it came with high-quality upholstery, digital instrumentation, navigation systems, and later models included touchscreens and premium sound systems. The seats were ergonomically designed, and the estate models provided generous cargo capacity for families.

Safety Features

The Renault Laguna stood out as one of the first mainstream cars to achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating in 2001. Safety features included multiple airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, and advanced braking systems. Later models added features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistance.

Engine Trims

Over its lifespan, the Laguna was offered with a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from 1.6L petrol units to more powerful 3.5L V6 options. Renault’s 1.5L and 2.0L dCi diesel engines were especially popular in Europe for their efficiency. Transmission options included manual, automatic, and CVT gearboxes depending on the model year.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Laguna required regular servicing of its electronics, which were sometimes prone to faults, especially in second-generation models. Engine reliability was generally solid, with diesels offering long-term durability when maintained. Suspension and braking systems required consistent attention due to European driving conditions.

Competitors

The Renault Laguna competed with mid-size rivals such as the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra, Peugeot 407, and Toyota Avensis. While competitors often emphasized German engineering, the Laguna stood out with its strong safety record, French design flair, and comfortable driving experience.