In the spring, we already had the chance to get acquainted with the updated Renault Laguna — though back then the asphalt was French and the roads were perfect. Now we decided to check how the car would behave on our, far from resort, roads. For this, we took a station wagon. There are two reasons: our previous contact with the Laguna Estate was quite short, and it is known that station wagons usually lose to hatchbacks and sedans in comfort and handling — their bodies are less rigid. For the opportunity to take a liked wardrobe from the store or load the whole family at once for a trip to the dacha, you have to pay something. So let's start with this very "payment."
The fifth door, huge, literally flies upward under the action of powerful gas struts — just pull it after pressing the button. Access to the trunk is open, but the curtain prevents a proper assessment. Removing it is not difficult: the clever kinematics folds it by itself, just press the lock handle. And now the trunk is fully open. It must be admitted, the storage is impressive: 508 liters of useful volume up to the glass level, and, pleasantly, these liters are rectangular. The wheel arches are hidden behind panels, the floor and walls are perfectly flat. But don't think that the space behind the false panels is wasted — there are additional closing niches for small items. There is also a subfloor, though not as deep as one would like: you can't put something bulky there. But folding the rear seats is as easy as pie — pull the handle on the trunk wall, and the backrest falls onto the seat cushion by itself, without extra movements. With the seats fully folded, the volume grows to 1593 liters, and the floor remains perfectly flat. In short, a dream, not a trunk. But what about comfort?
In terms of feel, the station wagon is no noisier or stiffer than the hatchback. Moreover, due to its greater weight, it even seems more comfortable: solidity and respectability are felt. True, that very French charm that the previous Laguna had with a softer suspension is no longer present in the new model. It has become more stable, reactions have noticeably improved, handling has increased — on a good road you drive with pleasure. But... the potholes and bumps that were almost unnoticeable on the previous model are now felt on the third-generation car. Not to say they annoy, but they are clearly felt. However, even with such a slightly stiffer suspension, driving the Laguna Estate on our roads is quite possible.
Safety above all
One of the main trump cards of the new Renault Laguna Estate is safety. Let me remind you that the Laguna became the first car to receive 5 stars from EuroNCAP, and the third-generation car sets new standards. Adaptive side airbags are used here for the first time. The arsenal also includes the latest generation ABS and ESP, the AFU emergency braking system, the EBV brake force distributor, traction control, a high-strength "living zone" frame, belts with double pretensioners, six airbags in the base, and swiveling headlights. Plus protection for the rear brake discs and an automatic handbrake. With such a set, the Laguna meets the highest safety requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Spacious interior, rich equipment, efficiency, comfort.
- Somewhat stiff suspension, too delicate clutch.
Technical specifications
Make and model — Renault Laguna Estate III
Dimensions — 4801x1445x1811 mm
Engine — petrol, inline, 4 cylinders, 1997 cm³, 140 hp/3750 rpm
Transmission — manual, 6-speed
Dynamics — 205 km/h; 9.3 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Peugeot 407, Toyota Avensis
Our opinion
The third-generation Renault Laguna Estate with its distinctive appearance is an example of a multifunctional family car that is well suited for both daily routine and long trips. The price fully corresponds to the level of equipment, comfort, driving qualities, and safety.