Our Fleet Test Drive Review: Renault Laguna coupe - 6th Report
Date:
09 September 2009
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Author:
Laguna name on boot
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Category: | Sports | P11D price: | £21,400 | Key rival: | Peugeot 407 Coupe | |
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The Laguna Coupe's really been growing on me in recent weeks, and it's mainly the looks that are filling me with cheer.
However, I recently entered into a debate with a leading RV expert about the car's name. His point was that Renault should have shifted the Coupe away from the rest of the Laguna range and called it something more imaginative. And I've got to say I agree.
By linking it so closely to the rest of the Laguna range, it's being tainted by association with a car that has been poorly received in the UK. Whereas a stylish stand-alone coupe could have been a real asset to a Renault brand whose fortunes are seriously flagging in the UK, the huge Laguna badge blazoned across the boot lid, and no mention of the word coupe anywhere, really doesn't help the car's image.
The point was proven in a Tesco car park a few days ago when I saw a couple walk out of their way to take a closer look at the car, before moving round the back to see what it was. They then walked past me, clearly disappointed at seeing the Laguna name. In my opinion Renault has the credibility to pull-off a gorgeous coupe, but Laguna doesn't.
Renault Laguna coupe 2.0 dCi 150 | Mileage | 5249 | Claimed combined consumption | 47.1mpg | Our average consumption | 38.8mpg | P11D price | £21,400 | Model price range | £21,400-£27,460 | CO2 (tax) | 157g/km (22%) | BIK 20/40% per month | £78/£157 | Service interval | 12,000mls | Insurance | group 14 | Warranty | 3yrs/10,000mls | Boot space | 423 litres | Engine size/power | 1998cc/150PS | Top speed/0-62mph | 131mph/9.5secs | Why we’re running it | Can Renault match style with substance and bring glamour to Laguna? | Positive | Looks, P11D, space | Negative | Unsettled ride, RV |
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