WITH just a handful of sales to show for it, the X91-series Renault Laguna diesel hatch launched in June 2008 was recognised by Renault Australia as a major disappointment, but it counteracts this with the fact that the model could only compete in less than 10 per cent of the total segment (diesel). So here is the volume seller – a 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit, offered in attractive Estate wagon as well as hatchback – with lower prices and a longer warranty mileage than forecast. Renault is still not expecting much of an impact, and frankly we weren’t either before the test drive, but the company might just be in for a pleasant surprise – just like we were.
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Renault X74 Laguna Series 1
Released: March 2002
Ended: January 2006
Family Tree: LagunaUNDER Nissan Australia’s stewardship, Renault released its third model after the Scenic and Clio in early 2002. Initially, this second-generation Laguna hatch and wagon was only offered with a smooth and powerful 152kW/285Nm 3.0-litre V6 petrol mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox, but a 99kW/191Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit – in four-speed auto or five-speed manual – joined the hatch range from September 2002. Sales started out healthily, especially as the Laguna was the world’s first ENCAP rated five-star crash-test performer, but its popularity soon waned as teething reliability and sporadic dealer coverage issues reared their ugly heads. The Series II facelift from October 2006 was a single model, diesel-only hatch.
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