RENAULT has a new flagship in the all-new Latitude.
Based on Nissan’s Maxima and produced in South Korea, the replacement for three generations of underwhelming Laguna models brings sharper pricing and handling, plus more space and a host of standard equipment.
All that makes the luxurious new Latitude a more worthy rival for premium Japanese mid-sizers as well as Australia’s three homegrown large sedans in the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion.
Throw in Renault’s new five-year passenger car warranty and roadside assist program and there are fewer reasons than before to overlook the fledgling French brand’s top-shelf sedan.
Laguna
Released: June 2008
Ended: April 2011
Family Tree: LatitudeRENAULT’S third-generation Laguna is, at least in Australia, the direct predecessor for the French brand’s all-new Latitude sedan flagship.
Launched here in June 2008, the X91-series Laguna hatchback banished many of the quality and durability issues that plagued its circa-2001 X74 predecessor, but was initially only available with diesel power and continued to offer lacklustre ride, steering and dynamics.
It was joined by the new-generation Laguna Estate in May 2009, when a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine became available in both five-door body styles and pricing was reduced to just $37,990 for the entry-level Laguna Expression dCi manual hatch.
Super Test
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