Used Renault Laguna Hatchback 2000 - 2008 review

What's the used Renault Laguna like?

The Renault Laguna rides the lumps and bumps beautifully both in town and on the motorway. Yet it's also crisp theorugh the corners, and the firm body control ensures it's stable at all times. It's not terribly engaging, mind you - the steering is too vague for that - but it's competent.

Motorways are the Laguna's ideal home. Long distances disappear effortlessly in hushed comfort, helped by the good driving position, excellent provision of creature comforts and, apart from smallest, smooth, willing engines.

Overview

Choose the right Renault Laguna, and you'll be able to enjoy quiet, effortless motoring

Pros

• It's a refined cruiser, and was awarded the maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test

Cons

• The smaller engines need working hard, accommodation is average and the cars are unreliable

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The cabin isn't the roomiest, though. Tall people will get a gentle head massage from the roof lining, and those in the rear struggle for foot space. The payoff, however, is an impressive, rectangular luggage area that can be extended by split/fold rear seats.

As well as luxury kit, the Laguna is packed with safety features that helped it to a maximum five-star rating in its Euro NCAP crash tests.

Our recommendations

Which used Renault Laguna should I buy?

Not the 1.6 and 1.8 petrols, that's for sure. Of the other petrol engines, the 2.0-litre is decent, the 2.0 turbos swift and the 3.0 V6 with an automatic gearbox smooth

However, the dCi diesels give the best balance of smoothness, speed and economy. The 120bhp and 130bhp 1.9s are the best option, while the 150bhp 2.0 dCi is great if you have the cash.

Since the Laguna's introduction in December 2000, all models have had air-con, anti-lock brakes, remote central locking, a CD player and good safety kit as standard.

Expression and Dynamique trims up the ante still further; Privilege gives leather seats; and Initiale comes with gold-plated bells and whistles. Privilege is a good choice if funds allow.

A GT badge means the more powerful version of the 2.0 turbo (just over 200bhp), alloy wheels, part-leather trim, satellite-navigation and uprated suspension that sharpens the handling.

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Whatever your choice, though, you'll find plenty at supersites and Renault approved used dealers. Beware of private sellers off-loading trouble-prone examples.