The New Laguna will be unveiled to the public at September's Frankfurt Motor Show and is scheduled to go on sale from October 2007.

Exterior design

"New Laguna's styling epitomizes the quest for dynamism and driving pleasure that prevailed throughout its design and development."

"New Laguna's lines have been carefully crafted to create a dynamic, fluid design that underpins the model's status as a true Grand Tourer."

Its front end features sweeping headlamps, a long, steeply-raked bonnet and large grille that combine to hint at a range of satisfying powerplants.

The plunging shoulder line contributes to the new model's dynamic stance.

Among the main design elements are chrome side window surrounds and the distinctive sills which make "the car sits squarely on its 16- to 18- inch alloy wheels."

The higher performance versions feature twin chrome exhaust tailpipes.

Estate version

The dynamic styling of the Estate version of New Laguna features a steeply-raked rear screen, while the generous glazed area of the rearmost side windows further accentuates the newcomer's assertive looks.

The waistline crease extends across the boot and underneath the LED rear lights which give the car a distinctive night-time lighting signature.

Interior

Particular attention has been paid to the acoustic comfort: the new Laguna the most silent-running Saloon in its segment, thanks to the reduced engine-generated noise, especially at low revs, the dampening of road-induced noise and, above all, work on combating wind noise at high speeds.

The thermal comfort has been subjected to many studies which led to the introduction of a new, externally-controlled, high capacity compressor that is capable of producing cold air particularly quickly.

For what concerns the choice of materials, the Initiale versions will feature wood and leather finish, available in a choice of either dark charcoal or a lighter hue, while the Dynamique versions combine the Alcantara leather upholstery with a metallic ambience, and feature sporty elements such as a flat-section steering wheel and seats with more pronounced lateral support.

The interior of the estate version is characterized by numerous new innovative stowage solutions and the loading capacity is enhanced by the ability to create a perfectly flat boot-floor at the touch of a button.

Passive safety equipment includs new-generation double lateral airbag (thorax + pelvis) which is based on a twin-chamber, dual pressure system triggered by two sensors located in the front door and B-pillar: the system's deployment time is adjusted as a function of the force of the impact.

Technical features

New Laguna is available with a broad choice of powerplants, all mated to six-speed transmissions.

The gasoline engines range includes the 145hp (103.4kW) 2.0 16V (M4R)developed by in partnership with Nissan, the 170hp (125kW) 2.0 16V Turbo coupled to a six-speed Proactive automatic transmission.

The diesel range is based on the 1.5 dCi, which delivers 110hp (81kW) and the 2.0 dCi block, which is available in a choice of three versions (130hp, 150hp and 175hp; respectively 96, 110 and 127kW), the second of which will be available with six-speed Proactive automatic transmission from launch. Equipped with a low inertia, variable geometry turbo and ultra-fast glow plugs, this version truly comes into its own under the bonnet of New Laguna.

Other engines will be added to the catalogue shortly after the model's launch. Some of the units already comply with the forthcoming Euro5 legislation.

The chassis has undergone many improvements: the development was focused on the specific body-roll with front and rear suspension stiffness uprated by 20 and 50%, respectively, plus higher performance anti-roll bars.

Among the new features are the closer-ratio steering and the improved filtering of the surface's irregularities.

Despite the stiffer body, the new model's weight has been contained, and it is the first new Renault to be lighter than its predecessor after shedding an average 15kg across the range.

(Source: Renault)