Renault's steady improvement is admirable. From blistering hatch successes such as the Clio and Mégane RS, class-leading MPVs like the Grand Scenic, and ground-breaking Koleos compact SUV, the French firm has upped its game considerably over the past year. With the relatively quiet local introduction of the new Laguna Coupé, I thought maybe the sojourn into uncharted territory was why Renault hasn't made much noise about its new gran turismo, but after a pleasing first encounter with it, I can't fathom why.

It has to be said that La Régie has taken quite a chance with this car. As a range-topper there are certain expectations surrounding the Laguna Coupe but Renault is confident this car will add a touch of "exclusivity, style and dynamism to the local market through high levels of comfort, luxury and advanced technology," which is exactly how I've structured my short evaluation of the Renault flagship.

They've certainly got exclusive covered. At R499 900, it is a long way from the rest of the Renault line-up's price-range, but being what it is, there aren't any many viable competitors for the Laguna Coupé at that price.
In terms of styling, I don't believe Renault has made a design statement like this since we first saw the second-generation Mégane shake its derrière on those famous television ads a few years ago. Pictures definitely don't do the Laguna Coupé justice. My initial impression was that it appeared just a tad unremarkable, until I parked it amongst the rest of our test fleet, and the more I spent time with it, the more I liked it.

The Laguna Coupé is a rather refreshing addition to local roads. Yes, there are traces of Aston Martin in the front grille and rear-end, but this contributes to making it appear very graceful rather than Gallic quirky, which plays to its favour quite well. The interior is quite the classy affair too. Leather upholstery broken by chrome-coated interior trim, Bose sound system, and a very efficient, integrated TomTom Carminat navigation system are a few of the amenities on offer.

The Laguna Coupé is powered a 3,5-litre 24-valve V6 engine sourced from the company's alliance with Nissan. The lack of noise as the powerplant fires up is very noticeable and this mild note is continued until the mid-rev range, when the V6 clears its throat for a growl that never quite intrudes the cabin, yet is sporty enough to satisfy enthusiastic driving.

Its 177 kW at 6 000 r/min and 330 N.m of torque from 2 000 r/min to 5 500 r/min don't fail to deliver, with the V6 unit feeling particularly strong at mid-revs, although I couldn't help but be disappointed with the way in which the power is delivered through the six-speed automatic transmission.

In manual sequential mode, I found it just about bearable considering the tardy shifts, but in full auto the system is way too clumsy for a car in this category. I generally found it okay while feathering the throttle, but the powerplant isn't very responsive, and the slush 'box thinks too long before dropping gears for all-out acceleration.

One of the Laguna Coupé's major boons is its sharp handling characteristics, which deceive for a vehicle of its size. This is due in no small part to the innovative new 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering that allows for the one of the best responses to steering wheel input I have ever come across for a car with this heavy a front end (62:38 front/rear weight distribution). Instead of the ridiculously light set-ups typical of European mass brands, the Laguna Coupé has a nice weighted feel to its steering as well.

Besides the otherwise comfortable ride and neutral suspension, the Laguna Coupé also boasts excellent grip in mid-to high speed corners, thanks to the rear wheels being turned in the same direction as the fronts at speeds above 60 km/h. The superb dynamics are aided by the latest generation ABs with EBD and EBS, as well as an advanced Electronic Stability Control system. Speaking of safety spec, the Laguna Coupé also boasts eight airbags that have helped it achieve a Euro NCAP crash rating of five stars.

The one real problem I have with the Laguna Coupé is that of the engine and gearbox combination. Sure, it has ample grunt, but I think a turbodiesel V6 would have been far more at home in the refined package that is the Laguna Coupé.

 

 

 

Original article from Car