Faults:

Excessive fuel consumption.

General Comments:

This car retains all the things I liked about the previous model, for example: comfort, handling, safety, but falls down on cost of ownership due to high fuel consumption.

This is not my first encounter with Diesel cars, I have owned two Vauxhall Vectra 1.9 Diesels, and without any special effort I was able to obtain MPG figures of between 48 and 52 depending on type of journeys. I chose the Laguna partly because I was very happy with my earlier petrol model, and also because all the test data indicated that the Diesel model was very fuel efficient. It is with great regret that I have to report that this car does not deliver anywhere near the figures quoted in the tests. I waited until I had done 5000 miles before contacting the dealer in case things improved as the engine freed up but to no avail.

I appreciate that fuel consumption figures can be subjective based on the mix of urban to motorway driving, so I have based my complaint on a worst case scenario. The worst figure that is quoted in the brochures, for Urban cycle is 38MPG. I recently did 300 miles which was all urban except for 30 miles on the motorway and I clocked 33.6 MPG, which I will round up to 34MPG because I know from taking my own measurements that the computer readout is around 1MPG low on a tankfull. By any standard this is not good , especially as I consistently got around 36MPG in my old petrol Laguna. On my usual mix of journeys I am obtaining around 45MPG whilst driving in what I consider to be a fuel efficient mode.

I had a diagnostic check done at my local Renault dealer and they ran all the computerised tests and gave it a clean bill of health.

Conclusion....if you are considering a Laguna Diesel based on the test data in the Renault blurb, beware! When all is said and done ..what is a Diesel any good for if it cannot deliver 50MPG?

Faults:

Satellite navigation playing up.

Annoying rattles from engine and rear part of exhaust.

Car sometimes refuses to start.

Radio cover panel has difficulty closing.

General Comments:

Having only recently acquired my Laguna, I am somewhat disappointed in it already.

I was recommended the car from an avid Laguna fan who has driven them for years.

The Dynamic Techno has a good trim level for its price. Alcantra plus leather make the car feel more expensive than it clearly is.

Wheels are great. Nice 5 spoke 17 inch with 225 45 Zr 17 tyres. This is great if you are a fleet driver. If you are buying private, think of the cost. These tires do not come cheap.

Satellite navigation is fine, but do not use in central London. Try doing a u-turn when there is a central concrete barrier? I think not!. Also it has told me to turn into one way streets at the wrong end and tells you to change lanes too late.

You cannot listen to a CD when you are using the Satellite navigation. This is due to the system needing it's own CD to navigate as software. I would suggest upgrading the sound system if you are an avid CD listener like myself.

I have generally found Renault dealers very unhelpful when it has come to sorting out these problems.

As for the rattle from the exhaust, I ended up fixing it myself. There is a heat shield around the exhaust which vibrates against the pipe. Luckily it is made of thin metal and is easily bent out of the way by a length of two by four!

I had a rattle coming from under the bonnet. Again, no help from the dealer, but I found by myself that it is the air filter rattling in it's casing. Great pre-production testing Renault!

Fuel economy is very poor. The engine is still tight and in need of running in. I get 28 mpg! I thought a 2.2 diesel would return slightly higher than that.

I recommend the comfort pack 1. Enormous electric sunroof, (on sport tourer) plus climate control.

Climate is well worth getting.

The Xenon headlights are a must. Much cleaner than regular bulbs.

I dislike the plastic wings on this car. Even though this is the safest car on the road, it just isn't right.

For over twenty thousand pounds I would choose something else given the chance.

My previous car was a V5 Golf with upgraded wheels, suspension and Xenon lamps. This cost less than my Laguna! Take the Pepsi challenge, I know what I would choose!