Renault Laguna |
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Wikipedia: Renault Laguna
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History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Renault Laguna page on 22 June 2020, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Renault Laguna is a large family car by European standards, and was marketed by the French manufacturer Renault from 1994 to 2015. The first Laguna was launched in 1994, the second generation was launched in 2000, and the third generation was launched in October 2007.
The regular production Renault passenger models are unrelated to the concept car of the same name, the Laguna, a two seater roadster presented by the automaker during the 1990 Paris Motor Show. The name was also previously used from 1973 to 1976 by Chevrolet, for a top of the line Chevelle model, the Chevrolet Chevelle Laguna.
In February 2012, Renault discontinued the Laguna, Espace, Kangoo, Modus, and Wind lines in the United Kingdom. In 2015, the Laguna was replaced by the Talisman.
Laguna I (1994–2001)
With development underway from 1987, design work under Patrick Le Quement began in 1988, with a final design approval in March 1989, and design freeze by the beginning of 1990. Road testing commenced in 1991 and continued from 1992 to 1993. The first generation Renault Laguna was unveiled in November 1993, and launched in January 1994, as a replacement for the Renault 21, initially coming as a hatchback only.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, an estate version was introduced. This was known in some markets as the Laguna Sports Tourer, and replaced the 21 based Renault Savanna/Nevada. It was initially launched as a 1.8 RN/RT, 2.0RT/RXE, and 3.0V6. A sports pack with deep front spoiler, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels was available on 2.0 versions.
A limited-edition of 500 1.8RT Sport was made available in 1996, one hundred each of five colours including a metallic blue normally reserved for 2.0 models.
These limited editions sold out very quickly and so (to the annoyance of those who bought one of the original 500), the RT Sport was incorporated into the standard range at a cheaper price but having ABS, air conditioning, CD/Radio, and high-level brake light added as standard (all these were options on the more expensive, original 500). This coincided with Renault's participation in European Touring car championships.
The Laguna's equipment levels were generally much higher than the Renault 21. From launch, all models came with power steering, electric front windows, and remote central locking as standard. Most of the range had a driver's airbag. Later twin airbags, anti-lock braking system, air-conditioning, and a CD player became either optional extras or standard equipment.
It was given a minor update in September 1996, which included a new Laguna nameplate at the rear.
Laguna II (2001–2007)
After almost seven years in production, the original Laguna was replaced by an all new model in December 2000. The engines were upgraded, and the equipment list made longer.
It was the first vehicle available in Europe to achieve five stars in the EuroNCAP crash test results, a feature that was soon followed by all other models in Renault's range. This generation was made available in hatchback or estate (Grandtour) styles only.
The Laguna was the first European family car, and the second European car to feature "keyless" entry and ignition. Instead of a key, it used a credit card style device to unlock the car and start the engine. The styling of the second generation Laguna was heavily influenced by the Initiale concept car.
The Laguna II won the title Semperit Irish Car of the Year in November 2001.
The Laguna estate was only available with five seats, unlike the previous model which had seven seats as an option on some versions. It was badged as Sports Tourer or Grandtour, depending on the country. It was also marketed as a lifestyle vehicle, rather than a load carrier.
Laguna III (2007–2015)
The Renault Laguna III was officially announced in a press release on June 4, 2007. The car was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and it went on sale in October 2007. The car comes as a five door hatchback, as a five door estate and a three door coupé.
This third-generation is based on the platform D, shared with the Nissan Altima, the Nissan Teana, and the Nissan Murano. The Laguna III was the first car to have gone through the Aubevoye Technical Centre's Electro-Magnetic Compatibility unit, in the course of its development.
It was first presented as a concept car, at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, which followed some styling cues of the previous concept car, the Renault Fluence. The production version was revealed at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, coinciding with the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix to take the wraps off.
The brand new V6 dCi engine delivers 235 hp (173 kW), while the new 3.5 litre petrol powered V6 offers 240 hp (175 kW). The Laguna Coupé later appeared before the general public at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. In January 2008, spy images of a then possible Laguna Sedan appeared on the internet.
It was expected the car having appeared at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. However, this never made it to production. The Renault Latitude and the third generation (L43) Renault Samsung SM5, which is made by Renault Samsung Motors, South Korea is based on the Laguna III.
| Date | Article | Author/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 February 2013 | Merde! The Renault Laguna that wouldn't stop  | Matt Hubbard, Speedmonkey |