1996 Renault Laguna RTi review from UK and Ireland

Not much in the 8 months of ownership has gone wrong.

Bonnet cable stretched, absolute nightmare! Required taking a high proportion of the front bodywork off. Renault Dealer wanted £65 for two new lock mechanisms. Breakers did it for much less.

Clutch will soon need replacing, which requires the engine to be taken out to get to it.

Clutch cable is stiff and has to be well greased regularly.

The car in general is good. The unrefined engine is the one part that lets it down. The acceleration is quite slow, and the engine has very little poke. The 8V version has a great deal of torque however.

The handling is pretty good for this size of car, it holds the road quite well, although a little stiffening up would be desirable.

Most suited to long motorway driving where this car really feels at home. Very comfortable to do long distances in.

Average fuel economy (Low 30s in town driving - Motorway is good at 45-50mpg).

Renault dealers are overpriced, stick to finding parts and getting work done elsewhere.

DIY on this car is not easy, and everything seems to need something else taken off before you can get access.

Not sure that Renault build quality is the best, certainly no match to the other two household Audi's.

Looks good for a family hatch, although the interior does look rather dated.

Lots of boot space as well as ample room in the back for 3 adults make this a cheap family car.

Used prices are rock bottom. Certainly a LOT of car for your money.

It's worth hunting for the RT spec, as Air conditioning is a godsend when stuck in traffic jams on hot days.