Faults:

On delivery test drive "round the block", occasional knock/rattle from near-side rear three-quarter panel. (Loose/unfixed cable to side airbag is possible diagnosis.)

From delivery, intermittent failure of self-latching/releasing mechanism of radio/SatNav console cover.

At 1500 miles, whilst travelling at high speed, computer "sensed" we had lost the off-side rear wheel!

Wind noise from the base of the 'A'-pillar is apparent at high speed.

Intermittent failure of dead-locking mechanism by remote card. If pressed for two/three seconds, the second dead-lock feature would still not function.

Near-side rear passenger seat belt latch has been problematic/difficult to engage.

Not really a fault, but the location of the hazard warning indicator switch is too easily operated and accidentally switched on.

Cleaning the 'Silverstone' alloy wheels is a chore and the narrower holes are especially fiddly.

General Comments:

The car was delivered in September 2002, but is a July 2002 build.

Performance is very good and the car is very refined, handling is good (but it's not a sports car). Brakes are superb.

Fuel economy is par - average 34 mpg, so far.

Wing mirrors are not self-cleaning - the wind-flow over the housing seems to eddy down and across the face of the mirror, causing a gradual build-up of grime. Renault should use their F1 wind tunnel testing kit to sort this...

Other than the wheel sensor problem (which was easily overcome by restarting the system) I have had none of the apparent serious safety issues, electrical-wise reported by other owners in this forum. One visit to the Renault dealer is all the car has notched-up so far.

The features of the car are superb. Satellite navigation is a boon and an absolute must-have for any business traveller. The sound system is top-notch, with only a minor quibble with Classic FM reception.

The interior (grey leather/grey trim) is light and airy, very comfortable and wearing very well. The personal memory setting on seats/mirrors is just the icing on the cake for me and my wife.

I had a Series 1 Laguna in 1994 and enjoyed its Gallic charm. This New Laguna must rank as one of the best cars I have had the pleasure of driving, in spite of the little irritations/idiosyncrasies. I WILL get the rattle and console cover sorted - eventually.

You've seen the advert on television? I bought *that* car (sans auto and V6 engine...)

Faults:

Rear De mister fuse has blown 6 times.

Revving between 2000 and 3500 RPM with foot off throttle, no power when throttle pressed.

General Comments:

Never owned such a poor car, build quality is the worst I have ever seen.

On long journeys seats become very uncomfortable, cannot get the seating position how I like it.

Dealer has tried to be helpful sorting out the problems. Throttle issue dealer does not know what he did to sort it out, but took 3 attempts. Told me 3 other Laguna II had the same problem and did something different on all of them.

Rear Demister issue dealer now has the car for a 4th time, always claims cannot blow the fuse, I manage to blow it within 1 day. Dealer has had the car for 5 days now with still no luck.

Will look to get rid of this car ASAP and go back to Honda. I would never buy a Renault again in fact I would never buy a French car again.