2002 Renault Laguna Initiale review from UK and Ireland
"A comfortable Gallic executive express"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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...)
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0ide Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 225 miles |
| Most recent distance | 9747 miles |
| Previous car | Vauxhall Vectra |
| Date of Entry | 11th February, 2003 |