Test drive by Renault Laguna 2001 - 2005 hatchback

Gourmets station wagon

Try to determine in one word the character of the car by the type of its body. I am convinced that a chain of stamps will be born: a solid sedan, a hot hatchback, a practical station wagon. The power of the habit is great, but in the real life of gradations there are much more - manufacturers seek to break stereotypes.
 
It is no coincidence that in the full name of the French station wagon Renault Laguna there is a combination of sports tourer - the image and temperament of this car are far from the image of the workhorse, especially at the most powerful version in the Initiale configuration, which the author met in France.
 
Describing the appearance of the lagoon is an ungrateful occupation, photos are much better about it. We only note that such a peculiar and beautiful station wagon is quite suitable for exits to high society. Next to expensive sedans, he will not look like a prolonged truck. The interior is in harmony with the appearance. In the cabin, the kingdom of smooth lines inspiring calm and confidence. None of the design elements are striking, in everything you feel a truly French charm. At the height, the quality of finishing materials: from plastic upholstery to the skin on comfortable seats with developed lateral supports.
 
The car in full is saturated with the benefits of civilization - numerous servo drives for adjusting mirrors and seats, a climatic installation, an audio system, a navigation system. I really liked the stylish and convenient four -spoke steering wheel - its sporting chubby seized rim hints at the slurry of the station wagon. Another attribute of the car for the driver is a developed site for the left leg. And of course, truly sports origin - the proprietary button for starting the engine. The fact is that Renault does not have a classic ignition lock. Its anti -theft functions are performed by a magnetic card, which must be inserted into the scanner on the console. After that, the hand itself reaches for the button with the inscription Start, the head of the ignition and the starter (the decision borrowed from the racing cars). It seems that the famous gentlemen are about to sound, start engines!. Unfortunately, there are no perfect cars; Even in a convenient Renault there are a number of disadvantages associated with ergonomics. A large and tall (above 190 cm) is still crowded ahead, the distance from the head to the ceiling is minimal. At the back on the crown, it presses even more - largely because of a huge hatch. Wide racks and a kind of doorway form somewhat difficult to enter and entrance - this is the fee for high passive safety of the lagoon, the body of which is designed taking into account modern requirements.
 
But what about practicality - more precisely, with a cargo compartment of the station wagon? This is the only place inside the machine where there are straight lines and corners. Not only is the trunk of the lagons of an impressive volume: it was given the shape of a parallelepiped without any cunning nooks, and the floor is perfectly even. The best tank for transporting luggles is difficult to come up with. Of course, you can fold the backs of the rear seats, then at your disposal will be a whole warehouse with a volume of 1,500 liters!
 
What is the sport of a tourist on the go? Rezv, fast, but there is no certain highlight in it, characteristic of cars less than a less class. Three -liter engine with a capacity of 207 liters. With. With the support of a five -speed automatic gearbox, the station wagon confidently accelerates and allows you to rush much more than 200 km/h. But you will not wait an exciting soul or caressing the sound of the motor - the nervousness is smoothed, the soundproofing is excellent. These are the rules of the game - for the Car of the segment D, even a sports slope involves a high level of comfort. A kind of solid sports. Those who do not like this should look for hot cars of a different class. Of the shortcomings, I would note the delay and jerk of the machine in some modes. However, if you transfer the selector to the position of manual control of the box, then experimentally, you can find the engine speeds in which switching passes smoothly.
 
The steering of the station wagon is quite accurate: the feeling of the machine does not disappear, it is not difficult to perform maneuvers at high speeds. I liked the brakes - the pedal is informative enough not to make a mistake with the dosage of the effort. Well, if they miscalculated or overdo it, electronic assistants intervene: ABS or ESP stabilization system.
 
How will the universal lagoon meet in the maximum configuration in the domestic market? Its asset has a spectacular design, rich equipment, a powerful engine, good running qualities, a convenient salon, a spacious trunk, a sports image. The liability is primarily a high price (more than 30,000 euros). This station wagon is for a gourmet who is well versed in the technique of gourmet: it is a Frenchman: an original, prestigious, practical and rare in Russia.
 

Sports station wagon in French: a stylish look without a hint of aggressiveness.
 

In the engine compartment, the V-shaped six with a capacity of 152 kW/207 l. With.
 

The trunk of a regular shape with a volume of 475 liters, with the backs of the rear seats, its volume increases to 1,500 liters.
 

The instrument panel is distinguished by a calm design and an abundance of smooth lines.
 
Vadim Kryuchkov. Photo: Vadim Kryuchkov, Igor Solidov
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: The magazine "Driving"