Test drive by Renault Laguna 2001 - 2005 hatchback

In delicate arms

Probably everyone heard about the wonderful passive safety of this car. But did you know that the lagoon has many other talents?
  
Good and excellent
Renault cars from those that are distinguished by faces with an inaccurate expression. In the sense that all BMWs are sports and aggressive, all the Citroenes are pretentious and avant -garde, all Peugeot are elegant and fashionable. But about Renault in a nutshell and you will not say its own appearance for each model. Clio, although compact, is not devoid of sports anger, Vel-satis is defiantly bold and not understood, as an avant-garde artist, the stage is progressive and multifunctional. Middle class models, crowned with a rhomboid emblem, have long been pasted with family cars: comfortable and uncrowning. Such was Renault-21, such was a lagoon, such a second generation lagoon became.
 
But if the predecessors were simply solid, popular, but by no means outstanding cars, then the current lagoon is completely different. In the mid-90s, Renault announced a crusade for safety, and in 2001 the II Laguna II first received five stars in the Euroncap ranking. So, adding excellent passive security to just a good car, the French were able to break into the leaders of the European segment D, ahead of the sales of Mondeo, Vectru, Peugeot 406, Citroen-C5. In Europe, the Renta lags only from the Passat. But in Russia the situation is somewhat different.
 
Safety
Renault annually spends almost 100 million euros on security research, so the current leadership of the French on this front is not surprising. Laguna, unlike competitors, achieved five stars of the Euroncap rating, achieved without any dubious scores for safety belts. The funny thing is that now the sound signal, reminiscent of the driver about the need to fasten, has a lagoon. So, having paid for a repeated crash test, the French may well get 34 points, which are now raining the Avensis. But why? And so the chance to get serious injuries at a frontal impact at a speed of 64 km/h on the driver of the lagoon below five percent. Really impressive.
 
It is gratifying that Renault in Russia is not trying to save on our carelessness. Therefore, six airbags, ABS, an emergency braking system, three head restraints in the back, a pedal node that folds when impact, a double -tie -up driver’s attorney is included in a standard equipment. There was also a disabled passenger pillow of safety, a children's chair can be installed against the movement and universal hard fasteners of isofix on the back sofa. And the so -called children's blocking of the rear doors (it is also protection against playful hands) is carried out using a button on a driver's armrest. Very comfortably.
  
Acclimatization difficulties
In our country, the new lagoon began to be sold only in May 2002, a whole year after the start of European sales. The delay is significant, but as the official importer of Renault assures, the company Autoframos, the necessary. The point is not only in the long-term process of certification, the selection of completion and the preparation of the price list, but also in serious adaptation. The lagoon for Russia differs not only with a suspension for bad roads, but also with a winter technical package (high-capacity battery, antifreeze with a reduced freezing temperature, etc.), mandatory plastic protection of the crankcase and an engine computer, redistributed to the permissible consumption of 92nd gasoline.
 
For seven months of last year, seven hundred lagoons found buyers. As if not bad. On the other hand, it is not comparable with the results of the same Passat, examples or Mondeo. Do not nod towards the long -standing ailment of Russians of Francophobia. Peugeot 406 and Citroen-C5 in 2002 sold two and a half and a half times more. What is the reason?
 
Perhaps the fact that four hundred and sixth at sunset is offered at completely dumping prices, and the chain-five looks more solid because of its large dimensions, moreover, many attracts with cunning hydropneumatics that regulates the road clearance. One way or another, they are not going to reduce prices in Renault. Indeed, in fact, Laguna is one of the most profitable offers in the class D.
 
   
Climate control and lateral curtains are required for top version
 
The score in the place of the handle for the Kamikadze driver is included in the standard equipment
 
Judge for yourself. The most affordable lagoon is a hatchback with a 123-horsepower 1.8 liter engine in configuration of an Otentik for 19,590 euros. To call this authenticity a humiliating word the base does not turn the tongue of this, you can see by studying a long list of standard equipment. The only competitor to the Frenchwoman with a similar package of Opel-Veter equipment. Nevertheless, 60 percent of buyers prefer to pay a little for the set of expressions. There are even more benefits here, and the price does not bite. An unjustifiably road can only be called the cost of a lagoon with a 3-liter V6 engine. But this seems to be a truly French tradition (for the sake of interest, compare the prices of similar options for the 406th and C5).
 
For a detailed acquaintance with addiction, we have chosen the most popular version of the express-1,8 with mechanics. However, our story would be incomplete without mentioning the lagoon with the wagon body. Indeed, according to Russian standards, it is simply a frantic popularity of 20 percent of the sales of the model (in Europe these figures are 35%). Although Estrate is available, including with a 1.8 liter engine, buyers prefer a 2-liter version with a machine gun. We do not mind.
 
     
 
Smart key
All lagons supplied to Russia are equipped with a key-card for unlocking the doors and starting the engine. By inserting the card into the nest on the front panel, you do not fully activate the service mode of ignition, you can turn on music, wipers, and windows. Starting with the configuration of expressions, an interesting piece of plastic receives the function of free hands. Just click on the Lock+Auto button. Now the doors will be locked, it is worth moving away from the car by two to three meters, and as soon as you take the handle, the locks are unlocked.
 
In which case, you can get into the car using the key hidden in the card. The lock larva is under the plastic peel plug. On expensive trim levels, a smart key remembers and, if necessary, restores the settings of the seat, mirrors, climate control and radio.
 
List of standard equipment
 
Otentik-1,8 (19 590 euros):
Six airbags
ABS
Break Assist
The system for redistributing brake force on the rear wheels
power steering
Key card
Electric mirrors and heating
air conditioner
Front electric windows
rear window wiper
Five head restraints
Children's seat attachment system isofix
Bumpers in the color of the body
driver -adjustable
 
For express-1,8 (20 990) additionally:
Key card free hands
headlight washer
fog lights
Driving chair with the adjustment of the lumbar stop
front passenger chair adjustable in height
radio tape recorder with CD-reiver 4x15
rear electric windows
Athermal windshield
 
For express-2,0 (ICP 22 600, automatic transmission 23 600) Additionally:
folding rear -view mirrors
climate control
Rain sensor
light alloy wheels
velor salon
 
For a doel-2,0 (μP 24 100, automatic transmission 25 100) Additionally:
ESP
Heating the front seats
radio with a 4x30 watts CD
Fabric-oozer upholstery of the cabin
Rus on the rear side glass
 
For a doel-3.0 (automatic transmission 35 500) additionally:
Armchair with electroregulations
Equipment for installing a mobile phone
xenon headlights
Speech synthesizer (French)
Leather salon
 
Outside and inside
The designer group of Renault, who is famous for its revolutionary and gross decisions, led by Patrick Le Ceman on the lagoon, it was as if she decided to relax. The bold, sometimes on the verge of a foul of the solution, characteristic of the stage, Vel Satis, Avantayma, did not spread to our heroine. And probably for the better. The appearance of the lagoon is extremely elegant and harmonious. You look at the skillful conjugation of the front headlights, bumper and wings and as if you are admiring the whimsical game of light in the spray of the fountain.
 
How attractive the hatchback is, but the lagoon in the back of the station wagon is a masterpiece at all. No wonder Marketologists Renault stopped using the sonorous word of Nevada to designate Estheite. In fact, between the name of the American state, where nuclear trials were held, and there is nothing in common with the beauty of this station wagon. The main achievement of French designers is that Brack looks like an independent model, and so bright that even today drivers and pedestrians turn after it.
 
The station wagon also has a practical advantage. It becomes obvious as soon as a tall at least 185 cm passenger is sought in the back seat. In the hatchback, his head will definitely fall into the ceiling. An unusually stupid situation: in the legs and shoulders it is quite spacious, and the crown polishes the light upholstery of the ceiling. The fault of the falling line of the roof is not to do without casualties. But in the station wagon, the distance from the pillow to the ceiling is 5 cm larger, and here you really feel like a man.
 
 

Of course, the station wagon is much more convenient when transporting goods. Here they play not only a useful volume of 480 liters against 430. Estrate is noticeably wider, the edge of the trunk is located below. Yes, and he himself has less technological sub-stamping. In addition, in the hatchback, you will have to pay extra for a completely folding sofa (only the back is folded in the database), in the station wagon, a hinged banquet standard. But the grid for fixing the cargo (90 euros) and the grill that separates the trunk interior (138 euros) is available for both bodies. For your dog, you can build separate apartments.
 
 
   
The difference in the convenience of the trunk of the hatchback (left) and the station wagon is visible to the naked eye

These were the differences in the hatchback and station wagon, otherwise their inner world is the same. Moreover, I note, equally good. I must say that Renault has long been indulging in the tastes of German lovers. In the interior of the lagoon, this is clearly felt. The strict black and gray gamma is clearly from the Teutonic Opera, from there, and quite tough by the French standards of the seat and, let’s say, the design without any complaints. The lagoon salon, perhaps, is deprived of traditional Gallic frills, but you can’t refuse the functionality and quality of execution.
 
In the selection of finishing materials of Lagoon, the best French car in the class is clearly the best French car. The mild plastic of the peak of the torpedo, pleasant in the eye and to the touch velor. But the fabric upholstery of the prerogative of the sets is depressed and express. Do not stir up on the velor salon.
 
 
The tissue upholstery of the cabin is practical, but it looks rustic

 
There was no need to see such an originally executed headrest yet

 
The seats are characterized by almost German stiffness and an abundance of adjustments

An excellent assembly also does not rumble in the standard panel, crickets are squeezed from the light. The feeling of goodness continues the seats. Even in the basic configuration, there is always relevant control of the pillow in height, and together with the tilt adjusting in height and the corner of the steering column on this, Europeans, unlike the Japanese, do not save the ideal workplace for a person of almost any height. So, pushing the driver’s seat with his meter to the stop, pushing for his meter, I hardly reached the gas pedal. Moreover, sitting behind him, he discovered the minimum, but the supply of free space. Solid. Although the three of the back still do not travel the rather massive central tunnel interferes. Together, much more fun in the folding armrest there are a couple of cup holders.
 
 
In the folding armrest of the sofa, not only a double cup holder is hidden, but also a secret box

 
The radio is traditionally hidden for Renault behind a massive lid, and a drawer is located nearby

 
The convenience of managing musical joystick, perhaps there are no equal

In the salon, in the current European fashion, there are many luggage sites. The cooled glove box itself is capacious, and then there are also solid pockets in the doorway, a deep box in the central armrest. Finally, you can order drawers under the front seats. What to store there, I personally will not know, but they offer it.
  
Behind the wheel
The last island of France at the workplace of the driver of the lagoon sound signal in the end of the left steering switch disappeared forever, the bibikalka is now only in the steering wheel. But, right, do not be sad about this. It is better to be happy for the joystick of the musical system, which, in my opinion, is the best in the world in my opinion. Its excellent location and amazing ergonomics make you forget about the information display, which, incidentally, is located at a completely comfortable height. It is only a pity that the music itself is not so hot. In the best case, the satisfactory sound spoils the obviously mediocre tuner interference bursts into the radio, constantly. However, on our lagoon there was an inexpensive system of radio-4x15, and up to ten different types of audio centers are offered to order. So on more expensive models, the quality of admission is better.
 
 
Governing bodies
  

1. Block windows. 2. Mirror adjustment. 3. The brightness regulator of the dashboard backlight. 4. Light management. 5. Sound signal. 6. Information display. 7. The lid of the radio. 8. The air conditioner control unit. 9. Nest for the key card.
 
Dashboard
  

1. Tachometer. 2. indicator of the automatic transmission modes. 3. Fuel level indicator. 4. Block of control lamps. 5. The indicator of the temperature of the coolant. 6. Speedometer. 7. The display of the road computer.

It is difficult to make claims to the dashboard. The backlighting of the fashionable white-moon light is quite effective, the panel is not overloaded with unnecessary information, everything is only the most necessary, except that the speedometer scale is slightly not enough but you can order a tire pressure control sensor. Both fashionable and useful. Information about the condition of the tires will enter a special display in the upper part of the torpedo. Very clearly.
 
You find massive air conditioning handles at random, and intermediate positions are clearly fixed. In terms of convenience, it significantly exceeds climatic with a separate control panel for the driver and front passenger. The latter has small keys, a display located below and completely blind to the touch of the buttons. It is good that the temperature is regulated by relatively large rheostats to add heat or cold with one motion blindly.
 
But the headrests were pleased. The front ones have extravagant and very convenient adjustment, and the rear can be drowned down. It is a pity that this does not add a review. Both in the hatchback and in the station wagon, frankly, not very narrow glasses of glass and wide racks. And the rear -view mirrors seemed narrow. In general, buying a lagoon, it is better to go broke on the parking sensor of 210 euros.
 
Well, if I started to grumble, the armrest between the front seats will become an obstacle, if you switch the gears you are used to the style of rallyists of the 70s. In French, the long and not the most clear moves of the lever already do not encourage lovers to make a rang. On the other hand, in a relaxed movement, the armrest, even for the benefit of the hand, rests, and the palm is exclusively headed by switching.
 
 
We liked
 
 
Generous basic equipment

Best passive safety
 
Adaptation to Russian conditions

A large number of tanks for small things
 

And:
 
Graceful modern appearance
Comfortable suspension
Spacious salon of the station wagon with rich transformation capabilities
Justified price
Forecasting cost expenses
 
We didn't like it
 

Bad reception of the tuner

Incomplete opening of the rear side glasses
 
Limited space for the head in the back seat of the hatchback

Poor visibility back
 

And:
 
The thoughtful automatic transmission proactiv
Factory warranty for only one year
 
There are no devils in this backwater
Even with the minimum for Russia, a 1.8-liter engine of Renault can not be called a soft-fast. Below, the engine, of course, is poor to go with the second, without forceing the clutch, already a focus from Arsenal Gudini. But in the city you will not complain about dynamics. The tachometer arrow in the hunt rushes to the red zone, and already somewhere after 3000 rpm you feel a pleasant and quite adequate for a relatively modest working volume of picking up. If you make it a rule when switching do not fall below this mark, no one will suspect you of a budget purchase.
 
On the suburban highway, a lagoon with a 1.8-liter engine is good to a speed of 140 km/h. Then you understand that she still lacks cubic centimeters. The concept of dynamics disappears completely the speedometer shooter crawls to the right incredibly slowly.
 
 
Engine

1. Book of the glass gunner. 2. Tank of the power steering. 3. The oil -packed engine neck. 4. Oil probe. 5. The tank of the main brake cylinder. 6. Block of fuses. 7. Expande tank. 8. Battery battery.

Subjectively, a 2-liter lagoon with a gun rides in the same way as one and eight with mechanics is really slightly slower. The 4-speed automatic transmission proactiv works according to the so-called principle of fuzzy logic. In fact, this means that the transmission itself adapts to the style of your ride, choosing one of nine work algorithms. It is convenient in theory. With calm driving, the proactive switches noticeably earlier, saving fuel. If for some time you drove actively, the machine will begin to help you hold the program longer, jump down when accelerated. But when, after an hour of a measured ride, you suddenly decide to make a risky overtaking, a lulled proactive can think tightly ... No, he will turn on a kick-dowun, he will only stand a grandmaster pause. However, there is a remedy from this misfortune. In case of tense maneuvers, go to the sequential switching mode of the selector to the left of the position D and unscrew the engine to the ringing in any gear.
 
 
The dynamic stabilization system is available for lagoon with 2- and 3-liter engines
      
Having ordered an automatic gearbox, you will definitely get a cruise control and system maintenance of a given speed
 
She has a flexible character
Still, the main thing in the lagoon is comfort. And in this discipline she has few rivals. Noise insulation at the level, and the level is very high. The suspension, for nothing that adapted to our roads, conquered a flexible character. By and large, the car is the same as for covering under the wheels, in any case, the flaws are practically not breaking into the salon. To beware (however, like on any other car) is only frank pits. Here the adapted suspension worked on a breakdown. It is nice that such an all-servant and soft character did not affect controllability. Of course, I did not feel the sharpness of the steering wheel of Alfa Romeo and the honescence of the BMW habits in the lagoon. But do they need a family car?
 
Renault very well holds high -speed line only after a mark of 150 km/h begins the longitudinal buildup of the body on bumps. The steering wheel is busily collected in turns, and the warning warp by the front -wheel drive is a guarantee from the early gray hair. The lagoon honestly warns of the start of the demolition of the front line, having previously significantly squeaks with fragmentary continental. I agree, perhaps, demolition begins earlier than a aggressively tuned driver. But to the discharge of gas, Renault responds with smooth, predictable, and, therefore, safe restoration of the trajectory. Therefore, even on an adapted lagoon, a system of dynamic movement stabilization (ESP) for 480 euros is more likely a fashion accessory than the necessary addition. At least on a dry highway. There are no complaints about the brakes in the standard modes. Adequate predictable effort and intelligent non -panic work ABS.
 
 
Car dimensions, mm
 
Salon dimensions, mm
 
 
Operation, service
In 26 cities of Russia today there are 48 official dealers of Renault, of which 18 in Moscow and three in St. Petersburg. Within the framework of the new single service program, dealers are required to serve Renault at strictly established prices. According to tariff 1 operating in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Togliatti and Samara, TO1 (15,000 km) lagoon will cost 119 euros, and, say, Tom (60,000 km) 399. Tariff 2 for Perm for Perm , Barnaul, Irkutsk, Krasnodar, Kemerovo, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk, Stavropol, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Ufa, Ulyanovsk, Tula and Voronezh, even slightly cheaper than 109 and 339 euros, respectively. This approach is very convenient, because it allows you to plan to plan to work in advance.
 
So far, not all dealers have joined this program, but their number is constantly growing. It is only a pity that the factory guarantee for all Renault in Russia is one year. In today's times, this is extremely few.
 
You will have to visit branded technical centers every 15,000 kilometers. The cost of the Normal Council is $ 2535 for all models. Delivery of spare parts from the central warehouse to Moscow and the region takes one day. In the regions, the need for the piece of iron will arrive within 48 hours. In particularly difficult cases, the part will be discharged from Europe. But, as a rule, you have to wait only for accessories from the standard Renault catalog. Ask the dealer a booklet, there is a lot of interesting things: from the side curtains to the DVD player with monitors built into the head restraints.
 
Finally, the Moscow Renault Service of the Renault Service The first in Russia assistance on roads working on European standards. Within the MKAD, the maximum arrival time of Renault servicemen is 45 minutes. Fixed prices $ 40 repair on the spot, $ 35 evacuation include VAT and NSP.
 
Renault Laguna 1.8 Hatchback (2.0 Estate Automatic)
Total information
 
Body
5-door sedan-hatchback (station wagon)
 
Equipped mass, kg
1315 (1395)
 
Complete mass, kg
1865 (1935)
 
Maximum speed, km/h
201 (197)
 
Acceleration time 0100 km/h, with
10.8 (12.3)
 
 
Highway fuel consumption/city, l/100 km
6.1/10 (6.4/12.3)
 
 
Fuel supply, l
70 (AI-95)
 
 
Engine
 
Location
The front is longing
 
Design
gasoline, 4-cylinder, in order, with two upper camshafts
 
The number of valves per cylinder
4
 
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
82.7x83 (82.7x93)
 
Working volume, SMZ
1783 (1998)
 
Compression ratio
9.8 (10)
 
Power, L.S. at rpm
123/5750 (140/5500)
 
Twisting, kgsm at rpm
17.7/3750 (19.5/3750)
 
 
Chassis
 
Drive unit
On the front wheels
 
Transmission
mechanical, 5-speed (automatic, 4-speed)
 
Gear rates I; II; III; IV; V; Z.Kh.
3.73; 2.05; 1.39; 1.1; 0.9; 3.55
(2,74; 1,5; 1; 0,7; 2,46)
 
main gear
4.09 (3.48)
 
Suspension: in front
Independent, such as McExeson, with a stabilizer
 
behind
A semi-dependent, torsion, N-shaped beam, stabilization effect, with a stabilizer of the pine stability
 
Steering
REMENCH with an amplifier
 
Front/back brakes
Disco ventilated/ disk ABS
 
Tires
205/55 R16
 
Prices for spare parts and then, euro
 
TO1 15,000 km 119
TO2 30,000 km 189
TO3 45,000 km 109
Oil filter 7.5
Air filter 13
Fuel filter 11
Speak of ignition (1 pc.) 5.6
Front belt 44
Tip of steering thrust 69
Steering thrust 55
Front suspension lever 98
Front shock absorber/rear 118/118
Front wing 157
Rear wing (body sidewall) 157
Hood 375
Front door 436
The rear door 436
Rear bumper 295
Front headlight assembly 316
Rear lamp assembly 132
  
We decided:
Renault-Lagun The choice of a person who does not chase at an ostentatious image and does not amuse himself with racing ambitions. Beautiful and safe, practical and comfortable, the lagoon is a great example of a modern family car. The station wagon, which is definitely more convenient, and in our opinion, is also more beautiful than the hatchback, of course, costs 1,000 euros. In general, in terms of the ratio of price-imprisonment, the drive of the car in the lagoon in Russia is only one competitor to the new Opel-Vetrra.
 
Mikhail Medvedev, photo Maxim Goncharov
 
 

Source: Magazine "Limousine" [07/03]