2008 Renault Laguna Privilège dCi Hatch Review
July 16, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Renault Laguna Privilège dCi Hatch Review & Road Test
Touchè or Too Staid?
Model Tested:
- 2008 Renault Laguna Privilège dCi Hatch 2.0 litre turbo diesel automatic – $50,690 (RRP)
Options:
- Dual Sunroof $2000
Safe; Stylish; Quiet; Strong & Economic Engine; Drives Beautifully
Rear Leg Room; Poor Stereo; No Bluetooth, Sat Nav or iPod Plug
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
French engineering is often scoffed at as an oxymoron, though for the life of me I can’t think why, I mean they gave us the Airbus A380, the Viaduc de Millau Bridge, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. I could go on for hours, but this is a car review after all, and what I’m really trying to impress here is that it doesn’t take a pastry chef to see that the French have a certain je ne sais quoi for flare, innovation and the dare to be different.
Laguna has for a long time lead the charge for the French as being a symbol for innovative and intelligent automotive design, a datum other cars aspire to, which was a point well validated when BMW purchased Sandouville’s Laguna build number one. Sadly perhaps we Aussies just don’t get it, and more often than not pass up the opportunity to own one – maybe this time round all that will change.
Voted 2008 Company Car of the Year (in France) and The World’s Most Beautiful Car (Estate variant) at the Automotive Festival of Paris, the new Laguna is a stylish and sophisticated modern car with ideals set to challenge convention in much the same way French cars always have. Although at times Renault styling has been quirky, the reasoning behind it is usually sound, and now with the Phase III Laguna conquering showrooms back home, there’s a suggestion sound French reasoning may have finally surrendered to German good looks.
Estate due in Australia from December
From almost any angle, the car is stunning, quite Bavarian in sculpt, and although I’m not personally a fan of the tail light positioning (hatch), just about every other angle of the car strikes a chord for aesthetic pleasure. It’s not quite majestic, but it is certainly striking, sleek and rather elegant, with well proportioned, slippery lines and a free flowing energetic feel.
It also feels very well built. The doors shut beautifully and just the lightest touch will see the weighting take care of the rest, something I’ve not experienced since playing with old Jaguars. Panel fit is uniformly tight all over and the assertively styled Mille Miles 18 inch alloy wheels still manage to hold a certain decorum in those large, slightly flared arches whilst at the same time maintaining grace and purpose. The bright work around the windows contrasts wonderfully with the Charcoal metallic paint (no cost option) and with large headlamps adding a slightly overwhelming look, the front seems bold and insistent, like a larger GT car.
Tags: renault laguna, Renault Laguna Privilege dCi Hatch
Are they cruise control buttons on the centre console ?
If they are, WTF ???
Nice car, shame about the resale…
front headlights look cronically ugly and awkward!!!!!
the rear tail lights on the back of the hatch look ugly and totally out of place.. I do admit the styling of the wagon from the a pillers backwards looks very classy! but the front ruins an otherwise great looking car…
Iamthestig, the button on the centre console is to turn the master system on for cruise, or switch to the speed limited. Therefore is would always be in one position or the other.
Can I give Matt Brogan a French lesson?
It’s “Je ne sais quoi”, but the phonetics were right.
Yep, the front looks goofy, but it’s beautiful inside.
Thanks Golfschwein.
“The World’s Most Beautiful Car (Estate variant)”…..You have got to be kidding! This is one of the ugliest cars on the road, let alone “the most beautiful”!
I wouldnt call it ugly but I would agree that it didnt deserve most beautiful car. I think this cars biggest problem is the citroen c5. Its better looking, quieter, more comfortable and about the same price. It doesnt have the interior but the citroens isnt exactly a horrible place to spend time.
I like the first Laguna. It was subtle.
This one looks like a smashed crab.
Pity, because the review toots it so well that I could ALMOST consider one.
Matt (Brogan), One of the things I have always found to be quite annoying with French cars (they must do it on purpose to p*ss of the POMS) is the seating position and its relation to the pedals and controls. They just dont seem to be made for Humans. How was it with this car?
Agree all good except the front grille/lights.
Schmick interior.
The wagon is nice from the rear, but the rest is all ugly. Looks like the Renaults and Peugeots both have caught the “ugly” bug. At least the Citroens seem pretty. Until perhaps the new model comes…
The wagon is a classy looking thing and leaves the hatch for dead……..but that front end is a deal breaker in my opinion!
G’day Fenno,
I know exactly what you mean. I remember a certain Clio having exactly the issue you expressed. The seat and pedal position just didn’t marry up. Fortunately for Laguna it wasn’t so. It was actually really comfy. Maybe they’ve cottoned on.
Cheers for your comment. Matt.
I’d rather have the Skoda.
$15,000 cheaper. Style of the Skoda is a bit quirky, but so is this.
For the same money there is Passat.
LOL….Fabio; would of thought you would of said “Its the worlds most beautiful car”.
But back on cue…agree with rear looking very nice; yet rest looks tad weird!
Bizzare lines (crease where sides change direction to go up to glass) side on and rear does not flow into sides….quite average!
These look a lot better in the flesh – different but quite impressive, especially in a dark colour.
people have such a hatred toeards french brands.If this had a holden badge and was called a commodore youed all be going wow holden has finally gotten some style, instead you pick out every little thing.
Can any oz car claim a 5 star safety rating or better yet a 5 star safety rating across the entire renualt range
Make my Mondeo TDCi Hatch a bargain especially with Leather seats and Bluetooth and Voice Activation still a nice looking car had a look at it but the options scared me off :(
laurie
Yeah, the Passat looks a million bucks inside and out.
Is the standout in this class IMO.
Squashed crab.LOL.
The front on Skodas reminds me of the Avalon. Look good apart from that.
As I said front is horrible and the rear of the hatch is awkward with those high mounted tail lights and big butt.. but the rear of the wagon is very classy and nicely styled. interior is ok too.. but the resale factor and wierdness factor of renault badge would keep me away..Give me liberty wagon anyday..
Love the French style but this does nothing for me having seen a few around. It to much similarity to the previous unreliable awfull to drive effort.
Mmmm two Franch awards given by the French. Gosh that’s amazing.
I love it’s looks. The point to daring French design is that it isn’t conservative, and not everyone will ‘get’ it. And so be it. This is a daring looking car, and I love it for that. German design was staid until Chris Bangle fixed BMW. Audi have their avantdarde deisng language, but Mercedes is stail and have lost their way. At least the French are daring, and the Europeans love them for it. But I agree, the biggest problem for the new Laguna will be the new Citroen C5, which even I’m heavily interested in for the replacement for my S40 in a couple of years.
Realcars – The Passat is the class standout? What rubbish. You need to get informed. The Passat is conservative with a capital C, and the interior is rubbish, well below quality standards of it’sbetter peers. I guess it’s easy for those who don’t really know about cars to go with a common name..
Luke Says:
July 17th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Realcars – The Passat is the class standout? What rubbish. You need to get informed. The Passat is conservative with a capital C, and the interior is rubbish, well below quality standards of it’sbetter peers. I guess it’s easy for those who don’t really know about cars to go with a common name..
So true… VW Passat is overrated.. If you have been in one then you will never that it is class standout!
Don’t like any of the exterior, it’s all ugly! Last generation model was better looking!
Though the interior is beautiful!
It’s more uglier than it’s parents Peugeot’s!
I have to agree with Luke, the Laguna is a standout in style. Its absolutely beautiful! Especially in the metal! I think its just that a lot of people don’t understand French style, bold and daring as it is. Take the Renault Mégane for example. I think its rear end of the hatch is cool…
Good on the Laguna! Who has seen the coupe version? How good is it?! Does anyone know if its coming to Australia anytime soon?
Thanks,
Steve
Matt, thanks for your stellar review; prompted me to arrange a test drive of the 2.0 dCi (diesel) hatch. What a magic car to drive, especially on hilly and windy roads. Maybe I don’t drive as hard as you do, but I didn’t notice any understeer. This was one of the best cars I have ever driven; just an effortless and pleasant experience. I had never driven a diesel before and was completely amazed by how powerful this engine was. Overtaking was a breeze, over in a flash. Ride was extremely comfortable, seating positions are easily adjustable to suit the driver; so much so you could sleep in this car. I’m a bit older than the i-pod / blue tooth generation so whatever they are they’re lost on me. As soon as I can get the colour I want; I’ll be buying one of these.
Good on you Bruce S! Great choice! Hope you enjoy your new car whenever you get it. I think the Laguna and Koleos can bring a change of fortune for Renault Australia. And once the new Mégane is launched and someday gets it’s ass over here I think Renault’s fortunes will be looking good…
Steve
Hi Steve; thanks. Still negotiating with the Renault folks; but looks like 1 October will be delivery date. Have tried a couple of other similar cars in the interim (Honda Euro Tourer and Peugot 407); both suit and nothing about either of them that said don’t buy me. But I just like the Renault; it’s “different” and it’s a car I can hop into and feel great about. Will update this site with my thoughts after having had the car for a month or so.
Well as promised, albeit somewhat early; an owners view. I bought the Diesel Hatch 2 weeks ago and I’m absolutely delighted with it. Just checked the fuel usage – I’m getting 7.8 litres / 100 KM; measured over 640 KM of about 50 / 50 urban and rural runs. I don’t know if Renault deliberately underrated the 0 -> 100 Km/H time; but I can assure you getting to 100 Km/H takes a lot less than 10 seconds. I was surprised just how quick off the mark this car is; the twin turbo’s eliminate any lag; you’re just “gone”. On the open road I’ve noticed the car just wants to do 110 KM/H without trying; optimum for 6th gear just “chugging along” at around 1900 RPM. I haven’t tried to go flat out; although I did notice passing a line of traffic that I was at 190 KM/H without realizing it! So performance wise – the car suits me.
Longish trips are easy; seats are comfortable and the aircon works well. Night driving is magic; those “ugly” headlights someone alluded to in a earlier post do a magic job. The road is lit up like daytime; no issues with seeing far enough ahead to anticipate any situation. The ride is smooth and cornering is a breeze. After my first few tentative approaches into and out of corners; I now have complete confidence that this car will corner, at speed without drama.
Anything I don’t like? Yep – I can’t get my head around the radio; it’s just not intuitive; I just can’t tune into FM stations. I will drag the manual out one day; or otherwise just stick to CD’s; at least the CD player is a breeze to operate.
I’m glad I read Matt’s review of this car; otherwise I’d probably be driving a Honda (well I have one of those too). The Honda hasn’t had a work out since I bought the Renault; just love driving this car. My daughter loves it as well; cause dad wants to take her to school every day.
It was interesting to read “Bruce S’s” positive comments on the Laguna. The comments from contributers lauding their particularly fancied car were puerile. I believe the purpose of a forum like this is to be objective and informative.
Good on you Bruce! I’m so glad that you got it, and to hear how happy you are with it. Nice to hear you are liking the performance, did you get an auto or manual? Those fuel consumption records are great too :)
I’ve always thought the Laguna has a certain sense of luxury and exclusivity. Its a shame you don’t see more around, but I guess thats also gives them a further sense of exclusivity. Like you wouldn’t want to see them everywhere like the Mazda 6 (as someone said, the new model already looks old).
Renault are proving to be building much better cars in terms of quality and reliability (thanks to the Renault Commitment 2009), and I feel that they turned a new leaf in 2007 with the new Laguna. All their new cars look absolutely fabulous.
Hopefully the Laguna Coupe will come to Aus…
Anyway, wish you all the best with your lovely new car Bruce :P
Your a champ!
Steve
Hi Steve; thanks for your comments and your continued interest. I bought the auto; gear changes are so very quiet and smooth you just never notice them. I’ve sorted the radio out as well; so nothing to complain about now. Still discovering “interesting little things” – like the holder for your sun glasses (spare glasses) just above the drivers door. I accidentally discovered that the back hatch window opens; i.e. you don’t have to lift the entire back hatch to gain access to the rear; great for dropping in groceries in tight car parks.
Fantastic to see that Renault have started winning in F1 again too; 2 wins in the last 2 races shouldn’t do them any harm.
Regards
Bruce
Yeah, how good is it that Alonso won the last two races. If only he had done better earlier in the year. If he could win the next two races, that’d be great! And it’d show everybody that he still has it!
It great to hear that you now find the radio easy to operate, and it sounds like the car is perfect for you now! That lovely smooth shifting 6-speed auto must be a dream :)
It’s great that you read this review and decided to get out there and try something different. Honda’s and Mazda’s are okay sure, but the Laguna I’m sure makes you feel real satisfied to drive. Something different and rare.
Bruce, I wish you all the best for you and your lovely Laguna mate. And congrats on a terrific choice.
(And also, GO RENAULT in the F1. Keep up the good work Alonso!)
Cheers,
Steve
This car will be in Wheels Car of The Year! It’ll be good to see how it stands up against others, and I wonder if it’ll make it to the top 3 (maybe even win!).
The Koleos will also be a part of Wheels COTY so lets hope the Renaults go for gold!
Steve
The Laguna is beautiful in an understated way.Unfortunately it appears that many of the comments come from those who have never owned / driven a French car and try to sound clever…………………. and fail dismally.
Well I’ve just gone out and purchased the new Laguna. I’ve only had it a few days and I love it. At the end of the day I read and read and look at so much feedback on different cars and it all came down to what I liked for the $’s. I love the look of it, the feel and the power for it’s class. Can’t highly recomend it enough. I’m a happy chappy, take one for a test driver and you will get what I’m talking about!
Renault have now lowered the price of the Laguna, $4,000 off the Expression variant and $2,200 Privilege variant. The price now starts from $37,990.
As an owner of the previous model, I would like to know if some of the quirks have carried over. Such as the radio volume gong up as speed increases (unfortunately by too much) and its tricky auto gear selection and too soft suspension. I also had trouble with the coils (V6 model) at 50000Km due probably to us having dirtier fuel than the Europeans. The car has done 90000Km now and front suspension issues are starting to appear (links and strut headers).
For IPod users you can get an FM signal output adaptor for the IPod which the car can tune into.
Mike, I’m not sure about the speed sensitive volume but I do know that the car’s suspension set-up slightly firmer as Renault’s goal is to increase driving pleasure in this car. There is also the reduction of body-roll and the steering ratio has been tightened. Also I’m not sure on the gearbox, read what this review says about it.
The Renault website say that an audio connector for iPods, usbs and such in th glovebox is a $468 option. A bit steep if you ask me.
Mike, the new Laguna’s transmission is fantastic. The smoothest transmission i have ever driven… almost as seamless as a CVT.
The suspension is excellent, however it is also a lot firmer than the previous generation.
Having owned the previous generation (and the associated coil problems (we replaced 6 coils in 12 months between 30 and 40 thousand Kms), compared to the older one we had, the new one (which i have driven extensivly over a period of months) the new lagunas suspension is so much more compliant, and no where near as overly soft as the old one.
As for the ipod connection, it is an option, as is bluetooth, but i know there have been some issues with fitting these systems.
The new laguna deserves to do so much better than it is, its truly a fantastic car. And if you compare it to other cars again, it is still the cheaper model.
The only downside is, that it doesnt have the proximity sensor that the previous diesel model has. But thats ok.
Fantastic car.