Renault Laguna
| Company type | Car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault 21 |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Defunct | 2015 |
| Successor | None |
Area served | Worldwide (including Europe) |
| Products | Hatchback, Coupé, Estate cars |
The Renault Laguna is a large family car manufactured by Renault for a span of 21 years, offered in three different body configurations: hatchback, coupé, and estate. Introduced in 1994, the model went through three generations, with production of the third generation continuing until 2015.
Concept car
The Laguna models available for sale are distinct from the 1990 two-seat Laguna roadster concept unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. Additionally, Chevrolet used the Laguna name between 1973 and 1976 for their premium Chevelle Laguna variant.
First generation (X56; 1993)
Development commenced in 1987, with Patrick Le Quément overseeing design from 1988 until its completion in early 1990. Testing extended until late 1993, leading to the launch in January 1994 as the successor to the Renault 21, initially released only as a hatchback.
A station wagon version, marketed in certain regions as the Laguna Sports Tourer, was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995, taking the place of the Renault 21 Nevada/Savanna. Initial trim levels featured engines such as the 1.8 RN/RT and more upscale options like the 2.0 RT/RXE and a V6 variant. The 2.0 models also had an available sports package including spoilers and alloy wheels.
In 1996, a limited edition RT Sports model was produced with just five hundred units, which sold out quickly. This success led to the RT Sport being incorporated into the regular lineup at a reduced price but equipped with additional features like ABS, air conditioning, and a CD/radio system as standard—upgrades reflecting Renault’s participation in the British Touring Car Championship.
Compared to its predecessor, the Laguna launched with improved standard equipment such as power steering, electric front windows, remote central locking, and driver airbags on most variants. Subsequent enhancements included twin airbags, ABS, air conditioning, and CD players offered either as options or standard fittings.
A minor facelift in September 1996 added a redesigned rear Laguna badge.
Engines
| Model | Engine type | Displacement | Valvetrain | Fuel system | Max. power at rpm | Max. torque at rpm | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||||||
| 1.6 16v | K4M-720 | 1,598 cc | I4 DOHC 16v | Multi point fuel injection | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @ 5,750 rpm | 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) @ 3,750 rpm | 11.5 s | 195 km/h (121 mph) | 1998–2001 |
| 1.8 | F3P-670 | 1,794 cc | I4 SOHC 8v | Multi point fuel injection | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @ 5,750 rpm | 144 N⋅m (106 lb⋅ft) @ 2,750 rpm | 13.9 s | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 1994–98 |
| 1.8 | F3P-678 | 1,794 cc | I4 SOHC 8v | Single point fuel injection | 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) @ 5,750 rpm | 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) @ 2,750 rpm | 13.9 s | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 1994–98 |
| 1.8 16v | F4P-760 | 1,783 cc | I4 DOHC 16v | Multi point fuel injection | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @ 5,750 rpm | 165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft) @ 3,750 rpm | 10.7 s | 203 km/h (126 mph) | 1998–2001 |
| 2.0 | F3R-729 | 1,998 cc | I4 SOHC 8v | Multi point fuel injection | 114 PS (84 kW; 112 hp) @ 5,400 rpm | 168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) @ 4,250 rpm | 11.6 s | 190 km/h (118 mph) | 1994–2001 |
Facelift
In April 1998, the Laguna underwent a modest redesign, updating the hatchback and sports tourer models with a refreshed front fascia and newly designed round fog lamps. The rear lights also received a revamped appearance.
The engine lineup was updated to include:
- K4M 1.6 16v (109 hp)
- F4P 1.8 16v (120 hp)
- F3R 2.0 (114 hp)
- N7Q 2.0 S (140 hp)
- F4R 2.0 16v (139 hp)
- L7X 3.0 V6 24v (190 hp)
- F9Q turbo 1.9 dTi (98 hp)
- F9Q turbo 1.9 dCi (107 hp)
- G8T turbo 2.2 dT (113 hp)
The final version of the Laguna from this generation, called the Laguna Concorde, debuted in 2000. It featured semi-leather upholstery and an onboard vocal alert system that informed drivers about open doors, lights left on, or mechanical issues. This voice notification feature was also available on earlier RXE and V6 trims and shared with the Renault Safrane model.
The Concorde represented the concluding edition of the first-generation Laguna before the introduction of the Laguna II in late 2000. Its badge displayed a cream-colored "C" set against a dark green background, accompanied by an outline of the Concorde aircraft.
Second generation (X74; 2000)
After nearly seven years in production, the initial Laguna was succeeded in December 2000 for the 2001 model year by an updated version offering enhanced engines and improved features.
This iteration became the first European car to earn a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests—a milestone Renault actively promoted and later extended to other models in its range. Offered exclusively as a hatchback or estate (Grandtour), it introduced Europe's pioneering keyless entry and ignition system utilizing a credit card–style device developed by Valeo, though early reliability problems impacted Renault's reputation.
Its design drew significant inspiration from the Renault Initiale concept vehicle. The Laguna II was honored as Semperit Irish Car of the Year in November 2001.
Unlike its predecessor, the estate variant was confined to five seats and positioned more as a lifestyle vehicle rather than a cargo hauler, marketed under either Sports Tourer or Grandtour names depending on regional markets.
Facelift
In March 2005, the Laguna II underwent a facelift unveiled at the AutoRAI show in Amsterdam. Renault emphasized improvements in safety, driving dynamics, and passenger comfort. The front grille was redesigned to harmonize with the styling cues of the Renault Mégane. Sales commenced on March 18, 2005.
An electronic parking brake was added, previously seen on Renault’s Scénic and Espace models. Engine offerings remained mostly consistent: select markets retained the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines alongside both turbocharged and naturally aspirated 2.0 petrol units, as well as two diesel options featuring 1.9 and 2.2 direct injection systems.
Following this update, Renault introduced a new 2.0 dCi diesel engine delivering , along with a higher-performance variant rated at .
Engines
|
1998–2001 |
|
2000–01 |
|
1994–98 |
|
1998–2000 |
| Model | Engine type | Displacement | Valvetrain | Fuel system | Max. power at rpm | Max. torque at rpm | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Top speed | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||||||
| 1.6 16v | K4M-710 | 1598 cc | I4 DOHC 16v | Multi point fuel injection | 81 kW (110 PS; 109 hp) at 5750 rpm | 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 3750 rpm | 11.5 s | 195 km/h (121 mph) | 2001–05 |
| K4M-716 | 86 kW (117 PS; 115 hp) at 5750 rpm | 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 3750 rpm | 11.5 s | 197 km/h (122 mph) | 2005–07 | ||||
| 1.8 16v | F4P-C770 | 1783 cc | 88 kW (120 PS; 118 hp) at 5750 rpm | 165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm | 10.7 s | 203 km/h (126 mph) | 2001–05 | ||
| F4P-K771 | 2001–05 | ||||||||
| 2.0 16v IDE | F5R-700 | 1998 cc | Direct fuel injection | 103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp) at 5500 rpm | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 4100 rpm | 9.8 s | 210 km/h (130 mph) | 2001–03 | |
Third Generation (X91; 2007)
The Renault Laguna III was introduced in June 2007 and officially presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales commencing in October for the 2008 model year. This generation was available as a five-door hatchback, a five-door estate, and, for the first time, a two-door coupé. It utilized the Renault–Nissan D platform, shared with vehicles such as the Nissan Altima and Teana.
The coupé concept made its first appearance at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, while its production version was revealed at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Renault strategically timed these unveilings alongside prestigious events like the Monaco Grand Prix to maximize exposure. The model range included a new V6 dCi diesel engine producing 235 hp and a petrol V6 delivering 240 hp, aimed at competing within premium performance categories.
Although spy photographs hinted at a sedan variant, this version never reached production. The Laguna III's platform also served as the foundation for other vehicles, including the Renault Latitude and the third-generation Renault Samsung SM5, broadening its market presence through platform sharing.
Facelift
The updated Laguna III, referred to as Phase 2, was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show with availability starting in November 2010. This facelift introduced a more assertive front-end design and consolidated the trim options into six variants: Expression, Black Edition, Eco Business, Bose, GT 4Control, and Initiale. The sole engine modification was to the 1.5 dCi, which now produced 110 hp while reducing CO2 emissions from 130 to 120 g/km.
Engines
- 1.5 L (1461 cc) 8-valve dCi I4; 110 hp; top speed: ; acceleration (0–100 km/h): 12.1 s; produced 2007–2015
- 1.6 L (1598 cc) 16-valve I4; 110 hp; top speed: ; acceleration (0–100 km/h): 11.7 s; produced 2007–2010
- 2.0 L (1997 cc) 16-valve I4; 140 hp; top speed: ; acceleration (0–100 km/h): 10.1 s; produced 2007–2015
- 2.0 L (1998 cc) Turbo I4; 170 hp; top speed: ; acceleration (0–100 km/h): 9.2 s; produced 2007–2015
- 2.0 L (1998 cc) Turbo I4; 205 hp; top speed: ; acceleration (0–100 km/h): 7.8 s; produced 2008–2012
- 2.0 L (1995 cc) dCi I4 with power outputs ranging from 130 to 180 hp; top speeds between and ; acceleration from 10.6 to 8.5 seconds (0–100 km/h); available from 2007 to 2015
- 3.0 L (2993 cc) dCi V6; generating 235 hp; top speed: ; acceleration: 7.3 seconds (0–100 km/h); produced from 2008 to 2015
- 3.5 L (3498 cc) V6 petrol engine producing 238 hp; top speed: ; acceleration: 7.4 seconds (0–100 km/h); produced between 2008 and 2015
In February of 2012, Renault ceased sales of the Laguna along with models such as Espace, Kangoo, Modus, and Wind in right-hand drive markets. By the year 2015, both Laguna and Latitude were replaced by the Renault Talisman, which was not offered in right-hand drive configurations. Throughout its production run, a total of 54,840 Laguna Coupés were manufactured out of an overall production volume of approximately 351,384 units.
Successor
Renault initially contemplated naming the Laguna’s replacement "Atalans." In May of 2015, reports surfaced indicating that the new model would be unveiled on July 6, also serving as a successor to the Renault Latitude in European markets. Due to insufficient consumer interest, the coupé variant was discontinued for this generation. On July 6, Renault officially announced that the new model would be called the Talisman, consistent with their global naming conventions.