Renault Laguna for 2011
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Renault
21st November, 2010
In keeping with its values, Renault manufactures vehicles
that match the brand’s exacting standards in the fields of design, innovation and quality. Following its
first public showing at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October and now being released across Europe, new
Renault Laguna builds on the strengths that have forged the reputation of the Laguna III line-up,
namely:
- Outstanding handling thanks to the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering
- An unrivalled price, equipment, performance package for the segment,
- Superior safety, quality and reliability for its class
Europe's new Renault Laguna's more attractive front-end styling and new interior trims exude even more
'personality', in perfect keeping with the model's exceptional dynamics.
The exclusive 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering is now available with practically all the
engines that make up the range, putting safe driving enjoyment within reach of even more motorists.
Meanwhile, the availability of advanced features such as Carminat TomTom® LIVE navigation and Bose®
Sound System audio make new Renault Laguna an even more modern and attractive package than ever.
The model's Renault eco² engines are even more respectful of the environment. The dCi 110, for example,
emits just 120g of CO2/km, while special care has been taken to bring down running costs, thanks notably
to an average 0.5 litres/100 km fuel consumption saving across the range.
*** IN BRIEF ***
MORE DYNAMIC STYLING
The new Renault Laguna's more assertive front-end styling – which features 'eyelid' headlights with
black masks as standard, as well as additional chrome trimming for the new pearlescent black grille –
gives the model an unmistakably more dynamic stance. It immediately comes across as more nervous and
playful, and points to the promise of even greater driving pleasure.
DRIVING PLEASURE
The new Laguna was designed to deliver real driving pleasure. Its benchmark dynamics benefit from an
impressively efficient chassis which is powered by a broad choice of particularly capable, fuel-efficient
powerplants. Those versions of new Renault Laguna equipped with the 4Control chassis and four-wheel
steering boast exceptional on-road performance for even greater pleasure, safety and efficiency. Now
associated with the dCi 130, dCi 150 and dCi 175 (with automatic transmission) core-range engines, this
exclusive Renault innovation is today available for even more motorists to enjoy.
MODERN THROUGH AND THROUGH
In addition to its outstanding dynamics, the new Renault Laguna comes with a long list of equipment,
including two audio systems – the core-range 3D Sound by Arkamys® system and the high-end Bose® Sound
System – and a choice of integrated Carminat TomTom® Live or Carminat Bluetooth® DVD navigation, plus
Bluetooth® telephony and digital Plug&Music connectivity.
TRAVELLING COMFORT
New Renault Laguna benefits from extensive work into enhancing acoustic comfort, a field in which the
model – and notably its diesel versions – stands out as the segment's benchmark.
Travelling comfort is ensured by a raft of driver aids which include an electronic parking brake,
cruise control with speed limiter, automatic headlight and windscreen-wiper activation, etc. The high
standard of ride comfort, meanwhile, enables the driver and occupants to savour the car's outstanding
dynamics.
Last but not least, travelling comfort is heightened by the availability of dual-zone, triple-mode
(Soft, Auto and Fast) automatic climate control incorporating an automatic cabin-air recycling function
and a toxicity sensor.
QUALITY ET SAFETY: LAGUNA FUNDAMENTALS
Laguna is acclaimed for its build quality and reliability (TOP3 ranking), its dynamics (thanks to its
4Control chassis) and its segment-topping safety performance (a five-star EuroNCAP rating with a score of
36 points from a possible 37).
*** IN DETAIL ***
MORE DYNAMIC STYLING
The front-end's more forceful and more assertive looks immediately set the tone. In keeping with the
enjoyment promised by new Renault Laguna's performance credentials, the new front design is both
expressive and dynamic. The bumper incorporates a new pearlescent black grille, as well as more extensive
use of chrome trimming.
The waistline of the saloon version extends around the boot, just above the smoke LED rear lights.
Located partly in a relatively high-up position on the boot lid, the latter contribute to the car's
dynamic overall stance and provide a distinctive rear lighting signature.
The twin exhaust tailpipes seen on versions powered by the higher-end engines belie the presence of a
thoroughbred powertrain under the bonnet, while the dual aerial has been incorporated in the rear window
to play a part in the fluidity of the lines.
The new Laguna Estate stands out through its steeply-raked rear window and the form of its rearmost
side windows which accentuate its flowing, sporty lines, a sensation reinforced by the car's profiled
roof bars. Although its wheelbase is identical to that of the saloon version (2.76 metres), new Laguna
Estate is 11 cm longer (4.80 metres), which gives the car its own distinctive personality.
The longer rear overhang frees up 508 litres of boot space with all five seats in place, while total
carrying capacity can easily be extended to up to 1,593 litres with the rear seats fully folded.
The interior also comes with a long list of practical and helpful stowage solutions.
NEW INTERIOR TRIM
New Renault Laguna's occupants benefit from new sporty, mixed material upholsteries.
The materials that have been selected for the cabin, the meticulous attention that has been paid to
the details (visible dashboard cowl stitching, chrome air vent surrounds) and the colours that have been
chosen for the interior trim only serve to heighten the impression of quality.
The full-width, slush-moulded dashboard appears to be completely separate from the console, making a
further contribution to the new Renault Laguna range's high-end appeal.
The different radio and navigation displays are all perfectly integrated, while the controls and
displays have been designed and positioned to be as user-friendly and reassuring as possible.
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New Laguna was designed to deliver real driving pleasure. Its benchmark dynamics benefit from an
impressively efficient chassis which is powered by a broad choice of particularly capable, fuel-efficient
powerplants. Those versions of the new Renault Laguna equipped with the 4Control chassis and four-wheel
steering boast exceptional on-road performance for even greater pleasure, safety and efficiency. Now
associated with the dCi 130, dCi 150 and dCi 175 (with automatic transmission) core-range engines, this
exclusive Renault innovation is today available for even more motorists to enjoy.
RENAULT'S EXTENSIVE KNOWHOW FOR A MORE PRECISE DRIVE
New Renault Laguna's road holding, travelling comfort and driving pleasure benefits from Renault's
extensive engineering expertise in each of these fields.
Precise steering
For enhanced driving enjoyment along twisty roads, the steering precision of the new Renault Laguna
benefits from closer-ratio steering and a stiffer steering column. Thanks to a ratio of 16:1 (i.e. a
16-degree turn of the steering wheel turns the wheel by one degree), manoeuvring is facilitated and the
car's handling is nimbler.
The stiffer feel and the systematic elimination of play mean that owners benefit from a more direct
sensation and more precise feedback from the road thanks to a shorter response time between the moment
an instruction is given via the steering wheel and the moment the car turns.
Versions equipped with the range's most powerful engines (2.0 T 170 and dCi 180) are equipped with
hydraulic power steering.
The other versions feature an active electric pump unit which finely adjusts the degree of power
assistance as a function of the rate of the electric pump, which itself is dictated by the driving
conditions. This rate depends on the speed and required level of power assistance (speed, steering wheel
angle), a solution which benefits fuel consumption by electrically optimising the input of the pump.
A responsive chassis
New Laguna's chassis delivers exceptional cornering performance, providing drivers with a greater sense
of enjoyment at the wheel without detracting from the vertical performance of the suspension. Renault's
engineers paid particular attention to optimising cornering precision and body roll. Specific roll is an
objective measure of a car's ability to corner 'flat' and describes the angle of the body in comparison
with the road. In the case of the new Renault Laguna, that angle is 1.9 degrees (average for the segment
= 2.2° degrees) for a lateral acceleration value of 5m/s², a situation which corresponds to driving along
a twisty road or to taking a 400-metre diameter roundabout at 60 km/h.
The front suspension features a MacPherson-type arrangement with a 24 mm-diameter anti-roll bar, while
the rear suspension is based on a compact, lightweight programmed-deflection flexible H-beam incorporating
an anti-roll bar, the diameter of which varies from 28.8 mm to 30.5 mm depending on version.
4CONTROL CHASSIS WITH FOUR-WHEEL STEERING: an exceptional chassis now within reach of an even higher
number of motorists
The handling of those versions of new Renault Laguna equipped with the 4Control chassis with four-wheel
steering is as agile in built up areas as it is precise along twisty roads. Even at low speeds, the system
immediately feels natural to the driver. First seen in 2008 on the range's sportier versions (Laguna GT,
then Laguna Coupé), the 4Control chassis is now available with new Laguna Saloon and new Laguna Estate's
core-range engines, namely the dCi 130, the dCi 150 and the dCi 175 with automatic transmission. The
4Control chassis is an exclusive Renault innovation which is today within reach of an even higher number
of Laguna drivers.
The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering delivers valuable benefits:
- More incisive handling,
- Nimbler, easier manoeuvring,
- Unrivalled directional precision which permits the driver to intuitively position the car on the ideal
cornering line,
- Enhanced driving enjoyment at all speeds,
- A remarkable active safety feature.
Based on specific settings and uprated ride-height control, the control of body roll gives occupants the
sensation that the car corners perfectly flat. Driving pleasure through the first turns of a series of
corners is augmented by the absence of transient dynamic phenomena, as well as by the car's precise
steering at low steering wheel angles.
The low-speed manoeuvrability of a small city car
At speeds of less than 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, up to an
angle of 3.5 degrees. In this situation, the 4Control chassis brings two benefits: a smaller turning
circle for easier manoeuvring and smaller steering wheel angles thanks to the closer-ratio, specially
calibrated steering.
Indeed, equipped with the 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering, new Renault Laguna's turning circle
is 10 per cent smaller than it is with two wheel steering, i.e. just 10.80 metres with 18-inch wheels – the
same as a Clio! – compared with 12.05 metres. The greater the rear-wheel steering angle, therefore, the
smaller the turning circle. This enhanced manoeuvrability is especially welcome in tight parking situations
and along narrow city streets.
Meanwhile, the cumulative effect of the front and rear wheels' steering action means that smaller
steering angles are needed for the same turning effect. Whereas it takes a steering wheel angle of 16
degrees to produce a one-degree turn of the front wheels on new Laguna with two wheel steering, it takes
just 13.5 degrees with the 4Control chassis. And this drops to 12 degrees when the rear wheels are turned
at the maximum 3.5-degree angle in the opposite direction to the front wheels.
Because the steering is more direct, the driver doesn’t need to turn the steering wheel so much, so the
impression of manoeuvrability and agility is significantly reinforced. For any given bend profile,
therefore, the driver needs to turn the steering wheel less. Roundabouts are no trouble at all, and the
car seems to weave effortlessly around obstacles.
At higher speeds, the car turns as if on rails
From 60 km/h, Renault Laguna Coupe offers greater steering precision. The rear wheels turn
simultaneously in the same direction as the fronts for greater stability. In this configuration, the car
turns as if it were running on rails, following the profile of the corner without effort.
The 4Control system with four-wheel steering counters the centrifugal force that tends to push the rear
outwards round bends, and consequently raises the safe cornering speed. The rear axle follows the ideal
trajectory, with a rear-wheel angle of less than two degrees in most situations, the result being greater
stability and efficacy. The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering delivers more dynamic performance,
plus sound, reassuring response for even greater driving pleasure.
Unrivalled active safety
The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering also contributes to safety and reinforces the reassuring
sensation felt during avoidance manoeuvres. In an emergency situation, the angle of the rear wheels can
rise to 3.5 degrees.
Deployment of the ESC (Electronic Stability Control), which is specifically calibrated to suit a sporty
driving style, is delayed to enable the manoeuvre to be completed more swiftly. The ESC is only activated
when this becomes necessary, and is applied gradually since it is linked to the rear-wheel turning action.
Via the ESC/ABS unit, the control unit also detects asymmetrical braking situations and automatically
adapts the rear-wheel turn angle to keep the car stable with no driver action required. The driver stays
in control during critical situations for an even more reassuring ride in everyday driving situations.
Dynamic logic applied to a mechanical system
Developed jointly by teams from Renault and Renault Sport Technologies, the 4Control chassis with
four-wheel steering functions thanks to active electronic control of the vehicle's dynamics. A sensor on
the steering column sends steering wheel angle information via the CAN network to the 4Control control
unit which is positioned near the rear axle.
The control unit also inputs vehicle speed received from the ESC/ABS unit and tracks steering wheel
movements to detect sporty driving styles or avoidance situations.
All these parameters are analysed to determine the required rear-wheel turn angle which is implemented
by means of an electric actuator located on the rear axle. Precise digital modelling of the vehicle's
dynamics allows the ideal turn-in to be calculated constantly using information based on the driver's
instructions via the steering and the actual real time dynamics of the car.
Unrivalled active safety
The 4Control chassis with four-wheel steering also contributes to safety and reinforces the reassuring
sensation felt during avoidance manoeuvres. In an emergency situation, the angle of the rear wheels can
rise to 3.5 degrees.
CAPABLE, FUEL-EFFICIENT ENGINES
In addition to being affordable to buy, new Laguna was engineered to ensure low running costs. Indeed,
its running, servicing and repair costs figure amongst the lowest in the model's segment, thanks notably
to the dCi 110 hp (81kW) and dCi 150 hp (110kW) engines.
New Renault Laguna is now even more environmentally friendly than before thanks to an average
fuel-consumption gain of 0.5 litres/100 km across the range
The dCi engines: outstanding enjoyment, reliability and economy
Versions of new Renault Laguna equipped with the dCi 110 hp (81 kW) engine benefit from record low
emissions for a saloon of this size and class. Its score of 120 g of CO2/km is equivalent to combined
cycle fuel consumption of 4.7 litres/100 km and represents a 16 g/km saving over Laguna III at the time
of its launch in 2007. Even so, such versions combine the characteristics expected of a modern touring
car (240 Nm of torque available from 2,000 rpm) with contained overall running costs, making it perfectly
suited to high-mileage drivers.
Versions powered by the M9R engine deliver superior performance and driving pleasure, and are
available in a choice of four power outputs: 130 hp, 150 hp, 175 hp (matched to automatic transmission)
and 180 hp (96 kW, 110 kW, 127 kW and 131 kW respectively). These engines are particularly ideally matched
to the performance of new Laguna's chassis. Peak torque stands at between 320 Nm and 400 Nm, and all four
engines accelerate crisply and smoothly up to 5,200 rpm.
Depending on version, fuel consumption ranges from 5.2 to 5.7 litres/100 km (6.2 litres/100 km with
automatic transmission). Low CO2 emissions of between 136 and 163g/km ensure that each one of these
engines is respectful of the environment for its specification and for the segment.
These engines are equipped with a range of technologies that contribute to their low pollutant
emissions performance (particulate filter, new EGR, revised fuel-injection system).
Petrol engines: responsive and efficient
The dynamic, quiet and smooth 16-valve 2.0-litre petrol engine (M4R) delivers maximum power of 140 hp
(103.4 kW) and peak torque of 195 Nm.
This Renault-Nissan-developed E85-compatible powerplant combines punchy response and torque at low revs
with sprightly performance at higher engines speeds, remarkable driving pleasure across the full revband
and cushioned acoustics.
Despite combined cycle fuel consumption of just 7.5 litres/100 km (equivalent to 173 g of CO2/km), it
powers new Laguna Saloon from a standstill to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. The timing chain requires no
maintenance and is covered by a lifetime warranty.
The 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine (F4Rt) delivers peak power of 170 hp (125 kW) and
maximum torque of 270 Nm. It drives through a proactive six-speed automatic transmission (AJ0) and returns
combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.7 litres/100 km (equivalent to 201 g of CO2/km).
With this engine under the bonnet, new Laguna Saloon is particularly enjoyable and covers the 1,000-metre
standing start in 30.2 seconds.
Lower running costs
New Laguna makes life easier for its owners thanks to longer servicing intervals. Oil Control System
(OCS) technology means that oil changes are only recommended every 30,000 km for all but the turbocharged
petrol engine (every 20,000 km).
The spark plugs and air and diesel filters only need changing every 60,000 km, while the timing belt and
accessories of petrol and diesel versions only have to be changed every 120,000 km or 160,000 km
respectively, although the timing chain of the 2.0 16V petrol and 2.0 dCi diesel versions is covered by a
lifetime warranty.
All the engines benefit from lower fuel consumption in everyday use. New Laguna comes with a 12-year
anti-corrosion warranty.
MODERN THROUGH AND THROUGH
Audio systems that place the emphasis on sound quality and connectivity
New Renault Laguna is available with one of two audio systems:
- 3D Sound by Arkamys®: the Renault line-up's benchmark sound quality.
- Bose® Sound System: the premium system boasting excellent sound reproduction and listening enjoyment
for all occupants, wherever they are seated
3D Sound by Arkamys®
Customers who are looking for a high-performance surround sound experience and accurate sound
reproduction will be sure to appreciate the standard audio system developed for new Renault Laguna in
association with Arkamys®. The 140W 3D Sound by Arkamys® system comprises:
- Eight loudspeakers (four mid-range speakers and four tweeters),
- Arkamys® digital sound-processing for accurate, three-dimensional surround-sound reproduction,
- Twin aerial for optimal audio reception,
- Bluetooth® connectivity gives drivers access to the functions of their mobile phone via the car's
steering wheel-mounted controls,
- Plug&Music connectivity enables music stored on a USB key, portable player, iPod® or Smartphone to
be played through the car's own audio system. Menus and playlists are displayed on the dashboard
- the audio streaming by Bluetooth®
Bose®: tailor-engineered premium sound
To guarantee high-quality sound reproduction and listening enjoyment for all of new Renault Laguna's
occupants, Renault has joined forces with Bose®.
The latter's engineers started from a clean sheet, taking into account not only the materials found
inside new Laguna's cabin but also more than one thousand acoustic readings.
The number, type and position of the loudspeakers used for the system were carefully selected, while
the digital processors and signal equalisers were tuned to match the car's sonic profile.
Engineering teams from Bose® and Renault then worked closely together to develop the system which
delivers an exceptional audio experience.
The Bose® Sound System engineered for Renault Laguna comprises 10 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier
incorporating a Bose sound processor and a six-channel individualised equaliser.
The dashboard-mounted centre fill speaker permits passengers to benefit from clear sound and a
correctly situated sound centre, whether they are seated on the left- or right-hand side of the car.
Meanwhile, the rear-left wheel well incorporates a bass speaker for rich, realistic bass reproduction.
The Bose® system available for Renault Latitude delivers maximum enjoyment and a uniquely realistic
listening experience thanks to crystal-clear high tones and rich bass sounds, wherever occupants are
seated.
At low volumes, the driver and passengers profit from a warm, balanced sound that allows them to
benefit from all the nuances of the original recording. Higher volumes enable the system to deliver its
full potential without distortion.
The specification of the Bose® system also incorporates:
- A twin aerial for optimised audio reception,
- Bluetooth® connectivity which allows the driver to operate their phone via the steering wheel-mounted
remote controls,
- Plug&Music connectivity which enables the driver to control portable music systems (USB key, mobile
player, iPod®) using the steering wheel-mounted controls, with menus and playlists displayed on the dashboard
- The audio streaming by Bluetooth®
CARMINAT TOMTOM® LIVE: fully-connected navigation
Renault's latest integrated, connected navigation system – Carminat TomTom® LIVE – is as affordable as
ever (less than €500), even more precise, simple to use and perfectly suited to everyday motoring.
For even smarter guidance, the previously existing software – IQ Routes® (which proposes routes based on
real-world traffic flow statistics), Advanced Lane Guidance® (advanced views of junctions and lanes) and
Mapshare® (map updating via the TomTom® community) – is now joined by the four innovative services provided
by TomTom®
Live:
1 - HD Traffic®: Europe's best real-time traffic information service. In less than three minutes,
Europe-wide traffic information is fed to the system, processed by TomTom®'s servers and made available to
warn drivers of the extent of upcoming traffic jams and likely delays. If necessary, Carminat TomTom® Live
recalculates an alternative itinerary to the user's destination. One million motorists currently benefit
from this service every day,
2 - In certain countries, advanced warning of mobile speed checks is provided. Carminat TomTom® Live is
the only integrated satnav that provides real-time warning of speed camera locations based on information
supplied by the market's most efficient data bases, including CSDB (Coyote Safety Data Base) in France and
Road Angel in the United Kingdom,
3 - The Local Search with Google® function uses search words to provide access to 11 million points of
interest and associated information (telephone numbers, descriptions, Google community opinions),
4 - Last but not least, long range, five-day weather forecasts covering the itinerary and destination
are available anywhere in Europe.
These four Carminat TomTom® Live services (real-time European traffic information service with HD
Traffic®, advanced mobile speed check warnings, Local Search with Google™, weather forecasts) are free of
charge for a three-month trial period, after which an annual prepaid subscription can be taken out via the
TomTom® HOME application.
In certain markets, an alternative navigation system is available, namely Carminat Bluetooth® DVD which
includes:
- A seven-inch 16/9 display with 3D Birdview function,
- Europe-wide mapping,
- Voice recognition for navigation and Bluetooth® telephony functions
- A radio-CD with an MP3-compatible six-CD multichanger,
- Twin aerial and double tuner for impeccable reception,
- Speed check information (depending on country).
TRAVELLING COMFORT
New Renault Laguna benefits from extensive work into enhancing acoustic comfort, a field in which the
model – and notably its diesel versions – stands out as the segment's benchmark.
Travelling comfort is ensured by a raft of driver aids which include an electronic parking brake, cruise
control with speed limiter, automatic headlight and windscreen-wiper activation, etc. The high standard of
ride comfort, meanwhile, enables the driver and occupants to savour the car's outstanding dynamics.
Last but not least, travelling comfort is heightened by the availability of dual-zone, triple-mode (Soft,
Auto and Fast) automatic climate control incorporating an automatic cabin-air recycling function and a
toxicity sensor Maximum comfort: silence is golden.
New Laguna benefits from action on three fronts:
- reduced engine noise, especially at low speeds,
- isolation from road noise,
- and, above all, reduced wind noise.
The acoustic comfort performance of the diesel engined-versions is equivalent to that of the petrol
versions, thanks notably to the inherent qualities of the powerplants themselves.
Work has also gone into increasing engine-damping travel, including innovative solutions such as the
fixation between the top of the gearbox casing and the battery support which enables the latter to serve
as an acoustic damper (patented).
New Renault Laguna's aerodynamics were carefully honed at a very early stage of the car's design. The
windscreen wipers are positioned beneath the bonnet line, while the special design of the exterior mirror
housings and windscreen pillars reduces turbulence and consequently wind noise.
Driving comfort
A long list of equipment has been included to take the strain out of driving:
- Front and rear parking proximity sensors, with the zone immediately in front of or behind the car
now shown on the main dashboard display in addition to the audible warning,
- Third-generation Renault hands-free card incorporating the control for the 'see you home' lights,
- Integrated fuel filler flap release to facilitate the 'filling up' process,
- Gearshift indicator (facilitates 'eco' driving),
- Cruise control with speed limiter,
- Electronic parking brake, etc
Ride comfort
The suspension ensures a comfortable ride thanks to the control of vertical travel. The combination of
pressurised dampers at the front and bitube rear dampers enables obstacles to be soaked up smoothly at
moderate speeds.
Through corners, ride comfort is ensured by restricting body roll, while the seats are firmer, with a
level of lateral support that enables occupants to savour the car's on-road performance ability.
Quality cabin air
The Soft-Auto-Fast controls for the advanced, innovative triple-action climate control are intuitive to
use and positioned together between the vents, while the system’s automatic functions can be customized to
suit individual requirements.
The functions of the benchmark 'Auto' mode take their inspiration from the market’s best systems and
ensure an optimised trade-off between thermal and acoustic comfort, as well as quick start-up.
The 'Soft' mode favours a quieter, more cocooning ambience, notably for the driver and front
passenger.
Finally, the 'Fast' mode acts swiftly to heat up or cool the cabin in record time.
QUALITY AND SAFETY: LAGUNA FUNDAMENTALS
Laguna is acclaimed for its build quality and reliability (TOP3 ranking), its dynamics (thanks to its
4Control chassis) and its segment-topping safety performance (a five-star EuroNCAP rating with a score of
36 points from a possible 37.
QUALITY DIALLED INTO ITS DNA
At the time of its launch in 2007, one of Laguna's III principal objectives was to reposition Renault
amongst the industry's benchmarks in terms of product and service quality.
Today, while the results of certain surveys have yet to be published, they all point to similar
findings. Those independent surveys that have been published (JD Power, ADAC, etc.) and the results of
in-house surveys and tests in the specialist media suggest that Laguna has succeeded in achieving a TOP3
ranking.
Laguna has ensured that uncompromising quality has become a deeply rooted part of Renault's DNA, at
every phase of its vehicles' life cycle, from their design and production, to sales and after-sales
service. The efforts made by Renault on the quality front over many years have been of benefit to all the
group's models, with each new vehicle proving more reliable than its predecessor.
IN TOTAL SAFETY
New Renault Laguna enables all occupants to enjoy a relaxing drive thanks to the models' superior
comfort and safety for its class (36 EuroNCAP points from a possible 37).
When it comes to protecting occupants, Laguna benefits from all the latest innovations, as well as from
Renault's extensive, acclaimed knowhow in the field of real-world accident research.
A leader in the realm of active safety…
New Laguna benefits from Renault's acclaimed know how in the fields of both active and passive safety.
In addition to the remarkable dynamics of its chassis, the model delivers superior braking performance for
its class, and notably after repeated stopping (a stopping distance of barely 40 metres – with 16-inch
wheels – after braking 10 times in quick succession from 100 km/h to standstill).
The large brakes comprise ventilated front discs of a diameter between 280 and 296 mm, and 300 mm
diameter rear discs. The control unit/hydraulic unit incorporates a more precise electronically-triggered
emergency brake assist system which is unaffected by mechanical variations.
The quality of the chassis, combined with a precise and auto-adaptive digital model of the car's
dynamics, permits more rigorous anticipation of emergency situations. ABS and ESC are standard and more
efficient thanks to priming of the brakes to eliminate jolting.
Meanwhile, the optionally available bi-Xenon headlights turn into corners as a function of the car's
speed and steering wheel angle. This technology provides up to 90 per cent extra light through corners
compared with halogen headlights.
A tyre pressure monitoring system can be also ordered as an option.
…a well as in the realm of passive safety
The different passive safety solutions developed by Renault are based on the lessons taught by research
into real-life accident situations and the real-world behaviour of motorists which are used to provide a
more holistic and more efficient approach to occupant safety.
To guarantee even greater protection, the electronics of new Renault Laguna have been designed to ensure
that the latest-generation protection systems are triggered sooner.
A three-way algorithm covers all the possible configurations to optimise their performance in different
impact situations (complex front impact, impact from the rear or side). Impact from the side is a leading
cause of fatal injuries since the flanks of a car traditionally offer less protection. However, specific
work in this area has produced spectacular results.
To detect and respond to impact situations up to twice as quickly, new Laguna benefits from a unique
system that comprises twin side-impact sensors located in the front doors and B-pillars. A specific
algorithm adapts the response time to the impact force and triggers the release of the new generation
dual-chamber, double-pressure lateral thorax/groin airbags.
Legislation dictates that the system must be effective up to 50 km/h, but the protection afforded by
new Renault Laguna is effective up to 70 km/h. This efficient set-up is founded on a system of either six
or eight airbags (including the optional rear thorax airbags) positioned all around occupants. The front
seat belt double pretensioners now act on both extremities of the belt (outer lap attachment and reel).
This solution, combined with an anti-submarining airbag incorporated in the seat cushion, ensures that
occupants are held firmly in their seat in a head-on impact and prevents them from sliding beneath the lap
strap of the seat belt. The fixed central buckle is designed to facilitate fastening. The three-point seat
belts themselves are equipped with load limiters, and New Renault Laguna comes with a seat belt light for
all five seats, as well as audible seat belt warnings for the front occupants.
Close attention has been paid, too, at the seat-frames themselves for even greater efficiency and
comfort. Despite the slimmer front seat backs, the passengers’ backs can sink freely into the seat, while
protection of the neck in the case of rear impact is enhanced thanks to new-generation head restraints into
which the fixation rods are incorporated.
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