Renault aims to tease with new Laguna

Buyers must wait until June to see it properly, but in the meantime, the firm has also released some official shapshots to give away a few of the family car's striking details. Following the lead of rejuvenated rival Citroen, Renault has turned on the style. From the headlamps to the centre console, it all has a new look. With the emphasis on quality and reliability, top brass want to push their challenger upmarket. But that doesn't mean it will be more expensive. The maker knows that to be a success it must compete with Ford's Mondeo on price. As a result, the Laguna range is expected to start at around ??15,000. Renault has also been listening to its customers. After consistently poor ratings in Auto Express's Driver Power reliability and satisfaction survey, inclu?*?*?*ding the firm finishing 33rd out of 37 in 2007, chiefs say they are committed to turning things around. A spokes?*man told us: "The new Laguna shows elements reflecting the intensive work carried out in the cabin, with partic?*ular attention paid to the quality of materials and the fit and finish, which will undoubtedly draw comparison with those of its premium rivals." The company claims it has made huge dynamic improvements to the model, too, and that the Laguna's new platform has the capability to offer four-wheel drive in addition to the front-drive set-up of basic versions. As with the Mondeo, the next-generation machine will be bigger than before, although not quite as large as the Ford. It will be offered in both five-door and estate bodystyles when it goes on sale here in October. The Laguna won't be the only new Renault arriving this year, though. As well as the Twingo city car, due in September, the company will pull the covers off a new compact 4x4, in addition to a revised Kangoo. Visit Renault's official launch web?*site - www.insidenewlaguna.com - to track the latest model's progress.

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