2011 Renault Laguna Gets Facelift Review

Following a simplified range structure, the new line-up incorporates three core trim levels, Expression, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom. The Laguna Coupe is unaffected by the changes. All models in the revised range come with comprehensive specification levels. For the entry-level Expression, this includes Arkamys 3D Sound single CD/radio MP3 with Bluetoothâ„¢ and fingertip control, 16'� alloy wheels, air conditioning, aux input, ESC and front fog lights.

Moving up the range to the expected best-seller, Dynamique TomTom, adds a raft of extra equipment designed to make life at the wheel even more relaxed. Among its enhanced specification are automatic parking brake, headlights and wipers, cruise control, chrome twin exhausts (excluding dCi 110), dual zone climate control, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, hands-free keycard, rear parking sensors, multi-functional TunePoint (for portable music players) and speed limiter. Lastly, given the version's name, these versions also feature Carminat TomTom Live ®, the latest edition of Renault's integrated satellite navigation system.

The latest incarnation of Renault's innovative Carminat TomTom system now incorporates a new range of real-time services. As easy to operate as ever, the interface is even more effective through the addition of four features:

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 jams and the likely delay. If necessary, Carminat TomTom® Live recalculates an alternative itinerary to the user's destination. One million motorists benefit from this service every day.
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 Road Angel in the UK.
The Local Search with Googleâ„¢ function uses search words to provide access to 11 million points of interest and information (telephone numbers, descriptions, Google community opinions).
Last but not least, long range, five-day weather forecasts covering the itinerary and destination are available anywhere in Europe.

These services are free of charge for a three-month trial period, after which an annual subscription can be taken out via the TomTom HOME application. Pricing for this has yet to be confirmed in the UK, but is likely to be in the region of £60.

The new top-of-the range GT Line TomTom benefits from 18'� Interlagos dark finish alloy wheels, BOSE sound system with 10 speakers and amplifier, 4Control four-wheel steering for an even more engaging drive (dCi 180 only), pearl black electric folding door mirrors with memory, and leather and alcantara upholstery with electrically adjustable heated front seats.

Although the entire Laguna 2011 versions range boasts a wealth of comfort, luxury and technological features, a range of options are available to customise versions to specific customer tastes.

Three of the most prominent options are electric panoramic sunroof, BOSE audio system, bi-xenon directional headlights including daytime running lights and the Carminat TomTom Live® navigation system. The striking Malta Blue metallic paint is currently reserved for the top-of-the-range GT Line dCi 180 FAP version.

In addition to individual options, two option packs of bundled items are also available, offering significant cost savings compared to them being bought separately.

The first, Comfort, affords Expression passengers even greater levels of convenience, with dual zone climate control and automatic parking brake, headlight and wipers.

The second, Initiale Lux, rewards customers seeking the ultimate combination of sport and luxury detailing on the already well-equipped Dynamique TomTom versions. Its comprehensive package includes 18'� Celsium alloy wheels, BOSE sound system with 10 speakers and amplifier, electric folding door mirrors with memory, GT leather steering wheel and metallic paint.

The understated sporty and classy black theme continues on the inside with centre console and interior details picked out in high gloss piano black, together with dark carbon leather upholstery, including electrically adjustable and heated front seats.

As well as the cost and equipment improvements, the Laguna 2011 range also benefits from a series of engine enhancements, resulting in reduced emissions and greater fuel economy across the range. The new line-up includes fully Euro 5-compliant engines, plus ten 'Ëœeco2' branded versions with sub-140 grams CO2,covering each of the dCi 110 and 150 diesel-engined variants. Among the most prominent changes are the least emitting 1.5-litre dCi 110 which now emits even less than previously at 120 grams. The 2.0 dCi 180 has also gone down by 13 grams and the 2.0 16V 140 petrol by 7 grams.

Two of these same engines have also benefited from particularly noteworthy fuel economy boosts. The dCi 110 is now able to achieve 60.1 mpg on the combined cycle, up from 57.6, while the dCi 180 has risen from 45.6 to 49.5.