2001 Renault Laguna II Manual PDF

Car test R0136 See also R0071 June 2001 Renault Laguna II Featured model: 1.8 16v Hatchback Dynamique W ITH THE LATEST MONDEO getting rave reviews, is it worth considering this Gallic alternative? We think so, because the elegant Laguna not only offers “something a bit different”, but it’s arguably one of the safest cars in its sector. It also boasts a bunch of new electronic aids to the motoring good life. The first of these is needed to get into the car. There are no keys, just a card, with the promise of automatic unlocking (soon) simply because you’re carrying the card on you. Other unique features include being able to check your tyre pressures without having to get out and kick them, the possibility of no less than eight airbags (six on our car), plus pretensioning belts for four. The Laguna isn’t as long as the Mondeo, and it shows in the back seat area. The absence of footroom under the front seats results in a “knees-up” posture, though kneeroom is adequate. In truth, Renault has gone for style before functionality – even the rear cushion remains fixed, though the extended load area is carefully trimmed. It’s a different story up front, however; both seats have height adjusters and generally cosset well, with good legroom for both taller and shorter drivers. There are irritations in control, but they’re of a minor nature, such as hard-to-see warning lights low-down and a door mirror that’s not converted for right-hand drive. When it comes to pressing the new (old-fashioned) starter button, the Laguna soon demonstrates differences from the Ford in its road manners, too. Even in the “sporty” Dynamique, with its ultra-low-profile-tyres, the suspension is biased more towards ride than handling prowess, and its engine’s unremarkable performance is delivered with affable flexibility around town and more hush at motorway pace. Nevertheless, around town the two litre, with more power, could be a good idea. The ABS brakes have brake-assist, that reduces the effort required if you depress the pedal suddenly (as in an emergency). This sound notion is spoilt by too much servo assistance at any time – so you tend to stop more quickly than you bargain for, when there isn’t a panic situation. The Laguna’s crash-safety seems beyond reproach, although our front passengers found the seatbelt socket difficult to locate. Also, we hope that all the new features designed to augment safety and security prove reliable – the previous Laguna had a patchy track record in this respect. VERDICT The Laguna 1.8 Hatchback is very safe and very cossetting, yet it shuns Scenic-style versatility with maximum use of space. Neither does it offer anything special in terms of acceleration or fuel economy, yet it’s a very undemanding, flexible performer. Though not a “sweep-the-board” class leader, its special convenience, safety and security features nevertheless break new ground in the family car sector. Nice and reassuring. AT A GLANCE considering size, price and rivals Overtaking ability Space/practicality Controls/displays Handling/steering Comfort Fuel economy SPECIFICATION engine 1783cc, 4-cylinder, petrol: 123bhp at 5750rpm, 125 lb ft at 3750rpm; beltdriven twin overhead camshafts, 16 valves transmission 5-speed manual, frontwheel drive; 20.8 mph/1000rpm in 5th, 16.9 in 4th suspension front: independent damper/ struts with integral coil springs. Rear: torsion beam (dead) axle with coil springs; telescopic dampers steering engine-speed sensitive hydraulic power assistance; 3.2 turns lock-to-lock; 10.9m diameter turning circle between kerbs (17.4m for one turn of the wheel) brakes ventilated discs front, solid discs rear, with anti-skid and brake-assist override controls both standard wheels/tyres 6½in pressed aluminium with 205/55R16 tyres (cast alloy – with 225/45R17 on Dynamique test car); 205/55R16 (steel) spare LIKES ... oddments spaces lined – so silent! hazard lights come on in heavy braking entire facia has soft-feel finish no external aerial to get bent and GRIPES rear cushions fixed – no flat load deck offside door mirror adjustment limited odd-sized spare wheel sun visors too shallow THE LAGUNA RANGE type and size upper medium (mid-priced) hatchback and estate trim levels Authentique, Expression, Dynamique, Privilége, Initiale engines petrol: 4 cylinder/1.6 litre/110bhp; 4/1.8/123, 4/2.0(Di)/140, V6/3.0/210 diesel: 4/1.9/120, (4/2.2/145 later) drive front-wheel drive, 5-speed (petrol) and 6-speed (diesel); 4/5-speed stepped automatics, with torque converter, optional Safety

CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS Reach and rake steering plus seat height and lumbar levers. Clear, accurate displays plus unusual “card key” and tyre pressure monitor. Automatic locking – only if you want it

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