Renault Laguna

Automotive industries across the globe are dominated by the leading brands in those specific countries. When zooming in to the French zone, Renault stands as one of the best manufacturers from that country. It was established in 1899, and has therefore stood for more than a century now. The company has won over shares of the market not only through cars, but through other commercial vehicles that include trucks and vans. In 2011, this was the eleventh largest car producer, with more than half of its sales based outside of Europe.

Among the ranging fleet of vehicles that the company has modeled, one of the finest is the Renault Laguna. This is a large sized family car that has been in production since 1993. The vehicle has been at the fore of this company's vehicle ranges since its release, and it has seen a couple of revisions over the two decades of its growth.

The latest, revamped version of this vehicle was introduced a few years back. This third generation version was launched in numerous countries across the world and is expected to be launched here in India as well, sometime later on this year. The third generation of this vehicle comes with a great variation in its features. It is made with a far more modernized touch, and takes on new advancements from its original build two decades back. Its predecessor had a more clean cut, boxed shape, the third generation of the model features more slender lines and an elegance evoking body format. The overall structure of the vehicle has been revitalized dramatically. At the front, the headlamps take on a curious, slanting shape that resembles a boomerang. The emblem of the company is posted at the center of the front as always, between the headlamps. The front grille has now been taken off, and only a thin line remains separating the emblem of the company from the air intakes below. Situated on either side of the air intakes are a small, circular light.

The elegantly designed front bumper slides over towards the side profile, emerging to form prominent fenders that curve around the wheels. Further accentuating the strength of the side profile is a lining between the door handles and the bottom, that stretches all the way to the rear of the vehicle. The rear features a uniquely shaped tail lamp system on both sides, vertical and slim. They are complete with LEDs, turn indicators and courtesy lights. The emblem of the company manifests at the centre of the trunk door at the rear, between the two tail lights. The exhaust pipes are situated at opposite edges of the rear. Coming to the louder, more fearsome aspect, the vehicle is expected to come with both petrol and diesel engine trims. In countries elsewhere where this revamped version had been launched, there were a range of engines for both petrol and diesel variations. It is, at this point, uncertain how many of the engine mills would be available to equip the vehicle when released in Indian markets. However, the range of engine mills vary from 1.6-litre mills all the way to 3.5-litre mills.

At the bottom end of the engine trims, the 1.6-litre engine has a displacement value of 1598cc. It has 16 valves integrated together through the L4 configuration. It bursts with a maximum power of 110hp. This engine trim can take the vehicle to a top speed of 192kmph, and allows it to cross the 100kmph mark in about 11 seconds. Going one level up, a 2.0-litre engine trim also exists. It has a displacement value of 1995cc which is rather admirable. The power that this trim delivers is 180hp. It soars to a top speed of 222kmph, and can dash from naught to 100kmph in just 8.5 seconds. A 3.0-litre engine trim lays lined up next, with a displacement value surging forth at 2993cc. It produces a peak power of 235hp, and sends the vehicle to a top speed of 242kmph. Its acceleration rate is also astonishing, with just 7.3 seconds taken to complete the rush from 0 to 100kmph. The most powerful trims of the lot is the 3.5-litre engine, which has a displacement capability of 3498cc. This mill produces a maximum power of 238hp. The top speed of the vehicle with this mill is 244kmph, and the time it takes to rise from naught to 100kmph is just 7.4 seconds.

All of these together seal this vehicle's capacity in the performance field. Going to the softer side, the interior design of the vehicle is sure to be up-to-date on all elements of design that cars of the day require. The premium upholstery that Renault has always given its vehicles will be present in the cabin of the vehicle. It is expected that the upholstery is of mixed TEP and dark charcoal fabric, complete with side bolsters. The seats would surely be large and comfortable, built on firm ergonomic discipline. The instrument panel, upfront, is redesigned and carries a dashing look. It carries all the equipment and accessories that one would expect of this vehicle. Sitting upfront, the center console contains storage arenas for all the passengers' necessities. Power windows are complete with an anti-trap feature, and the electric mirrors have a defrost system and rain sensor, further hiking comfort for the passengers. The air conditioning system is complete with automatic dual air conditioning as a feature, along with dual zone climate control. The advanced stereo system that one would expect from this French car maker is upto its resolve. It is armed with a 3D surround sound by Arkmays. The entertainment provided in the cabin is further upgraded with a radio feature and a CD and MP3 playback feature. There is an input jack with 8 speakers, and USB connectivity. A Bluetooth feature raises the luxury of the cabin to the very finest. The vehicle is expected to unveil with techno aids that include the Dynamic stability control, blending comfort with safety. Furthermore, it has Electronic stability control, and cruise control for maximum stability always. The parking brake ensures further safety. All of this put together, it is no doubt that the manufacturer have paved the way for a positively received response when this vehicle sets foot on Indian roads.