Today SUVs dominate the scene, but if we go back to the 90s the situation is very different. At the end of 1993 Renault presents its new mid-range model, the successor to the Renault 21: the Laguna.
The lines of the newcomer, launched on 14 January 1994, were inspired by the Safrane and the series model arrived in September 1995. The name “Laguna” had already been in circulation within the company since 1990, and when it arrived on the market it is not always called the same thing: in France it is “Nevada”, in Germany “Grandtour”.
A turning point compared to the past
The Laguna’s rounded design contrasts with Losanga’s previous, more angular cars. In addition to the three four-cylinder engines, Renault offers for the first time in the Laguna segment a V6 petrol engine 3.0 liter engine with 167 HP, which allows a maximum speed of 220 km/h. With the 1998 restyling, the power was increased to 190 HP and the maximum speed to 235 km/h.
Renault
Renault Laguna I (1994-2001)
In terms of quality and reliabilitythe Laguna ranks immediately high, in second place in a 1995 survey by the French SOFRES institute, just after the Toyota Carina and well ahead of the Audi 80, Opel Vectra, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Citroën Xantia.
However, a corrosion problem in the rear wheel arches and side skirts (only resolved in late 1995) is only recognized by customers after sales begin and some face a recall.
The interior of the Laguna is characterized by a very original dashboard, with everything at hand. The horn controls are located in the steering wheel bell (an absolute novelty for a French car) and the emergency lights are more easily accessible to passengers to avoid the recurring criticisms of German buyers. However, so as not to offend French customers, Renault opts for two controls for the horn: in the steering wheel and the usual control at the end of the light lever.
Renault
Renault Laguna I (1994-2001)
The range is initially divided into four trim levels: RN, RT, RXE and V6. Equipment is very limited in the base models, but becomes very decent once you reach the middle of the range.
More and more luxurious
The traditional one will soon be added to this range “Baccarat” versionoffering a luxurious beige cabin with half-leather, half-linen upholstery and ABS since September 1995.
Renault
Starting from the year of production (1998), this version is replaced by the exclusive and less common “Initial“, which offers a full leather cabin and a light gray interior, while metallic gray “Initiale Paris” monograms are placed next to the turn signals.
Finally, the Laguna receives an extremely luxurious cabin, named “Pozzoti” after an Italian designer. This version with a mixture of leather and lightly felted velvet is only available in a limited edition of seven units and is reserved for the luxury market of Singapore.
Sports career
The mildly sporty orientation of the Laguna becomes known as “2.0 S” or “RTi”, with 16V monograms on the front doors and Volvo’s 2-liter (1,948 cc) 16V petrol engine (type N7Q) with 140 HP (the engine of the Volvo S40/V40). In July 1999, this Volvo block is replaced by a more modern one “F engine” Renault in the form of a 2.0-liter 16V with 136 HP, but with more torque and lower consumption (-13%).
An even more powerful version is introduced in 1995 as Biturbo Hartge Lagoon. Tuner Hartge installs the V6 from the Safrane Biturbo here and the car reaches a top speed of 254 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7 seconds. It delivers a maximum power of 280 HP at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 399 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and power is sent to the front wheels. It is said that only 5 or 7 examples were built.
Speaking of performance, Renault enters the Laguna in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 1994. Alain Menu and the 1992 champion Tim Harvey, already drivers in 1993, were retained. Menu and Renault finished second, behind Gabriele Tarquini and his Alfa Romeo 155, and the season brought three victories (two for Menu and one for Harvey).
What the press says
“What performance!”, wrote the ADAC in 1995, recognizing a small French revolution compared to the Renault 21. “The whole car gives an impression of rigidity and solidity”, we read, along with praise for the excellent gear lever . According to testers, it pairs perfectly with the “powerful and torquey” 113PS 2.0-litre petrol engine.
The driving behavior, including directional stability and steering, also impresses German journalists. However, the rather stiff suspension and excessively soft front seats are criticized.
Renault
Renault Laguna I facelift dal 1998
The last years of the “first” generation
In April 1998, the Laguna receives a facelift. In addition to new trim variants (RNE, RTE, RXE, RXT) and standard air conditioning, the front is equipped with new headlights, while the entire rear band is renewed and becomes orange in the upper part and red in the lower part.
The front bumper is also redesigned and equipped with round fog lights, also used on the Mégane I Phase 2, Scénic I Phase 2 and Twingo I Phase 3 models. The characteristic “gill” spoiler is abandoned in favor of a simple plastic strip, which increases the ground clearance at the front.
On a technical level, they are introduced new petrol engines: a 1.6-liter 16-valve with 110 HP, a 1.8-liter 16-valve with 115 HP and a 2-liter 16-valve with 136 HP. The diesels are also revised: the large 2.2-litre dT receives a turbo which improves power and torque. Subsequently, the very first version of the 1.9-liter dCi with 107 HP is presented, which introduces the principle ofhigh pressure common rail injection in Renault.
Production of the first Laguna ended in 2001 after 1.52 million units.
Source: it.motor1.com
