GT cars are wonderful in theory. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, I’m referring to Grand Touring vehicles. These are the vehicles that should be able to move you across the countries of Europe with little problem, plenty of comfort and even more style. Alongside this, a GT car should be quick. Really quite quick. After all, you don’t want to get stuck in rural France now do you?
Renault isn’t known normally for GT cars – you could say that’s a shame given that the Laguna GT looks really quite good. Granted, it is perhaps still too mundane for some (if you’ve seen the Alfa Romeo Blackline GT you’ll know what I mean) but nonetheless, the front-end redesign looks stylish and the car has some decent curves.
Fitting into the family saloon segment of the market, the standard Renault Laguna is a car that is really rather dull – that makes it a break away for the company that brings such bizarre designs as the Megane (the only car with a big arse) and the Twingo – the F1 styled variety of which I’m keen to have a go of. So can this lowly start really provide something you’ll be desperate to drive?
Where It Stands
The GT offering is the absolute top of the range for both the tourer (estate body type) and the hatchback (though similarly to the Vauxhall Vectra, it looks more like a saloon than a hatch). Naturally as it is at the top of the tree you’ll get a lot more extra kit for your money. Whether it’s truly worth it depends on what you want.
The Look
Externally, there’s a much larger black mesh front grill to provide a more menacing look. The headlights stand out a lot more with this look, whilst the eighteen-inch alloys are one of the standout features of the car. They really do make a different to the look and feel. Darkened rear lights, twinned chrome exhausts and lots of GT badges round off the look of the car.
Inside
It is really the internals however of the car that will sell it to you (if you’re going to buy). It is just as good (luckily) as the standard Laguna, with added styling in the shape of two tone leather seats and alcantara sports seats that’ll hug you nicely as you’re driving down to Dover. There’s also a three spoke steering wheel that is flat bottomed in true racing style – just another touch that makes the car a little bit special.
Driving Dynamics
But what’s actually changed when moving from a boring saloon/hatch/estate to something a bit more involving like a GT car? I’m always sceptical about a current car being made into a GT, but luckily the Laguna doesn’t disappoint. Renault has used their much-acclaimed Active Drive four-wheel-steering system on the chassis to create a much more involved driving experience. The science behind this is simple but the level of control is much improved – essentially all four wheels will turn, instead of just the front two. You’ll like it a lot.
Performance
A GT badge, as mentioned, should always mean a bit more power. In this regard, the Laguna is no slouch (it’s hardly a supercar either mind you). The time of 0-60 in 7.8 seconds is very reasonable for the petrol, along with a 145mph top speed. These figures are for the 2.0 litre turbo, however you could opt for the diesel that should give you closer to 40mph and similar power.
And Finally…
With the coming of May seeing this car going on general release, it looks like we’re in for a GT time for Spring. Prices start from a not inconceivable £21,050 for the Petrol.
Leave a Reply