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At the time of graduation, the main classmates and competitors were Audi A4, Chevrolet Malibu, Citroen C5, Ford Mondeo, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Maxima, Nissan Teana, Opel Vectra, Peugeot 408, Skoda Superb, SEAT Altea, Suzuki Kizashi, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat.
First generation (1994-2001)
The development of the Laguna began in 1987 and was completed in 1990. Prototype tests were carried out in the period 1991-1993. In November 1993, the new car was officially presented to the public, and in January 1994, production and sales began. The body at first was only a five-door liftback with a length of 4508 mm, a width of 1752 mm, a height of 1442 mm, a wheelbase of 2670 mm and a curb weight of 1345 kg. In September 1995, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a five-door station wagon was shown with a length of 4620 mm, a width of 1748 mm, a height of 1448 mm and a curb weight of 1345 kg. In total, more than 2.3 million vehicles were produced.
According to experts, Laguna's interior turned out to be very ergonomic, with an original dashboard with controls at hand and integrated ventilation grilles in the doors. This interior was a real advantage over competing interiors «Citroen Xantia» and «Peugeot 406». All models were fitted with power steering, front power windows and remote central locking as standard. Most of the range had a driver's airbag. According to a survey by a French company «SOFRES» in 1995 quality and reliability «Laguna» is in second place after «Toyota Carina». There were problems with corrosion in the rear wheel arches and bottom, which was eliminated at the end of 1995. There were four trim levels: «RN», «RT», «RXE» and «V6».
Petrol engines were four-cylinder of the following volumes and characteristics:
- 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, K4M-720, DOHC 16v, 108 hp)
- 1.8 liters (1794 cm3, F3P-670, SOHC 8v, 89/94 hp)
- 1.8 liters (1783 cm3, F4P-760, DOHC 16v, 118 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, F3R-729, SOHC 8v, 112 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, F4R-780, DOHC 16v, 137 hp)
- 2.0 liters (1948 cm3, N7Q-704, DOHC 16v, 138 hp)
There were two 3.0 liter six-cylinder V-shaped gasoline engines (2946 cm3, L7X, DOHC 24v) 187 hp and 3.0 liters (2963 cm3, Z7X, SOHC 12v) 165 hp. The latter is also equipped with a double turbine, while the power increases to 263 hp. Diesel engines were only four-cylinder SOHC 1.9-liter «dTi» (1870 cm3, F9Q-716, 8v, 97 hp), 1.9 liters «dCi» (1870 cm3, F9Q, 8v, 106 hp), 2.2 liters (2188 cm3, G8T-792, 12v, 82 hp) and 2.2 liters (2188 cm3, G8T, 12v, 111 hp). The gearbox was a four-speed automatic, as well as a four- or five-speed manual.
In October 1995, a minor update was carried out. There was a new logo on the tailgate, a third brake light, improved passive safety and updated equipment.
In April 1998, a significant restyling was carried out. Trim levels began to be called «RNE», «RTE», «RXE» and «RXT». New headlights with large fog lamps were installed at the front, a new design of the rear and rear lights, updated engines, and also significantly improved the anti-corrosion treatment of the body. Dual airbags, anti-lock braking system, air conditioning and a CD player became standard equipment.
Second generation (2001-2007)
In December 2000, the second generation appeared «Laguna». Based on the same platform as «Nissan Primera» third generation. This is the second car in Europe to feature keyless entry and ignition with a credit card type device. Push button instead of ignition switch «Start/Stop». The body is also made in the form of a five-door liftback (length 4576 mm, width 1772 mm, height 1429 mm) and station wagon (length 4695 mm, width 1772 mm, height 1443 mm). The curb weight was 1570 kg. The first generation was famous for its reliability, and the second was remembered for its numerous electronic problems. It was also the first car in Europe to receive a five-star safety rating from «EuroNCAP». Production was carried out only in France. In total, more than 1.1 million cars were produced.
Gasoline engines were all with a multipoint fuel injection system, with a DOHC gas distribution system of the following characteristics - 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, K4M, I4, 109/115 hp), 1.8 liters (1783 cm3, F4P, I4, 118 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, F5R, I4, 138 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, F4R, I4, 133 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, F4Rt, I4, turbo, 170/208 hp) and 3.0 liters (2946 cm3, L7X, V6, 204 hp). Diesel engines all four-cylinder with direct fuel injection of 1.9 liters (1870 cm3, F9Q, 92/99/103/118/129 hp), 2.0 liters (1995 cm3, M9R, 148/174 hp) and 2.2 liters (2188 cm3, G9T, 148 hp). The gearbox was set to a five- or six-speed manual, as well as a four- or five-speed automatic.
In the basic configuration, ABS, an emergency braking system, six airbags, air conditioning, power windows in front, and a CD player were installed. Options included automatic headlights and wipers, automatic air conditioning, rear power windows, power folding mirrors, rear side blinds, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, and more.
In March 2005, the car was updated. According to the press release «Renault» safety, driving performance and comfort have been improved. They began to install an electronic hand brake. The design of the front end has been slightly changed. A 174 hp two-litre diesel engine was added, which until 2007 was considered the most powerful two-litre diesel in the world.
Third generation (2007-2015)
The third generation of the Laguna was presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, and went on sale in October. The car is based on a platform «Nissan D», which is also used for «Nissan Altima», «Nissan Teana» and «Nissan Murano». The body was a five-door liftback and station wagon, and a two-door coupe was also added. The length of the car was 4695 mm, width 1811 mm, height 1445 mm, wheelbase 2756 mm and curb weight 1560 kg. The company did a good job on the aerodynamics of the body and the liftback drag coefficient was only 0.293. European Committee «EuroNCAP» awarded Laguna five stars out of five for safety. The car was assembled in France, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Africa. In total, more than 350 thousand copies were produced.
The range of gasoline engines was the following volumes - 1.6 liters (1598 cm3, K4M, I4, 110 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, M4R, I4, 140 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm3, F4R, I4, turbo, 170/205 hp) and 3.5 liters (3498 cm3, V4Y, V6, 240 hp). Diesel engines were installed as follows - 1.5 liters (1461 cm3, I4, 110 hp), 2.0 liters (1995 cm3, M9R, I4, 130/150/180 hp) and 3.0 liters (2993 cm3, V9X, V6, 235 hp). The transmission was a six-speed manual or automatic.
In 2010, they carried out a restyling of the car, which was presented at the Paris Motor Show in October. Finishing levels became six - «Expression», «Black Edition», «Eco Business», «Bose», «GT 4Control» and «Initiale». The front end has been redesigned, becoming more «aggressive». Added a 1.5-liter diesel engine.
Production of Laguna ceases in autumn 2015. It has been replaced by «Renault Talisman», based on a new modular platform «Renault–Nissan CMF-C/D».