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Renault's latest Laguna has some tough competition to overcome if it's to prove a worthy alternative to the class leaders. Jon Elliot checks out the frugal dCi models

In designing the revised Laguna, Renault understood the need to create something slightly different to other manufacturers. Hence its slightly unconventional looks. What isn't different is the emphasis put on diesel power across the line-up and this model range offers buyers no fewer than four different dCi options. From this point of view, the French maker really seems to have things covered.

The reasons for making a class-leading diesel car appear clear. After all, the Government loves them, owners reaping rich rewards in tax benefits by driving an oil burner. Car manufacturers recognise this and so have jumped on the gravy train before it leaves the station. Which is why Renault's third generation Laguna offers no fewer than four dCi diesel options in an attempt to gain a firm hold in this sector. The previous Laguna was reasonably well received in dCi form, so this further evolution is rightly expected to sell well, especially among business users. The competition though is fierce, with tough new rivals like Ford's Mondeo, Citroen's C5 and the latest Mazda6 to consider, plus there's a shed load of other cars vying for buyers cash. In such cramped market conditions, manufacturers need to come up with something different to attract the attention of would-be owners. The previous Laguna was a creditable car but in order to succeed here, Renault may need to raise the benchmark still further in order to compete favourably with its peers. Sometimes, one over-riding facet of a car's character is glaringly obvious. Take this Laguna. Put simply, its ride quality is quite clearly superb. The effort afforded to driver comfort in this car is apparent from the first uneven road or serious bend you take once behind the wheel. Body role is negligible, the Renault seemingly hovering above the tarmac, as if performing some party trick. The steering too has improved accuracy and is well weighted, although the drive itself is not overly involving.

" Every Laguna dCi deserves an audition against the very top performers in this class... "

In fact, the ride quality is so impressive the car manages to immediately gain your trust and as you increase the pace, the Laguna obligingly leads you from one bend to another, taking crests and uneven surfaces in its stride. It's only when you press on that things seem to lose their way a little and driver can become slightly detached from the experience. The car is also let down by the less than impressive gear change. The 6-speed gearbox appears to have been an afterthought and left me slightly concerned by what else may have been overlooked. It's all a bit woolly between cogs, which is unfortunate as the otherwise excellent driving dynamics are slightly let down by this lack of attention to detail. Renault's latest Laguna may be one of the most impressive family cars we've driven this year. Take the build quality. It reminds us of more expensive brands we've recently come across. Everything closes with a reassuring thud, interior plastics are of a high quality, and there is a sense that this design has come of age when you're sat at the wheel. The dash is clear and concise; in fact, it will even tell you when to change gear to achieve optimum fuel efficiency, a useful touch for the company car user. What may end up letting the Laguna down is it's looks. When we first saw the pictures of the Laguna, we were seriously concerned. In truth it looks a lot better in the metal and certainly isn't ugly. It is though, something of an acquired taste. The lack of a front grille seems to make the front of the bonnet endless and the lights look like a set of untrimmed eye brows left to run wild like a hedge in an unkempt garden. The rear of the car looks great though. It has a real presence about it. The middle part of the design continues the theme, but when you get to the bonnet and front lights, everything appears to go wrong. Renault offer four dCi diesel engines in the range and these are available in four different levels of trim. The 110bhp 1.5 is, in truth, for those who are rarely in a rush to get to their chosen destination. Acceleration in third at low speeds is rather negligible, but it does offer trouble free, relaxing motoring. The 2.0 engine is available with either 130 or 150bhp forms, offering improved levels of performance. The latter of these two engines develops an impressive 251lb of torque, enough to see it reach 60mph in around 9.5 seconds. At the top of the range is the dCi 175 variant. Several different trim levels are available on the Laguna. The Expression starts the range, but still offers enough electric options to keep your fingers busy. Marrying this to the 1.5 litre power plant will set you back £16,350. Step up to the Dynamic and cruise control and half leather are included. The Dynamic S adds Climate Control to the package. The range topping Initiale has a lovely combination of full leather and wood trim which sets the car off perfectly. At over £22,000, it may sound a lot of money, but as an all round package it takes some beating. Add around £1,000 to the asking prices if you want the Sport Tourer estate variant. Any model in the dCi range makes a compelling argument for the business user. At the pumps, they're all noticeable frugal. The 1.5 dCi returns a combined mpg figure of 55.4 mpg. Despite the different power outputs of the two 2.0-litre 130 and 150 dCi engines that most will choose, they both record a combined figure of 47.1 mpg. Similarly, the CO2 readings are 158g/km in the 2.0-litre car and an improved (over the last generation model) 136g/km in the entry level 1.5 dCi. Insurance is likely to be reasonably cost effective too. The 1.5 dCi is rated as group 8. The 130bhp 2.0-litre engine achieves group 10 and the 150bhp unit is only rated at group 11. Depreciation could be a factor to consider for the private buyer. The outgoing model can now be bought for just a few thousand pounds on the second hand market. This could be a trait that continues, depending on how well received this generation Laguna range is by the public. With the improvement in diesel engines across the board though, second hand prices of this car in diesel form may be bolstered in the future as more used car buyers consider diesel purchases. Renault has produced an excellent car in the Laguna, especially when it comes to the diesel dCi variants. In fact, the competition may be shifting slightly uncomfortably in the seats right now. Each of the dCi models are simply effortless to drive and all offer excellent levels of comfort and ride. Loyal Renault owners are going to love this car and may find their neighbours peering over their fences with a green streak of envy. And the styling? Well, it may be a little controversial but with time, the lines should soften in public perception and merely appear as something less run of the mill. In truth the 2.0-litre dCi 150bhp car is the one to go for. It offers a blend of performance, style and near impeccable rode manners which the lesser models struggle to reach. But every Laguna dCi deserves an audition against the very top performers in this class, cars such as Ford's Mondeo. This French challenger really is very good. If your checklist for car ownership majors on ride, comfort and practicality and if badges, brushed aluminium and looks matter little to you, then we have no qualms in recommending the Laguna to you.