French coupe aiming to forge fresh image

The new Laguna

The epithet applied to the coupe version of the latest Renault Laguna is "image forging". While that may not say much about the current state of the French marque's image, the new coupe certainly looks like a high-performance proposition.

Buyers of the two-door will get the choice of two V6 engines - a 175kW/330Nm petrol and a 173kW/450Nm turbo diesel - and the Active Drive four-wheel-steering chassis from the Laguna GT hatchback. Both versions can hit 100km/h in less than seven seconds.

The Laguna is designed around classic coupe proportions - a long front and minimal rear overhang.

The four-wheel steering system was developed jointly by Renault Engineering and specialists from Renault Sport Technologies.

The coupe will be shown in greater detail at the Paris Motor Show in October, and is scheduled to go on sale in Europe late this year.

Local Renault importer Motorcorp Distributors Ltd has a more practical interest in the new Laguna range. It will launch the latest model in station wagon form only next month.