I always have a soft spot for wagons, partly because I was attracted to their long flowing lines and overall road presence I guess! Combined that with an eye for the eclectic after years of spotting, I was made aware of this 2002 Renault Laguna Initiale Sports Tourer: I had seen one some time back, but inertia did not allow me to start writing about it. Hopefully this marks a better change in terms of output?
First released in 1994, the Laguna was the replacement of the Renault 21. Its flowing lines was inspired by the larger-sized Safrane, and the design work by Patrick Le Quément was elegant enough to win the "Most Beautiful Car of the Year (an award by the FIA) in 1994. Renault focused on quality, and as such it featured an ergonomic interior with easy-to-reach controls. The second generation, also called the Laguna II, was launched in 2001. Similar to its predecessor, it was available as a 5-door hatchback and a 5-door estate (known as the Sports Tourer/Grandtour), as well as various engines and trims.
Among other things, the car featured 'keyless' entry using a credit card-styled device to unlock the car and start the engine. Despite it being one of the first to do so in Europe, many problems arose due to this issue. The Laguna II's reliability was further damaged by engine failures, suspension and steering issues especially in diesel models. Curiously, it was the first vehicle available in Europe to achieve 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test result. There was a facelift in 2005, with the front design matching that of the Megane as well as introducing an electronic handbrake.
The top-of-the-line Initiale trim had cruise control and speed limiter, which was not present in other trims. On top of that, it had xenon headlights and memory seats for the driver among other creature comforts. This Laguna wagon was powered by a 2946 cc Renault L7X engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 230 km/h with an acceleration of 8.3 seconds [0-100 km/h]. Its dimensions were 4695 x 1772 x 1443 mm and weighed in at 1510 kg, with a fuel consumption of 10.3 km / litre.
Production of the Laguna II ended in 2007 with 1,108,278 made in total, though exact splits are not known. Lagunas were sold in Singapore back in 1991, and the Laguna II (only the 2-litre version) was distributed by Exklusiv Auto Services in 2002, where it retailed for S$108,888. Local reviews praised the 'high-tech' keyless entry, its solid construction and stable suspension, though there were gripes with the transmission and the performance of the 2-litre engine. None are known to remain, and the last wagon I knew of disappeared in 2020.
This particular unit with the 3 litre engine is most likely an import from elsewhere, and it does not appear to be registered: as to why it was even brought in is anyone's guess...perhaps to fit the hotel's name? People do not generally think much of French cars, and the issues that plagued the Laguna would have had confirmed pre-existing bias. The fact that we still have one here (although not driven) is a miracle in itself, and I hope you have the chance to see it some day!
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