Review: Renault X74.I Laguna (2002-06)

Overview

Released in March 2002, the Renault X74 Phase I (X74.I) Laguna was available as a mid-size liftback or wagon. Manufactured in Sandouville, France, the Renault X74 Laguna range initially consisted of liftback and wagon models powered by a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. In August 2002, the range was expanded with the introduction of 2.0-litre four-cylinder liftbacks, though these were discontinued in 2004.

Compared to the Renault X56 Laguna , the liftback X74 Laguna was 68 mm longer (at 4576 mm), 31 mm wider (1783 mm), 13 mm lower (1429 mm) and had a 70 mm longer wheelbase (2740 mm). Compared to the X74 liftbacks, the wagon models 122 mm longer (4698 mm) and 14 mm taller (1443 mm), though the wheelbase was unchanged. Both liftback and wagon models had a drag coefficient of 0.32 Cd.

The X74 Laguna had MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower wishbone, anti-sway bar, coil springs and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers; the rear suspension utilised an H-shaped torsion beam with hydraulic vertical attachments which connected the suspension to the body. Furtermore, all Laguna models were fitted with an electronically-controlled variable power-assisted steering system as standard.

Renault X74 Phase I Laguna specifications
Body	Engine	Trans.	Variants	Years	Peak power	Peak torque
Liftback	2.0-litre petrol I4	5sp man., 4sp auto	Expression	2002-04	99 kW at 5500 rpm	191 Nm at 3750 rpm
Liftback, wagon	2.9-litre petrol V6	5sp auto	Authentique, Privilege	2002-06	152 kW at 6000 rpm	285 Nm at 3750 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the X74 Laguna included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-submarining seats and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners (double pretensioners for driver’s seat) and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 Laguna liftback with a 1.8-litre four cylinder engine received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.1 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, the passenger compartment held its shape well and protection from serious was good the head and legs, with only a slight risk of chest injury for the front occupants. Maximum points were awarded in the side and pole tests.

In 2003, the Laguna liftback earned an additional point following the introduction of an intelligent driver’s seatbelt reminder as standard.

Features: Authentique, Expression and Privilege

Standard features for the Renault Laguna Authentique included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Axis’ upholstery, cruise control with speed limiter, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking with Renault card, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Laguna Expression was further equipped with xenon headlights with pop-up washers, velour upholstery and front fog lights; manual variants, however, omitted cruise control.

Beyond this, the Laguna Privilege added a six-stack CD player, rain-sensing wipers, combination leather and velour upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, speech synthesis (voice recognition) and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror. The Privilege liftback was also offered in an LX edition which featured with 17-inch alloy wheels, full leather seats, a power-operated sunroof and rear spoiler.