The Renault Laguna III 2.0 dCi FAP (178 Hp) is a front-wheel-drive, five-passenger hatchback that was produced by the French automaker Renault from 2008 to 2009. Positioned as a mid-size family car, the Laguna III represented Renault’s offering in the competitive D-segment, rivaling vehicles like the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall/Opel Vectra, and Peugeot 407. While not officially sold in the United States, the Laguna was a significant model in Europe, known for its blend of comfort, practicality, and relatively advanced technology for its time.
Renault Laguna III 2.0 dCi FAP: An Overview
The Laguna III, launched in 2007, was a substantial redesign of the Laguna line, moving away from the controversial styling of its predecessor. The 2.0 dCi FAP variant, powered by a diesel engine, was a popular choice in European markets due to its fuel efficiency and torque. The “FAP” designation indicates the presence of a particulate filter, a key component in reducing diesel emissions and meeting increasingly stringent European emission standards. This model aimed to provide a balance between performance and economy, appealing to drivers seeking a comfortable and practical vehicle for both daily commuting and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Laguna III 2.0 dCi FAP is a 1,995 cc (121.74 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated M9R 816. This engine produces 178 horsepower (Hp) at 3,750 rpm and a substantial 400 Newton-meters (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing power output and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a Diesel Commonrail injection system, contributing to refined combustion and reduced noise. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 8.6 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 3.8 kg/Nm.
Power is transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a respectable 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 8.1 seconds. The Laguna III 2.0 dCi FAP achieves a maximum speed of 218 km/h (135.46 mph). Fuel economy figures, measured using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), are 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) in urban conditions, 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) in extra-urban driving, and 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) combined. CO2 emissions are rated at 172 g/km, placing it within Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Renault Laguna III is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design emphasized a more conventional and refined aesthetic compared to the previous generation. The interior focused on providing a comfortable and spacious environment for passengers. Key features included a driver-focused cockpit, ergonomic seating, and a range of standard equipment.
Safety features were a priority, with the Laguna III equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1,539 kg (3,392.91 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2,089 kg (4,605.46 lbs). The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 450 liters (15.89 cu. ft.), expanding to 1,377 liters (48.63 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The fuel tank capacity is 66 liters (17.44 US gal). The Laguna III also featured a hydraulic power steering system for responsive handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Laguna |
| Generation | Laguna III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 dCi FAP (178 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2009 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 172 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 218 km/h (135.46 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 178 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M9R 816 |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.4 l (7.82 US qt | 6.51 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1539 kg (3392.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2089 kg (4605.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 450 l (15.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1377 l (48.63 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 66 l (17.44 US gal | 14.52 UK gal) |
| Length | 4695 mm (184.84 in.) |
| Width | 1811 mm (71.3 in.) |
| Height | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2756 mm (108.5 in.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
The Renault Laguna III 2.0 dCi FAP, while not a vehicle commonly found in the United States, represented a significant offering in the European mid-size car segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and a relatively refined driving experience made it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
