The Renault Laguna III 2.0 16V Turbo (170 Hp) Automatic, produced between 2007 and 2010, represents Renault’s offering in the mid-size family car segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Laguna was a significant vehicle in the European market, competing with models like the Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, and Peugeot 407. The Laguna III aimed to elevate Renault’s image with improved build quality, more sophisticated technology, and a focus on comfort and safety. This generation marked a departure from previous Lagunas, addressing criticisms of the earlier models and establishing a stronger presence in a competitive class.
Renault Laguna III: A European Family Sedan
The Laguna III was a crucial model for Renault, designed to showcase the brand’s advancements in design and engineering. It was available in both hatchback and estate (wagon) body styles, catering to a wider range of customer needs. The 2.0 16V Turbo variant, equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, was a popular choice, offering a balance of performance and convenience. The Laguna III aimed to provide a refined driving experience, focusing on ride comfort and interior quality, characteristics highly valued by European consumers.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Laguna III 2.0 16V Turbo is a 1,998 cc (121.93 cubic inches) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated the F4R, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 170 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 270 Nm (199.14 lb-ft) of torque at 3,250 rpm. The turbocharging system provides a noticeable increase in performance compared to naturally aspirated engines of similar displacement. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Laguna III 2.0 16V Turbo achieves a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of approximately 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 136.7 mph (220 km/h). Fuel economy is rated at 26.4 US mpg (31.7 UK mpg or 8.9 l/100 km) combined, reflecting a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency for its time. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9.1 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.7 kg/Nm, indicating a respectable level of performance.
Design & Features
The Renault Laguna III is a five-door hatchback, offering a practical and versatile body style. Its design language was a significant step forward for Renault, featuring a more sculpted and modern aesthetic compared to its predecessors. The interior was designed with comfort and ergonomics in mind, offering ample space for five passengers and a generous 16.6 cubic feet (470 liters) of trunk space. Key features included standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic power steering, and a comfortable ride thanks to its spring strut front suspension and coil spring rear suspension. The Laguna III also incorporated safety features such as front and side airbags, contributing to its Euro NCAP safety rating. The vehicle’s dimensions are 184.84 inches (4695 mm) in length, 71.3 inches (1811 mm) in width, and 56.89 inches (1445 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 108.5 inches (2756 mm). The kerb weight is 3399.53 lbs (1542 kg), and the maximum permissible weight is 4323.26 lbs (1961 kg).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Laguna |
| Generation | Laguna III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 16V Turbo (170 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 18.1 US mpg / 21.7 UK mpg / 7.7 km/l |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 35.6 US mpg / 42.8 UK mpg / 15.2 km/l |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 26.4 US mpg / 31.7 UK mpg / 11.2 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 136.7 mph / 220 km/h |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 3250 rpm / 199.14 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F4R |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 / 121.93 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm / 3.26 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm / 3.66 in. |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l / 5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.7 l / 8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1542 kg / 3399.53 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1961 kg / 4323.26 lbs. |
| Max load | 419 kg / 923.74 lbs. |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l / 16.6 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. |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Renault Laguna III 2.0 16V Turbo Automatic, while not a common sight on American roads, represented a significant step forward for Renault in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement. It offered a compelling package for European buyers seeking a comfortable, practical, and reasonably efficient family car.
