Warranty ploy as Laguna chases a top-three spot
Renault are backing their new Laguna, unveiled here in the past few days, with a three-year warranty.
It is a clear signal that it intends to tackle perceived reliability problems with the old model, and put down a challenge to some of its more established, two-year warranty rivals.
Warranties seem to be a headline act in manufacturers' attempts to attract buyers. Kia introduced a seven-year backup for their Cee'd hatch and estate.
Much has been made of the new Laguna's looks -- a great deal of it negative -- but it will be interesting to see if Irish buyers think warranty or beauty is skin deep now that it has this extended element. The distributors claim the three-year, 150,000km package is part of a drive to make the new car one of the top three in its segment on service quality.
Initially, there are two diesel engines (a 1.6-litre 16-valve VVT petrol follows early next year) and six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes are standard.
The 1.5dCi 110bhp diesel looks like it could be a frugal little number (they're claiming more than 60mpg). Probably more attractive to fleet drivers will be the 2-litre 150bhp with its performance and pulling power.
Ex-works prices start at €26,590 for the 1.5-litre dCi Royale, with the Dynamique version at €29,350 and Privilege at €30,550.
The 2-litre diesel starts off at €36,350 for the Dynamique, with the Privilege at €37,550 and the Privilege automatic coming in at €39,990.
ESP and ASR traction control are standard, as are curtain airbags and the marque's anti-intruder device. Air conditioning, automatic parking brake and the second-generation key card are also being put forward as major items of comfort for drivers and passengers.
The Laguna begins an acceleration of new models from Renault. The new Twingo and Conquest get here fairly soon and, next year, their much awaited Koleos 4x4 is due . The new Megane follows later in 2008.
