It’s my contention that the Renault Laguna models have always looked good. The cars feel solid to drive and score highly in comfort terms. Renault has also scored well in the EuroNCAP crash testing programme, so the foundations are in place for this latest Renault Laguna to be a another star car.

Renault claims to have spent six years on the development of its latest Laguna models. The company has set a target for the new Laguna of being in the top three in its segment for product quality. That’s a serious target given the Laguna’s past.

The Renault Laguna is the company’s big car in its range. The car was re-launched in 2007 with a new fresh design, improved engines and now there’s better value. Michael Moroney drove the entry diesel powered model as we begin a new VRT time, so read what he has to report from the French car giant.

Renault is aiming for a new level of reliability and resale value in this new model, that’s the real target. That’s why the company is offering a three-year or 100,000km warranty on all models as a measure of its own confidence.

The design shape is just one fresh feature of new car. This is especially noticeable with the Laguna Sports Tourer model, a type of estate car, which I had on a recent test drive.

There is a bigger feel to this car than before. The estate shape is modern with smooth design line. This is a car that’s built to be what it is, a compact estate, not a boot after thought on a saloon model. The large boot area is impressive and there is a new more solid feel to the boot door itself, just in terms of weight alone.

The Laguna scores well in comfort terms. Renault has upgraded the suspension and improved the noise isolation features of the Laguna to give a most comfortable drive. The seats are solid and firm with good adjustment. Rear legroom is good. It was easy to be comfortable in the car with the extra benefit of good steering wheel adjustment.

The Sports Tourer models come with what Renault calls the new Super-fold seat system. This allows the rear seats to fold down simply by pulling a small lever concealed in the rear hatch or beside the rear seats. It gives a spacious boot area with a flat easy to use floor. For the Sports Tourer roof bars are standard across the range enhancing the look and they vary in colour according to car trim level.

Renault claims that the new diesel powered Laguna 1.5 dCi which I had on test, will be competitive in terms of running costs. They claim that it ranks as one of the best in its segment, with low running, maintenance and repair costs, which are kept to a minimum thanks to its 110bhp 1.5 litre dCi engine in particular.