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What is it?

This is the new Renault Laguna Coupe 2.0 DCi, a cheaper alternative to the V6-powered 3.0 DCi.

If you thought Renault might pitch the Laguna Coupe as a bit of an alternative choice, something different to the norm, think again – the company assures us that the Coupe fancies its chances against the BMW 320d coupe.

The Laguna Coupe is shorter than its hatch and estate sisters, although its track is wider. Our test car came with a 178bhp 2.0-litre di...Read the full article

Autocar:

the company assures us that the Coupe fancies its chances against the BMW 320d coupe.

I can see why Renault might have a hit with this. It's a nice looking car, has a reasonable price, is well kitted and fitted out in the spec tested and provided it rides comfortably, it must have a chance against the ubiquitous BMW which will probably cost a lot more for similar spec. There are also a lot of people, like me, who just don't want to be seen in a BMW !!

ordinary bloke - I agree. I too do not want to be seen driving a BMW. Or an Audi for that matter. I'd much rather be driving a Laguna Coupé than an A5 or 3-Series Coupé. I was disgusted to see that WhatCar? gave the Laguna Coupé three stars out of five - and all because of 'the badge'. How sad.

As good as this car may be, sadly I feel this car will have the same sort of sales success as the 407 Coupe - decidedly lacklustre.

ordinary bloke:

It's a nice looking car,

Boy oh boy - different, yes, but from the front three quarter surely not even its mother could call it attractive. I know - styling is a subjective thing. And no I don't drive a BMW.

I have just seen this car in Holland and it looks wonderful and I hope it does well.

French Coupes are a blast from the past, and its time we embrace these cars, otherwise, we will all be driving a German rep cars. ( I drive a current BMW 330d so I should know, great car, but not unique or imagination I confess)

With the current credit crunch and falling assets, maybe its time to think past the badge and snob value and back to buying a car that 'we' like and not the impress others.

Cars like this deserve to be a success and makes us all fall back in love with cars and driving, before the 'PC & Greens' drives us back on bikes and trams.

Question - Which one should is best looking and which will sell more?

Audi A5 Coupe, BMW Coupe, Laguna Coupe

In dark Brown - beige leather - auto - small wheels

Big French cars seem to be back - not before time.  They are a little more relevant than harshly sprung German coupes.

It had to happen.  German motors are no longer cool.  Haven't been for ages.  I have a fondness for the current Laguna and thought Cropley's review of the Megane was telling.
The 407 Couple was too extreme but it's a future classic.  The C6 is a Masterpiece. How long before we see a replacement for the SM?
 

Maxs whip:

French Coupes are a blast from the past, and its time we embrace these cars, otherwise, we will all be driving a German rep cars.

That comment sparked a thought.

What about a full sized Citroen Coupe, based on the C5.  Their current design language brilliant.  After following a C6 the other day, I have to say I think they are truly different and interesting.  A C5 coupe could be a great car.

I don't understand people who say that they don't want to be seen driving a BMW. Why not? If you try the car, and like the way the car looks and drives, who gives a flying f what anyone else thinks?

 

For the record, I like the Laguna coupe.

TegTypeR:

As good as this car may be, sadly I feel this car will have the same sort of sales success as the 407 Coupe - decidedly lacklustre.

The 407 coupe is a truly ugly car - this looks bearable and deserves to do better. Still, if they could produce something like the 406 coupe with reasonable handling and significantly better reliability I'd put in some overtime!

 

I'm very shallow..  That's why I care what other people think.  Truth be told it's more of an obscure notion of cool inside my own head - it's not the image of German cars I don't like - it's the actual ways the cars look and feel.

I was initially a bit disappointed that the Laguna Coupe wasn't as visually stunning as the concept they showed last year but I guess this is the real world and sense and to a degree practicality (not to mention cost) must prevail. I've now seen the new Laguna in the metal and it really is a great looking car. I am one of those German Coupe driving people that you guys seem to hate (Audi S5), The only thing that would stop me buying the Laguna is the total lack of occasion the interior provides - particularly at night. Where my Audi lights up like a Christmas tree and feels special the Laguna has dull white back lighting and not much of it..might seem like a silly comment but it supports the comment Autocar made about high street Audio  v top line Hi-Fi. That said great effort Renault I hope you do well with this car.