Currently reading: New Laguna breaks cover - UPDATED
French Mondeo rival aims to be one of the top three in its class; on sale in October

This is the all-new Renault Laguna, revealed undisguised for the first time.Renault's got big hopes for its Mondeo rival – it's aiming for the car to be in the top three of its class by 2009.The Laguna's smooth but unadventurous exterior styling might not make you think it could be a class leader, but Renault claims that the interior quality is a step ahead.The French firm is also making bold claims for the Laguna's agility: "Among its key features are an impressively light chassis and precise steering".There's a wide range of new engines available, too, including three new versions – a 99bhp 1.5 dCi, a 128bhp 2.0 dCi and a 138bhp 2.0 16v. All engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 2.0 dCi engine will be available in three power outputs: 128bhp, 148bhp and 173bhp. In 148bhp form it will be available with a six-speed automatic gearbox.The new Laguna is marginally larger than the old car, at 36mm wider, 10mm longer and 12mm taller, but it's an average of 15kg lighter.We'll get our first look at the Laguna hatch and Sport Tourer in the metal at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Prices and further details will be announced shortly before the car goes on sale in the UK on 12 October.

For more on Renault's new Laguna, read Steve Cropley's Motoring Week blog

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