Diesel-only Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP Launched in France

Revealed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show along with the similarly trimmed Megane, the second iteration of the Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP special edition is now available for order in France. Renault took the decision to build a second run of the Monaco GP to satisfy customer demand after all 400 units of the previous version were quickly sold out.

Based on the Black Edition model, the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP sports a Pearlescent White bodywork and contrasting black mirror housings and roof, specially developed for this version. The car is also available in full Pearlescent Black paintwork. The Laguna Coupe features “Monaco GP” badging on the sides and in the grille and black Interlagos 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the special edition sports a Pearlescent White trim on the central console, doors and dashboard and a two-tone fabric upholstery, featuring black and grey accents. Other styling details include aluminum pedal assembly and gearlever knob. Like the standard model, the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP can be ordered with the optional 4Control chassis (€2,000) that offers four-wheel steering, improving handling.

Although the car bears “Monaco GP” badges, Renault offers it in France with a choice of diesel engines only: a 150HP dCi unit mated to a manual six-speed gearbox and a 175HP unit paired with an automatic gearbox. The 150HP version costs €32,200 while the 175HP version retails for €34,500, including VAT.

The most expensive optional extras are a €500 comfort pack (hands-free card, power folding mirrors), a Bose sound system offered for €800 and a €1,500 black leather upholstery with embroidered Monaco GP signature.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY

2011 Renault Laguna Facelift Priced Lower than Outgoing Model in Britain

Following their world premieres at the Paris motor show, Renault has released UK pricing and specification for the updated Laguna 2011 Hatch and Sport Tourer models ahead showroom launch in November. Despite the facelift, Renault claims that both models offer savings of up to £1,855 available compared to the previous range.

The facelift includes some minor exterior tweaks such as the reworked fascia with new headlamps and a restyled bumper incorporating a more prominent grille, plus equipment improvements and a series of engine enhancements that result in reduced emissions and greater fuel economy across the range.

For the 2011 model year, the engine line-up includes fully Euro 5-compliant engines, plus ten 'eco²' branded versions with sub-140 grams CO2. The least emitting engine in the Laguna range is the 1.5-litre dCi 110HP with 120 grams and a combined fuel economy of 60.1 mpg UK.

The Laguna is offered in three core trim levels, Expression, Dynamique TomTom and GT Line TomTom. The base Expression includes an Arkamys 3D Sound single CD/radio MP3 with Bluetooth and fingertip control, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, aux input, ESC and front fog lights.

Aside from the navigation system, the Dynamique TomTom adds automatic parking brake, and headlights and wipers, cruise control, chrome twin exhausts (excluding dCi 110), dual zone climate control, electrically heated and folding door mirrors, hands-free keycard, rear parking sensors, multi-functional TunePoint (for portable music players) and speed limiter.

Finally, the range-topping GT Line TomTom benefits from 18-inch alloys, a BOSE sound system with 10 speakers and amplifier, 4Control four-wheel steering on the dCi 180 HP, pearl black electric folding door mirrors with memory, and leather and alcantara upholstery with electrically adjustable heated front seats.

The revised Laguna Hatch starts from £17,795, with prices for the more practical Sport Tourer version set £1,100 higher than those of the liftback model.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________