Old Laguna Held Back By ‘Strange’ Styling, New One Will Impress: Tavares

Renault's third-generation Laguna, replaced here in 2011 by the Korean-sourced Latitude, was not especially popular in Australia. While Renault expected around 500 sales a year, it sold just 180 in 2010. 

It hasn't fared much better in overseas markets, and according to Britain's Autocar magazine, Renault boss Carlos Tavares reckons the 'strange' bum of the hatch model may be to blame. 

"It’s possible that because the rear of the hatchback is a little bit strange, this has damaged the potential of the other cars (the wagon and coupe)," Tavares is quoted by the magazine. 

That will change, Tavares said, when the new Laguna makes its global debut toward the end of next year, styled under the guidance of new design boss Laurens van den Acker. 

Tavares promises a more "fluid and emotional" look for the new midsizer, drawing on the style of the new Captur SUV, Clio light car and Zoe city car. 

“We need to continue to work on appeal,” he said. "If you look at the new cars, you understand what I mean. It is about having character without being strange."

TMR drove the previous Laguna before it exited Australia in 2010, and while we had little to say - good or bad - on the topic of its styling, we found it a perfectly liveable offering. 

Details on the new model have not been revealed, but if the styling of the Captur, Clio and Zoe are anything to go by, it should prove a worthy entrant in the midsized family-car segment. 

• Renault | Laguna | Latitude | Medium Family Cars