(Wed 09 Apr 08)

The new GT versions of the Renault Laguna hatchback and Sport Tourer will be available to order from UK dealers from May 9, priced from £21,050.

The most impressive technical aspect of the GT is its four-wheel steering system. At speeds of up to 37mph, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels by up to 3.5 degrees for easy manoeuvring and a smaller turning circle. From 38mph onwards, they steer in the same direction as the front wheels (usually only up to 2 degrees) for improved stability. The exact angle of the rear steering is determined electronically, according to specific driving conditions.

There's a choice of two engines. One is a 205bhp two-litre turbo petrol (with the rather unfortunate type name of F4RT 800) based on the unit developed for the Megane Renaultsport; this one gives the GT a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds, along with 34.4mpg combined fuel economy and 194g/km of CO2 emissions. The 180bhp two-litre dCi turbo diesel makes the car nearly as quick (0-62mph in 8.5 seconds) and provides superior fuel economy of 43.4mpg combined, along with 172g/km of CO2.

Laguna-watchers can spot the GT easily thanks to its new front bumper, larger front grille, side air intakes, smoked rear light clusters, black-background headlights and 18" alloy wheels which carry 225/45 Bridgestone Potenza. The equipment is based on that of the Laguna Dynamique S but adds metallic paint as standard, rear parking sensors, the hands-free Renault keycard, sports front seats with optional heating and electric operation, aluminium pedals, GT-specific steering wheel and gearknob and a 120W single radio/CD with MP3 reader.

The cheapest version is the 205 Turbo hatch at £21,050, followed by the dCi 180 at £21,220. The Sport Tourers costs £22,000 for the 205 Turbo and £22,170 for the diesel.

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