Despite its double-barrelled model name, this version of the Laguna is more Tourer than Sport, and no harm to it. It doesn't major on pin-sharp handling at speed, but it does offer a soothing ride quality on undulating roads, although it isn't so keen on some of the patched and broken surfaces we have here, of a type all but unheard-of in the rest of western Europe.If the new Laguna hatchback looks pretty good, the Sport Tourer is one of the sleekest estates on the market. That rear roofline works very well, and it's more the roof rails that make you think "estate" rather than some abruptly chopped-off tailgate. Mind you, Renault admits that there's a deliberate optical illusion about the top curve of the rearmost side windows, "giving the impression of a more sloping roof and tailgate line than actually exists".The Sport Tourer test car was to the same mid-range Dynamique specification as the hatchback in our previous report, but with a different engine: the 1.8-litre 16-valve which is expected to be the best seller in the UK, over the 1.6, the turbo diesel and the V6.The new Laguna is a little heavier than the previous car, because the weight saving in areas like suspension, trim and electrical wiring (Renault has moved to multiplex) is less than the weight gain from the larger bodyshell, improved safety features and extra sound deadening. It seems a fair trade, because the petrol-engined Sport Tourer runs smoothly and quietly, and it's a fine, relaxed motorway cruiser.In the rear cabin, the Sport Tourer has generous width and legroom, but it doesn't score so well for headroom. The lengthened roof allows for a significantly longer sunroof than can be fitted to the hatchback. Right at the back, there's a good load area, although the suspension isn't of the laid-flat type, and when you fold the rear seat backs forward in their 60/40 split the floor continues level, without any awkward angle.Like the hatchback, the Sport Tourer feels more solidly built than anything in the previous Laguna range, and the latest cars have leap-frogged across the smaller Renault models to offer much better safety and security systems. This was an area where the predecessor Laguna wasn't by any means up to the minute.With the Avantime and the Vel Satis coming, the Sport Tourer isn't a mould-breaker for Renault Design, but it's a handsome machine of the non-futuristic persuasion, and one of the most elegant cars, so far, in the class of 2001. Engine 1783cc, 4 cylinders Power 123bhp Fuel/CO2 37.1mpg / 183g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 10.9 seconds Top speed 124mph Price £16,595 Details correct at publication date
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