The Laguna Coupe’s really been growing on me in recent weeks, and it’s mainly the looks that are filling me with cheer.
However, I recently entered into a debate with a leading RV expert about the car’s name. His point was that Renault should have shifted the Coupe away from the rest of the Laguna range and called it something more imaginative. And I’ve got to say I agree.
By linking it so closely to the rest of the Laguna range, it’s being tainted by association with a car that has been poorly received in the UK. Whereas a stylish stand-alone coupe could have been a real asset to a Renault brand whose fortunes are seriously flagging in the UK, the huge Laguna badge blazoned across the boot lid, and no mention of the word coupe anywhere, really doesn’t help the car’s image.
The point was proven in a Tesco car park a few days ago when I saw a couple walk out of their way to take a closer look at the car, before moving round the back to see what it was. They then walked past me, clearly disappointed at seeing the Laguna name. In my opinion Renault has the credibility to pull-off a gorgeous coupe, but Laguna doesn’t.
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