The Laguna has been awarded an extra point that now means that the car has 34 points overall following the installation of an intelligent seat belt reminder for the driver to buckle up the seat belt.
The car body proved to be extremely stable and provided good protection for occupants. No points were lost in the side impact and only one was deducted for its frontal impact performance.
Front impact
The frontal airbags had two-stage inflation to provide increased pressure in more severe accidents. The stable body and the lack of movement from the steering column provided a safe environment for the driver. The driver’s belt incorporated a double pyrotechnic pre-tensioner which, with the load-limiting device, prevented his knees from hitting the facia and protected his thighs. The footwell also withstood the impact and padding was provided to protect his feet. The centre rear seat had a three point belt which have shown to be far safer than a two-point lap-only belt.
Side impact
Side impact protection included a thorax side airbag and an advanced head curtain airbag, giving protection to front and rear passengers. The latest-model Laguna achieved full marks here.
Child occupant
Warnings of the dangers of placing a rear-facing restraint on the seat opposite an airbag were good. However, the advice labels could be peeled off easily. The Renault Kiddy Easyfix restraints used mountings in the adult seats. The older child’s was forward-facing and a strap ran from its top over the car seat to fasten in the boot. The restraints worked well in the frontal impact but the children’s heads were at risk during the side impact. Renault is working hard to improve child protection but some efforts were not fully documented for our tests. Renault has promised to address this issue.
Pedestrian
Pedestrian protection has not improved in the same manner as occupant protection. The front of the car is unforgiving but parts of the bonnet provided protection.