Renault Laguna Sport Tourer estate (2007-2012)

The Laguna Sport Tourer estate doesn't offer the stowage space of rivals like the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer or the Ford Mondeo Estate, but it is easier to drive, thanks to its relatively compact dimensions. Sculpted seats and supple suspension mean it’s a comfortable cruiser. The choice of diesel engines is impressive, while a low list price means it’s good value for money.

Diesel models are cheaper to run than petrol equivalents, while Renault’s dealer network offers competitively priced servicing. Avoid petrol-powered Lagunas completely, as they are thirsty and will be worth very little when you come to sell on. The 2.0 dCi diesel is the pick of the bunch and offers the best blend of economy and performance.

For the most part, the Laguna’s supple suspension offers a comfortable and quiet ride. It’s most impressive on long motorway journeys. Around town, you’ll notice the wheels thump noisily if you catch a big bump. The 2.0 dCi diesels are strong and efficient, but the 1.5 dCi isn’t well suited to such a big car and struggles to cope with the Sport Tourer’s bigger body and extra weight.

On the motorway there’s very little wind and road noise, and the upmarket interior is a big improvement on Lagunas of old in terms of build quality and comfort. The seats are supportive and the driving position comfortable. There’s plenty of legroom for passengers, while the longer roof line means the Sport Tourer doesn’t suffer from the same limited headroom as the hatchback

It’s not the biggest or most spacious car in the family estate class, but the Laguna is still practical. The rear seats fold down at the touch of a button, and there are plenty of stowage cubbies in the cabin. The Laguna's boot space is eclipsed by most modern estate cars – it only offers 501 litres with the rear seats in place compared to 542 litres in the Ford Mondeo Estate and 540 litres in the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer.

Renault has improved the Laguna’s build quality no end - and the interior is a pleasant place to sit. It feels robust, and the cabin exudes a genuine air of quality. The car gets traction control and electronic stability control as standard, plus front, side and curtain airbags. The Laguna has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, too.

The Laguna is competitively priced, which is one of its biggest plus points. It dramatically undercuts rivals like the Ford Mondeo in the showrooms, but the flipside is that its resale values are not good.