Renault Laguna (1994 - 2001)

Three clever lap and diagonal rear seatbelts fitted from Jan '95 (third belt retracts into offside 'D' pillar). New 110 bhp 1.6 16v and 120 bhp 1.8 16v engines from spring 1998. 2.0 litre twin-cam 149 bhp RTi 16v also good. Roomy inside, comfortable ride, big boot.

Non-turbo 2.2 12-valve diesels make good taxis as are pleasant to drive in heavy traffic. But 115 bhp TD better still. All better-built than old 21.

New 194 bhp 2,946cc Peugeot-powered V6 from October 1997 much better than previous Laguna V6. Estate cars have masses of loadspace, but 7-seater option is rear-facing and folds to the side rather than into the floor. Comparatively good performance in NCAP crash tests. Low 3 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model.