Renault Laguna engines

Since its launch in 1993, the Renault Laguna has established itself as an important representative of the mid-size class and has gone through three generations with a diverse range of engines up to 2015. The technological evolution of Renault Laguna engines reflects three decades of French engineering, from its robust beginnings to modern turbocharged engines.

Renault Laguna engines: Generation I (1993-2001)

The first Renault Laguna generation was a bold step by Renault into the middle class and was characterized by solid, but technically still conventional engines. With proper maintenance, mileage reached a respectable 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, with the petrol engines often requiring major repairs earlier than the robust diesels. Typical repair intervals were between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers for major interventions such as timing belt changes or turbocharger problems in the diesels. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 2.2 dT with 113 hp, which optimally combined reliability and economy. Technically, this generation was still very conventional, with proven naturally aspirated engines and the first turbo-diesels, which proved to be surprisingly durable.

Renault Laguna petrol engines: Generation I (1993-2001)

The Renault Laguna petrol engine range comprised various naturally aspirated engines from 1.6 to 3.0 liters. The entry-level engine was a 1.6-liter with 90 hp, followed by a 1.8-liter with 95 hp and a 2.0-liter with 113 or 140 hp. These Renault Laguna engines were based on proven technology with multi-point injection and proved to be relatively reliable, but suffered from high fuel consumption and limited power. The most powerful petrol engine was a 3.0 V6 with 190 hp, which was used exclusively in the Laguna V6 sports version. Typical problems were ignition coil defects, water pump wear and occasional head gasket damage at high mileages.

Renault Laguna diesel engines: Generation I (1993-2001)

The Renault Laguna diesels were dominated by the tried and tested 1.9 dT (turbo diesel) with 90 hp, which proved to be extremely robust. From 1995, the more modern 2.2 dT with 113 hp was added, which became the best engine of the first generation with its indirect injection and solid construction. These Renault Laguna diesel engines were renowned for their durability and low running costs, even if they were noisy and uncomfortable by today's standards. The 2.2 dT easily reached 400,000 kilometers and more, but required regular maintenance of the injection pump and turbocharger. Typical weak points were the glow plugs in winter and occasional turbocharger damage due to neglected maintenance.

Renault Laguna engines: Generation II (2001-2007)

The second Renault Laguna generation marked a significant technological leap with the introduction of modern common-rail diesel and improved petrol engines. Mileage increased to 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers for the diesels, while the gasoline engines continued to find their limits between 200,000 and 300,000 kilometers. Major repairs were typically due between 120,000 and 180,000 kilometers, especially for the more complex turbo engines. The absolute highlight was the 2.2 dCi with 150 hp, which combined common rail technology with high performance and reliability for the first time. This generation also introduced the first turbo petrol engines and set new standards in comfort and efficiency, but struggled with electronic teething troubles and more complex technology.

Renault Laguna petrol engines: Generation II (2001-2007)

The Renault Laguna petrol engine range was fundamentally revised and now included modern 16-valve engines with improved injection technology. The 1.6-liter now produced 110 hp, the 1.8-liter 120 hp and the 2.0-liter 135 or 165 hp. A new addition was a 2.0 Turbo with 170 hp, the first turbo petrol engine in Laguna history. These Renault Laguna engines were more economical and refined than their predecessors, but suffered from more complex electronics and occasional problems with the camshaft adjustment. The 3.0 V6 continued with 207 hp, but remained a niche engine with high fuel consumption and complex maintenance.

Renault Laguna diesel engines: Generation II (2001-2007)

The revolution in Renault Laguna diesels came with the introduction of the dCi (direct common-rail injection) engines. The 1.9 dCi started with 110 or 120 hp and for the first time offered a combination of performance, economy and comfort. The high point was the 2.2 dCi with 150 hp, which established itself as one of the best diesel engines of its time. These Renault Laguna dCi engines were significantly quieter and more refined than their predecessors, but still achieved high mileages of 350,000 to 400,000 kilometers. Typical weak points were the injection nozzles, the turbocharger geometry and occasional problems with the particulate filter on short journeys.

Renault Laguna engines: Generation III (2007-2015)

The third and last Renault Laguna generation represented the pinnacle of technological development and offered the most modern engines in the range. Reliability reached new dimensions with mileages of 350,000 to 450,000 kilometers for the best diesels, while the petrol engines also became significantly more durable. Major repairs were only to be expected between 180,000 and 250,000 kilometers, whereby the maintenance intervals could be extended. The absolute top-of-the-range engine was the 2.0 dCi with 175 hp, which perfectly combined performance, efficiency and reliability. This generation also introduced downsized turbocharged petrol engines and set new standards for emissions and consumption, but struggled with increasing electronics and more complex exhaust aftertreatment.

Renault Laguna petrol engines: Generation III (2007-2015)

The Renault Laguna petrol engine range was completely revised and now relied on modern turbo technology. The 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine remained as the entry-level engine with 110 hp, but was supplemented by a 1.6 TCe (turbo) with 140 hp. The 2.0-liter came as a naturally aspirated engine with 140 hp or as a turbo with 170 or 205 hp. These Renault Laguna engines were significantly more economical and more powerful than their predecessors, but suffered from the typical problems of early direct-injection turbo engines such as coking of the intake valves and turbocharger damage. The 2.0 TCe with 205 hp developed into the most problematic petrol engine of the generation with frequent turbocharger failures and high repair costs.

Renault Laguna diesel engines: Generation III (2007-2015)

The Renault Laguna diesel range was equipped with state-of-the-art dCi engines. As the smallest diesel, the 1.5 dCi with 110 hp offered a good balance of economy and performance. The tried-and-tested 2.0 dCi came in various power levels from 130 to 175 hp, with the 175 hp version with twin-turbo technology representing the pinnacle. These Renault Laguna dCi engines were considered the most reliable and efficient of their time, achieving fuel consumption of less than 5 liters per 100 km and mileages of over 400,000 kilometers. Problems were mainly caused by the complex exhaust gas aftertreatment, the particulate filter and occasional turbocharger defects during sporty driving.

Conclusion: The best Renault Laguna engines of all generations

The development of Renault Laguna engines over three generations clearly shows the technological progress of the French automotive industry. While the first generations still relied on proven, simple technology, the later dCi diesel engines developed into true masterpieces of engineering. The petrol engines, on the other hand, often remained problematic, especially in the later turbo versions.

• Best Renault Laguna gasoline engine:

The second-generation 1.6 16V with 110 hp combines reliability with acceptable performance and moderate running costs, without the complexity of the turbo engines.

• Best Renault Laguna diesel engine:

The third-generation 2.0 dCi with 175 hp offers the perfect combination of power, efficiency and reliability and is considered one of the best diesel engines of its time.

• Best Renault Laguna engine overall:

The 2.2 dT with 113 hp from the first generation remains the favorite for long-distance drivers and frequent drivers due to its legendary reliability and easy maintenance.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Renault Laguna generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.

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