The car that pioneered keyless entry and a five-star safety record
In short: Before you tapped a phone or swiped a card to start your car, the Renault Laguna was already experimenting with the future. It became a pioneer of both safety and convenience, securing a historic first in European crash tests while introducing high-tech features that would eventually become industry standards.
The Renault Laguna's development was a marathon of engineering, beginning in 1987 with a design freeze by early 1990. When it launched in 1994, it was positioned as a premium family car, offering equipment levels significantly higher than its predecessor, the Renault 21. It was a pioneer in safety, becoming the first vehicle available in Europe to achieve a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests—a milestone Renault heavily promoted to establish the model's credentials.
The car was also a laboratory for high-tech convenience. Valeo created this model, which became the earliest European family vehicle equipped with 'keyless' ignition and entry. This system replaced traditional keys with a credit card-style device. However, this innovation was a double-edged sword; the initial unreliability of the system actually damaged the reputation of both the Laguna and Renault. Despite these growing pains, the model continued to evolve, eventually introducing a voice synthesizer in the 1998 RXE and V6 models to provide vocal warnings about weather and mechanical faults.
By the time the third generation arrived in 2007, the Laguna had become a global platform. It shared its architecture with Nissan models like the Altima and Murano and was the first car to undergo testing at the Aubevoye Technical Centre's Electro Magnetic Compatibility unit. While it eventually transitioned into various body styles—including a sporty two-door coupé and a lifestyle-oriented 'Sports Tourer' estate—it remained a cornerstone of Renault's engineering, balancing high-end features like ABS and air conditioning with the practical demands of the European market.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Renault Laguna
- Also: Wikidata — Renault Laguna · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Renault Laguna · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/sport-renault-laguna.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Ground transport · More in Sport & Games · Latest · A–Z · All topics
