French flair: Renault Laguna Coupe GT

The compact coupé market is almost an all-German affair. For some badge-conscious buyers, if it doesn't have a BMW, Audi or Mercedes badge it's not worth looking at.

Those snobs might have seconds thoughts if they catch a glimpse of Renault's Laguna Coupé, though. The French firm renowned for its design flair has produced a car oozing with style. And a quick glance at the specification shows that it's not lacking in substance, either.

First things first; there's no shame in comparing the Laguna Coupé to, say, an Aston Martin. From the front, the French car proudly displays an Aston-esque grille and headlamp arrangement. Its squat stance is another plus, while in profile the Laguna is as smooth and sophisticated-looking as something from that British supercar maker.

 Design coup

Stop laughing at the back ­— this is all genuine. With such stiff competition further up the price range from the Germans and a slew of cheaper hot hatches below, the most obvious way to set yourself apart is to design your way out of a corner.

Fortunately, there are no corners on the Laguna Coupé, just sweeping curves. The same is true inside, with the car's light and airy cabin a welcome relief from the sombre Germanic opposition. It's all familiar Laguna stuff, which is a good thing as the ergonomics are spot on, the driving position is comfortable and adjustable for large and small occupants. There's even room at the back, albeit adults probably won't want to go too far.

And that's the only real criticism of the car, which is pretty good going. It only takes a moment behind the wheel to realise that the Laguna Coupé is more than just a pretty face.

In reality the front-wheel-drive Coupé is something of a dark horse. When you think of a car for the keen driver you automatically think of the more expensive premium opposition. The Laguna won't turn you into a driving guru, but does have the ability to entertain.

Great handler

For maximum enjoyment you need to opt for a GT model though, as these variants come with an innovative four-wheel steer system.

Combine this with one of Renault's excellent engines — the diesels are brilliant but so is the 2.0-litre turbo petrol — and you've got yourself a car that boasts a level of agility previously unheard of in a mainstream model.

Simply put, you can corner harder and faster thanks to the efforts of the Laguna's rear wheels. Less steering effort is required, which does demand that you recalibrate your inputs for the first few kilometres. On a series of flowing bends it's almost akin to thinking the car through the turns, such is the precision of the steering system. If you're not grinning after the first few corners, then you're simply not enjoying it.

But hang in there, there's more to the system than being able to fling the car into a bend at speed. On a practical note the steering system reduces the turning circle, making parking and navigating narrow city streets a breeze. You know you've become spoilt when you step into another car and bemoan the amount of effort required to park it.

Far from being little more than a novelty act, the Laguna Coupé GT's steering system adds a considerable amount of value to the ownership experience. Sure, the regular cars are entertaining and rewarding in their own right, but opting for the GT is a worthwhile investment.

So too is the 3.5-litre V6 engine. The six-cylinder unit is the flagship of the range, and while the smaller engines offer better economy, the 235bhp you get from the V6 more than make up for the frequent fuel pump visits. There's no shortage of torque at low speeds either, and its ability to sit quietly on the motorway shouldn't be underestimated.

Factor in Renault's impressive safety record plus all the airbags and electronic stability aids you could ask for, as well as a high level of standard kit — enough to embarrass any German rival — and there's no reason why the Laguna Coupé shouldn't soon be on your shopping list. It's an attractive proposition from every angle.

Specs

• Model: Laguna Coupé GT
• Engine: 3.5-litre V6
• Transmission: Six-speed auto
• Max power: 235bhp @ 6,000rpm
• Max torque: 329Nm @ 4,400rpm
• Top speed: 220kph
• 0-100kph: 8.5secs
• Price: TBC
• Plus: Handling, looks, safety features, steering
• Minus: Automatic only