I have some reservations about Renault's latest advertising campaign for the new Laguna. "Avoid the impact of hitting 40" is a clever twist on the perceived threshold for middle-age but I worry that the effect is counter-productive. By raising the issue of middle-age - ironically to dismiss it - the ad reinforces the fact that this might just be an old person's car. In other words, I never even thought about it, but now you mention it . . .I explained my concerns to one of Renault's marketing people and his response - silence accompanied by a knowing smile - said it all. Maybe the ad is sending out the wrong message. Which is a shame, because the new Laguna is an impressive machine, whichever of the new range you go for - but especially the GT 205. It's a Grand Touring version which Renault says is dedicated to driving enjoyment, coupling sporting enthusiasm with civilised everyday driving.There is only one engine, a new two-litre turbo developing the 205bhp which gives the model its name and powers the car from 0-62 mph in just over 7 seconds up to a potential top speed of 146mph with massive pulling power. That acceleration is impressive - just a tenth of a second slower than the smaller and lighter Clio Renaultsport 182.The GT 205 will take its place alongside the Initiale version as the flagship of the new Laguna and is designed to dispel - in spite of the advertising campaign - any thoughts that this is a car for driving serenely and sedately on a Sunday afternoon.Foot to the floor, the performance is good but I confess I wasn't as impressed as I expected to be. There are probably several reasons for this. Before getting into the 205, I'd just stepped out of the sensational Megane Renaultsport Trophy and was still getting my breath back; the test car still had only a few miles on the clock and hadn't really bedded-in, and it was deliciously smooth and almost silent on the road which helped to disguise the true rate of progress.Technically, it has an extensively modified chassis incorporating lessons learned by Renault's Formula 1 engineers. The 10mm lower ride height gives the car a more dynamic stance on the road and with 24% stiffer suspension than the standard model and specially-developed Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 tyres on 17" wheels, the car has exceptional road manners.It looks much improved over the previous model, too, with several distinctive features like a lower air intake grille, wheels with a smoked chrome finish and a rear wing on the hatchback. The Sport Tourer, or estate as we know and love them, comes with satin-finished roof rails and dark-tinted rear side windows.So the car shouts - or perhaps whispers - subtlety. Only the expert would spot this as something special. Where other manufacturers might stick a bright red badge or go-faster stripes on their GT, Renault has limited itself to a few discreet chrome strips.Inside, though, it's a slightly different story. Here, the leather seats in dark charcoal with deep red inlays tell of sportiness, and touches of satin chrome or aluminium around the fittings and dashboard are designed to speak of engineering excellence. Personally, I'm not keen on the current brushed-metal theme and I much preferred the wood inlay on the Laguna Initiale version which worked so well in the sadly about-to-be-lamented Vel Satis.For an on-the-road price of £21,355 for the five-door hatch and an extra £1000 for the Sport Tourer, the car comes with all the bits and pieces which are standard in the Dynamique version plus Xenon headlights, tyre pressure monitor, satellite navigation and heated front seats . . . and you've got the security of the class-leading five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests.Most new Laguna buyers will go for the economical yet sparky diesel version. Fewer than 5% will go for the GT 205 . . . but they're the ones who'll have the fun. Engine 1998cc, 4 cylinders Power 205bhp Fuel/CO2 33.2mpg / 200g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 7.2 seconds Top speed 146mph Price £21,355 (hatch), £22,355 (Sport Tourer) Details correct at publication date
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