Renault Laguna Coupe concept (2007) CAR review

Ooo, shiny. What is this fine-looking thing?

This is – are you ready? – a Renault. Yes, honestly. The company that currently specialises in boring family carry-alls and hardcore hot hatches has actually turned out something sexy. It's the Laguna Coupe Concept, a debutante show car at last month's Frankfurt Motor Show. And we've just driven it. Alongside its swoopy, muscular bodywork, the Coupe Concept is also a showcase for the Laguna’s tricked-up 4RD all-wheel steer chassis, and an all-new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine. This 261bhp, 406lb ft powerhouse is so good its first official appearance will be in an Infiniti, otherwise known as Nissan’s answer to Lexus, which launches in Europe next year. What's it like to drive? CAR was the first UK magazine to drive it, so click 'Next' to find out what it's like on the road.

But hold on. You said Laguna – that's one of those boring family cars you were just on about, isn't it?

Exactly. The whole point of this exercise is to show Renault can do style as well as the next manufacturer. Which, depending on the angle you catch the Coupe Concept at, could conceivably be any of the likely suspects from Italy. Or even - whisper it -Aston Martin, especially around the tail lamps. But with the swage line running from headlight to tail, there’s also something uniquely French about its design. Renault feels the new Laguna hatch and forthcoming Sport Tourer (nee estate) prove it now does quality and reliability in keeping with class expectations (time will tell on this). Privately, officials acknowledge the considerably less than stimulating looks, though. The Coupe is dedicated to redressing this balance. Forget practicality, it's a Renault you'll simply want to own.