Initiale 2.0 dCi 175 Estate

Simply the best

Since I could speak, I have been totally enamoured with cars. Over the last 18 years or so since I passed my test I have owned about 60 different cars - from an old Metro to right the way through mediocre Vectras and Mondeos to BMW 3 and 5 series. However, I've always craved the "next" thrill - car-wise!

Last year (being 2012) however I purchased a Laguna 3 Dynamique hatchback with the 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine and automatic gearbox - much against my better judgement as I'd had a Laguna 2 DCi which was so unreliable - anyway, I found it just perfect but really wanted a touch more economy and a bit more space around a year later so early this year (2013) I spotted my current car, the 2.0DCi 175bhp Initiale Estate Auto on t'internet not too far from where I live.

I had no reason to switch from the Laguna 3 so it seemed ideal - and higher specced. So I bought it and I really could not love the car more without it becoming inappropriate.

Eight months in to ownership and I find the ride is perfectly acceptable - comfortable despite the 17" wheels, yet firm enough to not wallow around roundabouts or country roads. It's not a sports car (if you want that, perhaps look at a Subaru?) but it is composed and comfortable. Never has the car felt unsettled.

The engine is smooth, strong and refined with a great turn of pace if you put your foot down. The automatic gearbox does feel like it's straight out of the 80's given it's hesitation at times, but it's smooth and quiet and kicks down quickly enough at A-road speeds. Economy isn't impressive but this is probably down to a combination of the weight of the car, the auto-box and the fact I thoroughly enjoy every one of the 175 bhp it has. I average around 34mpg but on a gentle run it's easy to exceed 40mpg - not record breaking but reasonable given the refinement.

I'd imagine the only other area of note for a review is the interior which is well put together, with great seats, all the areas you touch (such as the steering wheel, gear level and major controls) feel well built and high quality. It's quiet and refined at any speed.

If I was trying to sell the car the above might sound like a great sales pitch but having picked this car up with about 10,000 miles on the clock and made sure it's had an oil change every 4,000 miles since and with them not being available new in the UK anymore, I will not be parted from it in a hurry!

If you get the chance of a decent one, but it. You won't be disappointed!!

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