Monaco GP dCi 150 Coupe

Rare and beautiful. It's a head turner!

You won't see many of these around ... heaven knows why, because it represents superb value for money when compared to any of the over-hyped and over-priced so called 'premium' German brands. Many people don't even know what it is before they see the Renault badge, and that included someone who drives a Laguna Hatch!

I just jumped out of a Civic Type-R that I had for 4yrs/60k miles, and which I absolutely loved. I was looking for something that was just as individual but perhaps a little more economical. I was about to plump for an Alfa Giulietta 2.0JTDM until, thanks to Applewood Vehicle Finance Ltd, I found out that Renault were just about to bring a batch of these Monaco GP editions into the country. I would have been hard pressed to have considered a French car before now, but I am very pleased that I was persuaded to take a 2nd look.

This car is so stylish, comfortable and well specified ... as standard it includes White Pearl Paint, Black Chrome Alloys, Half-leather, Sat.Nav, (fantastic) BOSE Sound System, MP3/iPod connection, Bluetooth, Keyless entry/exit, Xenon headlights, Auto Temp Control Air-Con, Auto Fold Door Mirrors, Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror, Auto Parking Brake, Cruise Control/Speed Limiter, Rear Park Sensors. It doesn't make the tea for you though - although it does have a cup-holder.

Add all of that onto a competitor car and you'll be looking at the best part of £6000.00 or more - this is the depreciation the Germans DON'T TALK ABOUT!

I wonder why? Hmmm ....

However, none of this would be enough if the car itself couldn't perform. Does it match up to my old Type-R? Not in the speed stakes it doesn't, or the outright handling stakes, but don't hold that against it as it was never meant to do that. What it does do is to swiftly transport you in a very relaxed and comfortable fashion across long distances, and it leaves you refreshed at the journeys end. It also has a decent turn of speed when needed.

The standard of fit and finish is as high as you would find on virtually all of the best competition, and I am seriously impressed by the quality of the materials used in the cabin.

Fuel economy is currently around 37-42mpg depending on the type of journey and is averaging 39mpg, but it is still very new and I fully expect that to improve to at least the mid 40's, or a little more, as it beds in.

To be honest, prior to taking delivery of the car from www.applewoodfinance.co.uk I wondered if I would regret my choice, but then any car had a very tough job in replacing my Type-R (which was a wonderful, life enhancing vehicle). However the good news is that after 2 months and 2,000 miles, I can say I have warmed to the Laguna Coupe and I am starting to enjoy it's very stylish and comforting qualities.

Try one ... I am sure you will be very pleasantly surprised.

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