RENAULT'S previous generation Laguna was a sound if unspectacular vehicle, so there was plenty of room for improvement when it came time to create the new badge carrier.

Initially, I have to say, I thought that visually the new third-generation Laguna wasn't advancing the cause.

But the longer you look at it the more styling elements you discover, because the panel work is surprisingly intricate.

It's not quite radical enough to make it stand out in the crowd, but the new Laguna does feature lots of nice, subtle and interesting touches, which owners are likely to warm to.

A continuation of the general Laguna theme, it has a slight coupe feeling, especially the sloping roof line which feeds down into the broad hatchback.

This is emphasised by aspects such as the streamlined triple-lens optical headlights, long sloping bonnet, wide air intake grille and distinctive rising shoulder line.

At the rear a crease line in the boot gives it a more distinctive and athletic profile.

A concealed button releases the hatch, which opens up a wide, deep, uncluttered and very useful 462 litre luggage compartment (rising to 1,377 litres with the rear seats folded).

This is a reflection of the whole Laguna theme which has generous amounts of passenger space, especially in terms of rear leg room, although I have some criticism of the angle of the rear window, which does restrict rear vision a touch and brush close to rear occupant hairlines.

Up front, things are very much in the Renault idiom but with less of the quirky cues that have punctuated some of the brand's designs in recent year.

The low soft textured sweeping dashboard is almost Germanic in execution with neat minimal controls and clear precise instrumentation while Renault has followed the lead of a number of its rivals in installing the information control console where the conventional handbrake should be.

Instead, Laguna features a space-saving electronic parking brake.

In Dynamic trim (the middle trim level and sales front runner) the specification includes keyless key card entry and engine start, part-leather front sport seats, leather steering wheel and cruise control.

This is in addition to speed limiter, chrome cabin detailing, air conditioning, radio/CD audio and alarm and immobiliser.

Diesel is now the order of the day in this segment and that has been a bit of a handicap for Renault in the past, who haven't quite been able to match their opponents.

But the latest turbo- charged two-litre dCi in 150bhp configuration (the expected best-seller in the range) is significantly better, especially in terms of refinement, being quiet and smooth with a quick start-up.

Although nothing startling in terms of performance, it offers adequate acceleration and sustainability.

In general use it ought to be good on fuel economy and comfortable over long distances.

It is eased along by a slick action six-speed manual transmission offering effortless steps of hushed acceleration.

It's a similar story at the wheel, where the assisted steering has a positive feel, eliminating some of the stodginess that often hampers French models.

Comfortable and nicely settled, the new Laguna benefits from lightweight MacPherson front and twist beam rear suspension, which gives it a nice flat platform to work from.

The new hatchback is competent and fluid on the road, Renault having spent a lot of time on increasing the stiffness (up to 50 per cent at the rear) which works well with the improved anti-roll bars.

Good stopping power is supplemented by ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist and ESP with ASR Traction Control so you always feel reassured.

New Laguna combines all the elements that make up a good car and it does a lot of things very well, making it one of the first big Renaults that I have actually enjoyed driving over a long distance.

The homely cabin is well put together, everything feels efficient and practical and Renault has made great strides in upgrading the quality and refinement of its latest Laguna.

It's just a shame that it still lacks a certain dynamic appearance and personality.