Renault introduced the second generation of the Laguna in 2005 and was the safest car in its class, and it was built in two body versions: hatchback and station wagon.
The French carmaker had its hands full. After just two years since it completely refreshed its compact segment vehicles, it moved to the upper level, the Laguna. It wasn’t the most expensive nor the most luxurious car in its stable, but it tried to be the best choice for the middle class, fighting hard against Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, or Opel/Vauxhall Vectra.

While other carmakers proved that sedan bodyworks were doing better than the hatchbacks, Renault offered the Laguna II only as a hatchback or a station wagon. Its angular-shaped headlights were narrow and continued by a black grille with the rhomboidal badge placed on a distinct, body-colored vertical slat in the middle. The designers created a rounded shape grille at the bottom, flanked by round fog lights on the outer side. From its profile, it featured an extended, arched roofline. Its curved and sloped-down tailgate created a sporty image for the station wagon.

Inside, it shared the same interior with its hatchback brother. Depending on the trim level and options, it featured a two-tone, curved dash panel covered in a soft material for an up-market feeling. In the top-trim level, Initiale, it sported wood trims on the steering wheel, gear-stick, and on the front of the dashboard. For vehicles fitted with a navigation system, the screen was above the center stack. In the back, the carmaker installed a 60/40 split-folding bench, which could expand the trunk from 475 liters (16.8 cu-ft) to 1,500 liters (52.9 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Renault installed a choice of five gasoline and seven turbo-diesel engines, depending on the market. A four-speed automatic transmission was available as an option for selected powerplants.