RENAULT'S all-new 120 bhp 1.8-litre 16v engine will debut in the Laguna in October and simultaneously the French manufacturer has announced further specification enhancements to the Safrane. The addition of the new petrol engine to the Laguna line-up - it replaces the 2.0-litre 8v - gives fleets a choice of three 16v petrol engines - 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre - and a range-topping 3.0 litre V6 as well as diesel engines.

Prices for the Laguna models powered by the new engine will be unchanged from the outgoing 2.0-litre 8v manual versions they replace with the engine available with a choice RT, RT Sport and RXE trim levels. Automatic versions will continue to be fitted with the existing 2.0-litre engine. The new engine provides fuel economy of 35.8mpg on the combined cycle, has a top speed of 126mph and a 0-62 mph time of 10.7 seconds.

Meanwhile, the ageing and struggling Safrane is being given a further boost by Renault from next month. Standard specification on the four model range - Executive 2.0-litre 16v, Executive 2.0-litre 16v automatic, Executive 2.5 20v automatic and Questor 2.5 20v automatic - will include: new chrome front grille, ABS, driver, front passenger and front lateral airbags, automatic air conditioning, leather upholstery and steering wheel, alloy wheels, CD player, trip computer, electric sunroof and windows (front and rear) and metallic paint.