Build quality of the facelifted Laguna, on sale from March 18, will be better than the current model, according to Renault.

Changes on the car are more radical than usual for a mid-life uplift because traditional D-sector models are under attack from MPVs, SUVs and sports models. Renault wants to dispel any anxieties over quality.

Renault’s post mortem verdict on the Laguna of four years ago is: 'Not good enough but steps have been taken’. The manufacturer has decided technological innovations are essential, but must be tested more thoroughly before introduction.

Laguna warranty bills have been over budget for the past four years, though the manufacturer will not say by how much. Two advances failed when put to real-life test: the key card (these were damaged when put in trouser back pockets and then sat upon) and tyre-pressure monitors (faults developed after tyre changes).

Renault has been replacing damaged key cards out of a goodwill budget beyond the three-year warranty period.

Over the past 12 months, Renault has run a ‘loyalty programme’, offering existing retail Laguna customers a better deal than new ones to trade their car in for a new Laguna.