Renault Laguna Coupe V6 dCi Car Audio Review

For some time, Renault offers its vehicles with new navigation system based on technology Carminat Tomtom. Initially, the Laguna coupe had another system installed with Bose DVD Carminat 5.1. The navigator walked carefree, but was a little outdated compared to aftermarket products. Renault has therefore also its flagship, the Laguna Coupe V6 dCi, with the new system Carminat Tomtom!

A relatively complete system!

The first system initially introduced (and always available a priori) on the Laguna coupe was interesting for its optional Bose stereo. The installation included a 5.1 system with center channel, subwoofer channel and power amp. However, the navigation system was a bit overwhelmed and could not be easily updated. Our test model is equipped with Tomtom navigator and a car stereo with 3D sound Arkamys. So we lose the multichannel sound, but in terms of navigation, we gain very much. And then this new car, available on other models in the range, has the advantage of being compatible with mobile sources as popular today. 

Benefits: Supports all mobile source!

Quite conventionally, the unit is located in the middle of the center console, while the video screen is placed at the center of the dashboard. This is a laser receiver with RDS tuner, amplifier 4x20 Watts, 3D sound and Arkamys connection for mobile devices. 18 submissions FM, CD player with MP3 capability, the functions of the unit are fairly conventional. 3D sound allows Arkamys sound settings a bit more advanced than a conventional tone control (listening position, different soundscapes), but would have preferred a true DSP equalizer. As usual with Renault, it has a steering wheel joystick behind the wheel. The steering wheel also has a button for voice command. For the use of portable devices, this unit boasts Bluetooth, a USB port and an auxiliary input. These two outlets are located in the center armrest.

The radio is coupled to a GPS Tomtom

In addition to traditional USB drives (keys, hard drives), this USB port can also control an iPod. The auxiliary input is a standard mini jack to connect the headphone output of any MP3 player. The system allows Bluetooth to pair up to 5 phones: useful if you are multiple users on the car. The function is complete with a list of calls made or received and download the phonebook. Finally, the browser is a Tomtom, working exactly as the PND of the famous brand, except that it is perfectly integrated into the dash. No touch screen, the system is controlled by a knob along with a few keystrokes. This control is located on the center console behind the gear lever as usual with systems Carminat.

IPod control is compatible with the latest generation of Apple music players

The 4.8-inch screen provides high visibility and is well placed for the driver. This browser has Europe maps stored on an SD card. The latter is easily removable because it is located on the side of the screen. We can withdraw at any time to make updates via the TomTom website on a PC. From a functionality point of view, it has all the usual benefits of PND Tomtom: TMC, POI, address book, Alternative route calculation, update MapShare ... Only Live services does the latest PND are not present. The POI database is very well done, because it includes telephone numbers, thereby calling a POI as a hotel. No mapping with 3D buildings, but it is not essential and the Tomtom maps are known for precision and clarity.

TMC, POI, ease of use, it welcomes back navigation Tomtom

Finally, the audio system consists of 8 speakers. We have a kit two separate channels at the front and rear. Both woofers use of 16.5 cm. For Front, the woofers are placed at the bottom of the doors and tweeters on the dashboard. The kit is housed in the rear flanks as in most coupes.

Discover and use: an excellent browser, but using a car radio!

We have tested this system for several days, which allowed us to appreciate the qualities and defects. Let's start with ergonomics! For audio, the audio is simple and convenient to use. The main functions are managed with the steering wheel. Today, the trend is to the keys on the steering wheel spokes, but Renault prefers to remain faithful to its system stick. This is surely a matter of habit or taste, but in practice, the Renault system is by far the most practical. The order falls well under the fingers, and each key having a relief, you do not need to see the command to use. However, the GUI receiver functions are seriously friendliness, although the menus are logical. This is not just about aesthetics, some things are really not practical, especially for the MP3 media.

The steering wheel is really handy to monitor the radio while driving

Each time, the screen displays only three titles, and you have to scroll down to see the others. This is not practical, but also must be fast because the system quickly returns to map display. We would have liked to show only the playlists or radio functions, if you do not want to use the browser. Of course, under the mapping, the display shows the radio station or the song being played, but it is illogical not to disconnect the browser. Apart from the GUI not always practical and aesthetic, the unit does not pose any worries of use.

An excellent browser

Speed ​​of research, quality of reception, the tuner meets the expectations of users of FM. This is an RDS tuner all there from classic. Same for the CD, features are conventional. IPod control has proved compatible with the latest generation iPod (4G Nano, iTouch 2G, ...). The system provides only the audio, no video or photos. Too bad, because the video screen of the car is a good size and good quality. One finds, naturally complete control playlists by artist, album, ..., like the iPod. But the interface as we said above is not practical compared to aftermarket multimedia stations. Otherwise, the reading is done without worries. The same is true for USB support.

The knob on the center console to control the GPS

Pairing a Bluetooth phone is very easy. Then just click "updated to" the directory is loaded into the receiver. However, for the same problem as MP3 media, the interface displays the contacts of three, instead of using more screen area. It's really not practical. Positive, it can initiate a call by voice command. Whether emission or reception of telephone communications quality is perfect. Let us now turn to the browser. It Tomtom, and there is a pure joy, because really more convenient than the old system Carminat DVD. Logical menus, features, performance, we find everything that you like on a mobile browser Tomtom. Route calculation is fast, the guide is accurate, we receive TMC traffic info. The POI database is well designed, navigating easily inside. The mapping is not the most beautiful he is, but it offers excellent readability. The system is controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. While we prefer touch screens, you can not say that this is not practical. Once we know the Tomtom menu, the browser is really simple and convenient to use.

The woofer has the will, but the doors starved Soundproofing

Another very significant, the system Tomtom can be regularly updated, unlike what is usually seen as original equipment. Finally, we kept listening to the end. Overall, this system offers good sound quality. The sound is rather dynamic and well stamped with proper rendering in the bass. However, do expect subwoofers, for lack of a dedicated system at low frequencies. The woofers show good will in the grave, but high-volume, sound quality degrades with vibrations. The front doors dire need of soundproofing. If listening is dynamic, the system still lacks power, there is nothing to be "busting eardrums. The sound processing Arkamys improves significantly enough to listen, but the soundstage lacks depth on music instruments loaded. For anyone who wants to listen quietly to music in everyday life, this system is very good, but music lovers will be disappointed! That said, this car has very good potential to achieve a beautiful hi-fi.

The loudspeakers are placed in the rear flanks

We can keep the original source, which is perfectly integrated, this does not make an installation with power amps. There are many OEM interfaces, for connecting speakers to the original sources. The speakers are worth changing. The front doors with a thick, we can accommodate a quality woofer. Another interesting point is that Laguna is not the Bose subwoofer, but it retained the precut slot in the metal of the rear deck. We can put a sub 20 cm operating free-air. The battery is housed in the trunk, it will greatly facilitate the installation of power amps without having to run a major power cable in the car. In addition, there is even room in the double bottom of the trunk to put an amp (see photo gallery), as the V6 dCi has no spare wheel. Finally, remember that the dash has a slot for center channel.

In conclusion: 

Our Laguna coupe was equipped with a standard of this system, it will complain less imperfections. Overall, the Laguna Coupe has a good system, but for a car loan of 50,000 Euros, the car radio is not very accomplished. Nothing to say for the navigation system, it is excellent. But the radio is "not finished". It certainly offers modern features (Bluetooth, iPod, USB, ...), but the GUI is impractical and not user friendly. Damage also can not enjoy the nice screen for video, but an aftermarket manufacturer will eventually offer an OEM interface.

Laguna Coupe has a great potential to create an attractive installation

For ordinary mortals, the sound quality will be high enough in everyday life. It is not bad and even quite pleasant indeed, but music lovers will prove more demanding. Our main regret concerning the lack of power, lack of depth of soundstage and lack of soundproofing doors. But as we said earlier, this facility has a very good potential for improvement. The car allows for a hi-fi without embarking on massive changes, even without changing the aesthetics of the cockpit. However, we can not do much to improve the interface of the source, but one gets used to it. And then the highlight of this facility remains primarily browser Tomtom!

Specifications: 

- Screen 4.8 inch

- RDS

- CD Player with MP3

- Integrated Amplifier: 4x20 Watt

- Sound processing Arkamys

- Bluetooth

- iPod Control

- USB Port

- Audio mini-jack

- Browser 3D with European maps, TMC

- Voice Command

- Steering Wheel Controls

- HP Front: 2 way kit 16.5 cm

- HP Rear Kit 2 lanes in 16.5 cm