Monthly sales figures rarely seem to bring much respite to Renault UK, with sales down over 2011 by almost a third compared to 2010.That's puzzlng because the French manufacturer has several strong cars in its range, including the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs, the smart new Megane hatch and fire-breathing Renaultsport models, one of which he recently hooned around the Nurburgring.There's also the Fluence ZE electric car on its way - another Renault we recently had the pleasure of driving - and a host of new electric Renaults.Realistically, though, it's smaller cars like the Twingo citry car, Clio supermini and Megane family that Renault needs to shift. The manufacturer is not looking to replace it large Espace MPV and quietly withdrew its Koleos SUV in 2010.The new Laguna has not been a runaway sales success either - scrapping it out with the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and Volkswagen Passat in the competitive, shrinking D-sector.The Laguna hatch and saloon were generally thought to be too boring - but there's also a Laguna coupe that's quite a different proposition. For one it looks very smart, particularly in Arctic White paintjob and 18-inch alloys.We had a brief drive in the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP dCi 150 2.0-litre turbodiesel model and found a good cruiser that will please those looking for something different in the family car sector.While the Laguna Coupe looks like a 2+2 I think it works better as a cooler family car - elegance rather than sportiness - that will swallow a family plus luggage - a very decent 432 litres of boot space extends to 873 with rear seats folded down.A possible 54.3mpg means that the Laguna Coupe offers style and good fuel economy, though some rather more spirited driving returned 34.2mpg. CO2 emissions are fairly low at 136g/km though, so running the Laguna Coupe as a business car should be attractive.The engine feels somewhat underpowered, considering what the coupe's sleek profile promises, but some hard work with the long-throw six-speed gearbox can get the most out of the hefty 340Nm of torque to hit the 62mph mark in a little under ten seconds. Higher gears feel placed for relaxed economy driving, which makes sense on the car, but a petrol variant might be more enaging.As with most Renault's the ride is smooth and comfortable but the Laguna Coupe doesn't feel like the most capable car on the road in the handling stakes.While the exterior looks sharp the interior is distinctly Renault, which is to say that it's fairly par for the course for a volume interior, though the full leather seats do look and feel good and the Monaco GP flourishes are very smart.Upfront it's spacious, though youngsters may be better suited to the three rear seats, and the infotainment system is intuitive and easy to operate.All of this costs £22,305 on the Monaco GP edition, which includes 18-inch Interlagos ally wheels, Arkamys stereo system with Bluetooth, BOSE sound system, aluminium and Arctic White trim, easy-to-use Super Fold system, Carminat TomTom system and keycard.That's quite a bit of kit to factor into the price, though it still feels at the dear end for a car of this size - especially with other coupes from Volkswagen, Audi and BMW squeezing the sector.However, those seeking something different should love the Laguna Coupe's looks, especially its sleek profile and reproportioned rear, which even has something of the Aston Martin about it.It's a shame we don't see more of them on the roads as it's an example of Renault daring to do something different and largely succeeding. Renault Laguna Coupe Milestones Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP dci 150Price as tested: £22,305Engine: 2.0-litre dCI; 150bhp @ 4000rpm; 350Nm @2000rpm; 62mph in 9.5 seconds; top speed 131mpg; 54.3mpg combined fuel economy; 136g/kmPros: Great looks, strong kit levels, smooth, economical engineCons: Cramped rear, engine not especially dynamic, strong competition
