RENAULT really does spoil you for choice when it comes to the "upper-medium" sector of cars.

And nothing could prove this more than the introduction of a new model in the Laguna range - Extreme.

The Laguna Extreme offers sporty appeal to customers at the lower end of the range (fitting beneath the Dynamique model) with OTR prices from £15,575.

Extreme features two of Renault's mid-range petrol engines - 122bhp 1.8-litre 16-valve and 120bhp 1.9-litre dCi and 150bhp 2.2-litre dCi - plus the newest addition to the range, a five-speed proactive automatic gearbox for the 2.0T.

Its sporty edge is emphasised by 17" Louxor alloy wheels and rear spoiler on the hatch or alloy-effect roof bars on the Sport Tourer.

The inside also gets the sports treatment with part-leather sports front seats and a thicker three-spoke steering wheel.

The driver's seat gains lumber support and the passenger seat gets a height adjuster.

And this sporty package is all protected by a category 1 alarm as standard.

Based on the entry-level Authentique trim level, the Extreme also features manual air-conditioning, electric/heated door mirrors and 60-watt single-CD RDS radio with six speakers and fingertip remote control - on top of the core features seen on every Laguna.

These core features include ABS with EBV electronic rear brake proportioning valve, emergency brake assist and driver, front passenger, front lateral and curtain airbags. The cars also have front safety belts with two pretensioners on the driver's side, three-point safety belts for three rear seat passengers, and remote-controlled door locking.

Laguna Extreme also offers a comprehensive range of option packs and individual options.

Four low-cost option packs - Comfort, Relax 1, Technology and Safety - are available.

Building on an already excellent safety package, Laguna was the first five-star EuroNCAP car. The Safety Pack, costing £350, offers rear lateral airbags and tyre pressure monitors - saving £150 off the cost of these individual options.

For more information, call Herds Renault on 01256 474477.