Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault steers from the rear

‘Active drive’ marks the return of four-wheel-steering systems

Remember four-wheel steer? Back in the ’80s it was heralded as the next big thing in terms of chassis enhancement. But it never really took off, mainly because it proved too expensive for the potential benefits (namely a slight reduction in understeer) and because clever passive-rear-steer suspension designs could offer similar benefits at a much lower cost.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Now Renault is about to bring back active 4WS with a new system that could revolutionise how we think about steering from the rear. Called ‘Active Drive’, the breakthrough (according to Renault) is the way its rear-steer hardware is controlled by an ECU that monitors steering inputs, vehicle speed and the ESP system every 10 milliseconds, enabling it to offer a massive improvement in vehicle dynamics.

To prove this, Renault has invited evo to its proving ground near Paris to try a diesel-powered new Laguna equipped with the system. And the dynamic benchmark for this drive? A Porsche Boxster…

Driving both cars – and a standard Laguna as well – through a violent lane-change is illuminating. While the standard Laguna is hardly a dynamic benchmark, once fitted with Active Drive it transforms itself into one of the most agile front-drive cars I’ve ever driven.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

The steering is much more direct for a start, turn-in sharp but not aggressively so, but it’s when you push the boundaries of adhesion that it really shows its mettle. Understeer has been banished, so instead of heading straight on when barrelling into a tightening corner, the car adopts a delicious four-wheel drift as the technology makes the most of the available grip. It’s only with serious provocation that the ESP intervenes – most of the time the Active Drive system sorts out any wayward handling itself.

Shocking as it may sound, the Boxster really has its work cut out to match the speed and agility of the Laguna through the slalom. Renaultsport has been involved with the development of Active Drive from the outset, and you can tell. Renault really could have a dynamic revolution on its hands here, so long as it finds its way onto road cars in undiluted form.

The first model to get the system will be the new Laguna Coupe, which we’ll see at the Geneva show next spring. After that, it should become available on most ‘interesting’ Renaults thanks to a company decision to ensure all current and future models can accommodate the hardware. With rivals developing similar 4WS systems, Renault is keen to maximise its head start by bringing it to market as soon as possible, so watch this space.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Renault 4 2025 review – retro crossover takes aim at the MG4
Renault 4 front
Reviews

Renault 4 2025 review – retro crossover takes aim at the MG4

The revived Renault 4 hopes to continue the success of its smaller 5 sibling, and on first impressions it seems well placed to do just that
11 Aug 2025
'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'
Renaultsport Megane R26.R 24
Opinion

'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'

Richard Meaden reflects on the golden age of Renault Sport hot hatches, and what the future might hold for Alpine EVs
27 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Are classic cars as good as we remember them?
Eras 80s
Opinion

Are classic cars as good as we remember them?

Looking back, were we viewing the ’80s and ’90s through rose-tinted glasses? Or were they in fact the definition of the thrill of driving?
16 Oct 2025
Were the 2000s and 2010s the performance car sweet spot?
Audi R8 and Lamborghini Murciélago
Opinion

Were the 2000s and 2010s the performance car sweet spot?

The 2000s saw an abundance of cheap finance and brilliant new performance cars, but were the 2010s actually even better?
20 Oct 2025
Maserati MCPura review – redemption for the MC20?
Maserati MCPura
Reviews

Maserati MCPura review – redemption for the MC20?

The Maserati MC20 took top honours at evo Car of the Year 2022, but since then it’s been overshadowed by McLaren and Ferrari’s latest and greatest. Ca…
17 Oct 2025