Renault Fluence

Overall

It is official now, Renault Fluence, the luxury sedan, will be brought here in India by 2011, according to Renault India Country General Manager and Managing Director Marc Nassif. The Renault Fluence was displayed at Delhi Auto Expo 2010 and attracted the crowd with its simple but sophisticated appearance. The Indian website of the company has also claimed that the model will be launched in India along with Renault Koleos which is a crossover vehicle in mid-2011. The sedan body type Renault Fluence will be available in both diesel and petrol variants. Both the variants of the sedan are claimed as economical in terms of fuel efficiency. The C-segment sedan will have to compete with the likes of Skoda Laura, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic.

Renault Fluence Description :

Renault Fluence will be available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engine variants. The petrol engines might be launched in two versions viz., 1.6 16 V 110 hp and 2.0 16V 140 hp and the diesel engines will have 5 variants such as 1.5 dCi 85, 1.5 dCi 90 DPF, 1.5 dCi 105, 1.5 dCi 110 DPF and 1.5 dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission. However, it is not very clear that which variant will have what type of transmission system. Right now, the company says that the Renault Fluence might have manual or automatic transmission system. But yes, it is very clear in terms of suspension, brakes and steering wheel. The sedan will be fitted with advanced suspension system, front will be MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms fork and rear one will be programmed-deflection flexible beam fork. 

The car uses rigid chassis that ensures comfortable, enjoyable and efficient riding experience. Apart from this, the vehicle would be loaded with discs brakes and electric power steering.

As far as exterior and interior design is concerned, the car looks simple but has eye-catching finishing. The Renault Fluence has simple and sober front view comprised of a sleek and rectangular upper grille in box design, the company emblem is placed above it. The lower grille spreads across the full front view or the nose. Front fog lamps are resting at it that are place elegantly. There is nothing special about the headlamp cluster as it come in ordinary design but have got broad outlines. The ORVMs and door handles are also matches the body colour for uniform appearance. Side skirts are kept bold and beautiful for the sake of sporty image of the Renault Fluence. The rear side view of the upcoming car is bolder than its front view that is a tradition in the industry as well, especially in sedans. The taillights are more than longer that cover most of the space at rear and side. The car has boot gate with a sleek spoiler. Rear bumper comes in black shade that houses exhaust pipe tip peeping out from it. 
  

The interiors of the Renault Fluence will not disappoint you as the exterior does, the reason is the front cabin with designer dashboard entities are fitted with extra ordinary features including funky power steering, neat and clean dashboard with multimedia, AC and display board. The cabin has got new design AC vents and glove box in front of front passenger. The steering wheel of the Renault Fluence sports mounted control for easy handling of the multimedia and other high-tech features. The seats are covered with leather material and come with handrest and head restraints. Digital Loud speakers are fitted at all sides of the car including rear passenger seat row. 

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Renault Fluence, the most awaited upcoming car in India, will be present here in two engine options viz., petrol and diesel. The petrol version will be available in two variants such as 1.6 16 V 110 hp and 2.0 16V 140 hp. The diesel version will be here in five choices including 1.5 dCi 85, 1.5 dCi 90 DPF, 1.5 dCi 105, 1.5 dCi 110 DPF and 1.5 dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission. The company claims that both the engines (petrol and diesel) will deliver class-leading fuel efficiency but does not disclose technology behind it. Renault is also not clear about the gearbox as it will be decided depending on the market. That means initially manual gearbox would be launched. 

Power 

Renault Fluence is going to be launched in India by 2011, as per recent reports. The mid-size sedan will be available in both diesel and petrol engine options. The petrol engine will be introduced in two variants that are 1.6 16 V 110 hp and 2.0 16V 140 hp while the diesel version will be available in five choices including 1.5 dCi 85, 1.5 dCi 90 DPF, 1.5 dCi 105, 1.5 dCi 110 DPF and 1.5 dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission. The company has not disclosed complete details about the powertrain of the car. 

Colors 

The luxury sedan car from Renault, Fluence might be launched in India with trademark body colours; however no official announcement has been done to declare the colour scheme. Stay tuned for more updates on colours and other specifications. 

Renault Fluence Exteriors 

Exterior Appearance 

The yet-to-be launched Renault Fluence is a mid-size sedan that possesses simple but distinctive appearance. Overall appearance looks like a dream toy car that has long but compact nose and upswept rear with arch-shaped roof. The sedan has pleasing shaped nose that consists of common headlamp and aggressive grille boxes. Although, the placing of lamps in the headlamp cluster is quite impressive. If you notice the large rectangular lower grille attached with round fog lamps, it will look like a smiling face of a human being. Adequate space for number plate is left between small upper grille and lower grille. Unlike most of the cars, theRenault Fluence has got same design upper and lower grille but shapes are altogether different. The company emblem finds its place at the tip of the nose that seems like an ultra modern nose ring. 

The Sedan, Renault Fluence, is equipped with electric powered ORVMs in body colour and door handles. The doors have got embossed waistlines and ensure wide opening to assist in comfortable entry. As already discussed, the roof of the car is arch shaped and improves the dynamic image of the sedan. The rear side view of the Renault Fluence is more aggressive than the front one with large taillight cluster and appealing boot gate. The tail lamp cluster is split across the tail side and trunk gate; the lights slot are in leaf shape that looks amazing. The rear side is adorned by a compact roof antenna just above the rear glass. The car has chrome tipped single exhaust pipe. Last but not the least, the alloy wheels give the required sporty look to the Renault beauty.

Exterior Measurements

The mid-size sedan of Renault, Renault Fluence, can accommodate five passengers at a time including the driver. The overall length of the sedan might be like this: Length: 4620 mm , Width: 1809 mm and Height: 1479 mm. 

Renault Fluence Interiors 

Interior Appearance 

The best thing in the Renault Fluence is the interiors which have an array of designer features to woo any car lover. The front cabin of the car is packed with handsome power steering with mounted controls, central console with most of the desired features and funky instrument panel with dazzling backlight. Ample storage space is ensured at the dashboard and the cabin; it has glove box just in front of the front passenger, cup holder just behind the gear knob. AC vents are doing their duty at the middle of the dashboard and at the both ends. The inside environment will be taken care by the system. The electric powered steering wheel will come in four spokes along with mounted controls and a compact and handy gear shifter. 

As far as the seating and comfort are concerned, the Renault Fluence is to come with five seat arrangement with all the supporting comfort features. The second seat row is quite roomy; head restraints for two passengers but flat backrest for middle passenger. However, seatbelts for all the seats would be standard feature. In the same way, handrest at each gate will be there along with a digital speaker. The leather seat covers deserve special mentioning. The second seat row seems more roomy than the front one, by seeing the initial pictures of the vehicle. The Renault Fluence has got a small boot as third cabin in which you can carry your belongings easily.

Interior Comfort

The Renault Fluence ensures ample space for leg, shoulder, head, and hip room. Even after accommodating five passenger in one go, there would be pretty good space for all to feel comfortable inside. The gates openings are designed in a way to give hassle-free entry for all. As per the news reports, the car will be equipped with advanced AC system with all side vents. Power steering with mounted controls, hand gear shifter and readable meters further enhance the comfort level.

Engine Capacity and Performance

As per the Renault website and confirmed news reports, the Renault Fluence will be introduced with both diesel and petrol engine options. The petrol engine will come in two choices like 1.6 16 V 110 hp and 2.0 16V 140 hp while the diesel engines will have 5 variants such as 1.5 dCi 85, 1.5 dCi 90 DPF, 1.5 dCi 105, 1.5 dCi 110 DPF and 1.5 dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission. The company opted not to announce full specifications of engine and transmission, so far it says, the model will be equipped with either manual or automatic transmission depending on the markets. 

Front MacPherson type struts with rectangular lower arms suspension and rear programmed-deflection flexible beam fork will be standard for both the variants. Apart from that, the sedan will be equipped with disc brakes and alloy wheels.

Braking and Handling

Upcoming sedan, Renault Fluence will be equipped with class-leading braking and suspension system, as per media reports. The wheels will be fitted with large disc brakes for enhanced handling and safety. As per the industry standards, the brakes will be added with ABS, EBD, ESP and Brake assists for sure. 

The suspension system of the Renault Fluence is said to be top-rated. The front shocker will be a MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms, while the rear incorporate a programmed-deflection flexible beam for comfort and safety. The suspension does solve dual purpose, one is to ensure smooth riding and second is to give support to the chassis. With power steering and controls on it, handling is to become fun. 

Handling and Safety 

The Renault Fluence will be assembled with most of the standard safety features including airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and BA. The car is reported to be blessed with four airbags; two for front cabin and two for the rear. 
Moreover, all the seats of the sedan will have pre-installed seatbelts and head restraints for advanced security and safety. Front fog lamps, disc brakes, central locking will further enhance safety of passengers and the car itself. 

Stereo and Accessories

According to the initial reports, the Renault Fluence will be gifted with advanced music system along with digital speakers. The audio system would be comprised of CD/MP3 player with 4 speakers. 
The cabin's environment will be taken care by AC with climate control. AC vents will be seen at front cabin as well as the rear cabin.

Renault Fluence Pros :

Interiors are unmatchable with advanced features. Roomy and mileage are other fascinating factors to choose a Fluence.

Renault Fluence Cons :

Very simple appearance, people would find it hard to switch over from other in the competition.

Price :

INR 1,300,000

Economy : 

City-14.5(petrol)

Highway-10.2(petrol)