Renault is adding to the C-segment territory, with the launch of Fluence.

Cars of this size are gaining in popularity, probably in part due to the global economic downturn.
People are increasingly having to be extremely careful when it comes to large ticket items like a car.
One solution is to buy a slightly smaller car, but maintain the comfort and speci-fication to which one has become accustomed. The Renault Fluence would be well suited to this kind of customer.
Renault also emphasises its commitment to after-sales service and care for Renault owners.
French brands have suffered in this department, and Renault has stated they are well aware of how vital it is for them to change this perception.

PACKAGE
In the case of the Fluence, the support package consists of a five-year or 150 000 km warranty, a five-year or 100 000 km service plan, a comprehensive roadside assistance package for the duration of the warranty period, guaranteed parts availa-bility or a mobility solution and fixed-price servicing costs.

The Renault Fluence will be offered with a choice of two advanced 16-valve petrol engines with capacities of 1,6 l and 2,0 l respectively.
The Fluence 1.6 16v is available in Expression and Dynamique derivatives and is credited with a peak power output of 81 kW at 6 000 rpm and 156 Nm at 4 400 r/min.
Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, it is said to consume just 6,5 l/100 km in the combined cycle, with a corresponding carbon emissions rating of 159 g/km.
As the flagship of the range, the 2.0 16v engine (offered in the top-spec Privilege model), produces 105 kW at 6 000 rpm and 195 Nm at 3 750rpm r/min.
The range-topper gains a six-speed ma-nual gearbox returns a combined cycle consumption of 7,8 l/100 km and a carbon figure of 184 g/km.

SAFETY
On the safety front, the Fluence incorporates dual front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and EBA, automatic warning light activation during emergency braking, ISOFIX mounting points for the rear side seats, and automatic central locking of the doors and boot when in motion.
An integrated Renault alarm system has also been incorporated.
Air-conditioning is standard as is a multi-function trip computer, one-touch electric front windows, height and lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.


HIGH TECH
In terms of high-tech ancillaries, the Fluence is equipped with a 4x15 watt front-loading CD receiver featuring MP3/WMA music file compatibility.
There is also an integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system fitted as standard.
The 1.6 16v Dynamique takes the Fluence a step up the luxury ladder with additional features such as automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, automatic headlight activation, and dual-zone automatic climate control with combined odour-particulate filter.
In addition, the Renault Fluence a 4x35 watt MP3-compatible CD receiver. The latter incorporates Bluetooth connectivity for cellphone integration as well as audio streaming from portable MP3 players, plus a dedicated RCA connection for plug-in devices.
Multi-spoke 17" alloy wheels are fitted to the Dynamique.

FLAGSHIP
The 2.0 16v Privilége enjoys flagship status in the Fluence range, with a top-notch specification list that extends to ESP traction and stability control and one-touch electric windows all round.
There are also reverse parking sensors, electric heated side mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror and a split leather steering wheel.
It also features a premium "3D sound" audio system.
This features eight speakers and innovative three-dimensional surround- sound technology.

AMBIENCE
Significant attention has been paid to material choice to enhance the premium quality ambience.
This includes the use of a soft-touch dashboard trim, modern seat upholstery or classy leather on range-topping models, as well as exclusive touches such as chrome finishes for the door handles, instrument surrounds and the gear lever knob.
Rear passenger comfort has also been elevated to new heights in this sector with the climate control system incorporating vents beneath the front seats and at the rear of the centre console on top-spec models.
The options list includes an eye-catching sports kit which comprises front and rear bumpers, as well as colour-matched side sills to give the Fluence a more striking edge.
This can be complemented by the likes of a chrome exhaust pipe, rear spoiler, chromed side mirrors and a range of exclusive alloy rims.

PRICING:
1.6 16v Expression R199 900;
1.6 16v Dynamique R224 900;
2.0 16V Privilége R244 900.

(CitiMotoring)


The Renault Fluence would be well suited to the customer that wants to maintain comfort and specification while buying a slightly smaller car.


The Renault Fluence will be offered with a choice of two advanced 16-valve petrol engines.