Renault Fluence: The Successor of Renault India

The Renault Fluence was introduced as a competitor to the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Skoda Laura, aiming to carve out its niche in the D-segment sedan market. While it boasted superior styling, quality interiors, and enhanced comfort, the petrol variant fell short in performance compared to its rivals. However, the Fluence made up for it with its efficiency and comprehensive safety features, including four airbags and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

A Tale of Two Variants: Petrol vs. Diesel

Exterior and Interior Differences

Externally, the petrol and diesel versions of the Renault Fluence are nearly identical, with the only distinguishing feature being the diesel badge on the rear. However, the interior tells a different story. The diesel variant is significantly stripped down compared to its petrol counterpart, lacking many of the premium features.

Missing Features in Diesel Variant:

• Black and grey plastic interiors
• No leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Absence of climate control
• No AUX, USB, or Bluetooth connectivity
• No leather seats
• No rear sun blinds
• No rear air-conditioning vents

Engine and Performance

The diesel variant is powered by the same 1.5-litre, in-line four-cylinder dCi engine found in the Renault Logan and Nissan Micra diesel. This engine has proven its reliability and efficiency, contributing significantly to the success of the Logan. Renault plans to use this engine in future models like the Duster, except for the Koleos, which will feature a 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Engine Specifications:

• Power Output: 106PS at 4000rpm
• Torque: 240Nm at 2000rpm

These figures are impressive, especially when compared to the Toyota Corolla diesel, which produces only 88PS. The engine is known for its quiet operation and minimal vibrations, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient D-segment sedan.

Driving Experience

The Renault Fluence diesel comes with a six-speed manual gearbox featuring long gear ratios. While the gearbox is generally smooth, gear shifts can feel a bit sticky at times. The car is designed to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance, so it may not be the best choice for those who enjoy spirited driving.

Performance Insights:

• Fuel Efficiency: The car is highly frugal, focusing on delivering excellent fuel economy.
• Low RPM Lag: The engine lags below 2000rpm, requiring the driver to keep the tachometer needle above this mark for optimal performance.
• Gear Ratios: The tall gear ratios can be a drawback during freeway driving, as they accentuate the engine lag.

Conclusion

The Renault Fluence offers a mixed bag of features and performance. While it excels in styling, interior quality, and fuel efficiency, it falls short in terms of performance, especially in the petrol variant. The diesel version, although stripped of many premium features, provides a reliable and efficient driving experience.

Interesting Stats:

• Global Sales: Renault sold over 300,000 units of the Fluence worldwide by 2015. Source: Renault Group
• Fuel Efficiency: The diesel variant of the Fluence offers a fuel efficiency of approximately 21 km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment. Source: CarDekho

For more detailed specifications and reviews, you can visit Renault's official website.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Renault Fluence, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're considering a new car purchase or just curious about the Fluence, this guide offers valuable insights into what makes this vehicle stand out in the competitive D-segment sedan market.