The new Renault Fluence proudly wears Renault’s new family look. The vertically-set Renault lozenge at the centre of a broad black strip picked out by chrome beading, provides all Renault cars with a dynamic stance. The rumoured LED daytime running lights make an appearance, but contrary to the recent images flooding the internet, the daytime running LEDs are in the lower part of the bumper and not integrated in the headlamp housing. The tastefully placed chrome/gloss black inserts are something we are thankful for. They add a premium feel without compromising on elegance.
The design of the interiors is mostly the same, the digital instrumentation is available on all versions, at least globally. The cabin is as roomy as ever and has been enhanced by the use of new upholsteries for segment-topping comfort. Renault has also announced the new 1.6 16V 115 engine driven through the new-generation X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission that will replace the current gen Advanced CVT II. Renault also says there is a reduction in fuel consumption which is now nearly 15.6 kpl. CO2 emissions are down 15 percent to 149g/km.
While you can only specify the automatic transmission with the petrol engine in the Fluence in India, Renault is globally offering the new automatic transmission with both the petrol and diesel engines. The diesel range has been extended to include the new dCi 130 engine (depending on market). This allmighty 1.6-litre diesel engine is the most powerful in its class yet its fuel consumption has been reduced to just 21.7kpl equivalent to 119g of CO2/km.
The New Renault Fluence features a major innovation in the form of the Renault R-Link multimedia system which will provide connected services and is ideally suited to motoring use thanks to its touchscreen display and voice commands. Renault R-Link incorporates the navigation system and telephony function and can be connected to portable music players. In a second step to come soon after the launch, it will also provide access to R-Link Store’s catalogue of automotive applications that can be downloaded in the same way as smartphone applications.
The new Renault Fluence will be premiered on November 2nd 2012 at the Istanbul Motor Show and the first batches will be at Oyak-Renault factory in Bursa, Turkey, and sales begin in Turkey in January 2013.