The new Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0-litre and Expression 1.6-litre siblings are now available in S.A. – fresh from their international debut at the 2012 Istanbul Motor Show. New eye-catching looks meet the prominent grille with a chromed Renault badge positioned dead centre. Is it enough to tempt South Africans out of their Japanese and Korean econo-boxes?
The Fluence first launched in South Africa in March 2011, and while it didn’t sell as many as most had envisioned, it still found favour as a value-for-money, practical, family sedan and still remains much in demand with many fleet customers.
Like the New Renault Clio 4, the front of the New Fluence takes its inspiration from the brand’s design director, Laurens Van Den Acker, and the focal point at the front is the prominent Renault diamond-shaped badge set vertically against a gloss black background.
Curvier lines and full surfaces ensure the design of the bumper is bolder, with a large lower air intake that broadens aesthetic appeal. The new Dynamique’s signature LED daytime running lights give the vehicle a wider appearance too.
Now the latest Fluence duo comes with more features as standard. The 2.0-litre Dynamique boasts: electronic stability control (ESP), LED daytime running lights, front and rear park distance control, lumbar setting on driver’s seat and connectivity to a host of applications (Tom-Tom navigation, MP3-compatible CD player and Bluetooth connectivity) that are easily accessed via the 18 cm touch screen located on the central console.
The Expression 1.6 litre variant is well-specified when compared to key competitors. Also boasting: dual-zone fully automatic climate control air con; Bluetooth radio; MP3-compatible CD player; steering wheel controls; cruise control/speed limiter; rear parking distance control; automatic speed windscreen wipers with rain sensor; class-leading boot capacity; front and rear curtain airbags; front fog lamps; Renault hands-free key card and leather steering wheel/gear knob.
The 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre engines are the same as before: The 2.0-litre engine produces 103 kW, accompanied by a substantial 195 Nm of torque. With its six-speed manual gearbox, it has a standing start sprint time of 9.9 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 200km/h and returns a combined cycle consumption of just 7.9 L/100 km and 182 g/km.
The 1.6-litre has 82 kW, linked to a solid torque delivery of 151 Nm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission and is capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds with a top speed of 185 km/h and it consumes just 6.8 L/100km and produces 155 g/km in the process.
Renault Fluence Pricing:
Fluence Expression 1.6 litre: R214 900
Fluence Dynamique 2.0 litre: R249 900
Standard is the 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty; there is also a 5-year/90 000km service plan.
