Renault SA has returned to the C-segment sedan market with the Fluence, which, it says, provides a distinctive alternative to the established, and typically conservative, mainstream contenders in this category.
Renault SA managing director Xavier Gobille said: “The C-segment sedan is rapidly becoming the volume model in markets around the world, and this is certainly the case in South Africa too.
“The Fluence straddles the compact family sedan and upper-medium sectors and its arrival coincides with the launch of our refreshed Confiance after-sales customer support programme.”
That means a five-year or 150 000km warranty, a five-year or 100 000km service plan, roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty period, guaranteed parts availability or a mobility solution, and fixed-price servicing costs.
The Fluence was designed to be the most stylish sedan in a typically conservative segment - and it's also one of the biggest at an overall length of 4.62m, on a 2.7m wheelbase, with a cavernous 530-litre boot.
The interior is clean and uncluttered, emphasised by the sweep the distinctive dashboard trim strip, and essential driving functions and useful accessories are concentrated around the steering wheel and on the centre stack.
An upmarket feel (literally!) comes from soft-touch dashboard trim, pleasant-to-touch fabric seat upholstery (or leather on range-topping models) and chrome trim on door handles, instrument surrounds and the gear lever knob.
Top-spec models have aircon vents under the front seats and at the rear of the centre console to cosset rear-seat passengers in climate-controlled comfort.
The suspension is built around Macpherson-type struts in front, with sturdy rectangular lower arms and an anti-roll bar, while the rear uses a programmed-deflection flexible beam. It's been set up to enhance vertical control, reducing body roll in fast cornering.
Braking is entrusted to ventilated discs in front with solid versions at the rear, modulated by Bosch's 8.0 antilock braking system with integrated electronic brake-pressure distribution and emergency brake assist.
The electric power steering system is borrowed from the latest-generation Mégane and tuned for
precise driver feedback and natural steering feel.
South African Fluences come with a choice of two 16-valve petrol engines - a 1.6 and a two-litre. The 1.6 has been upgraded with an aluminium block, a silent timing chain and continuously variable valve timing for better efficiency, improved performance and reduced maintenance
It's rated for 81kW at 6000rpm and 156Nm at 4400, and available in Expression and Dynamique derivatives, mated to a five-speed manual transmission and capable of accelerating from 0-100 in 11.7sec, with a top speed of 185 km/h.
Fuel consumption is quoted at 6.5 litres/100 km in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions at 159 g/km.
The two-litre engine in the flagship Privilege model is actually the first petrol engine jointly developed by Nissan and Renault; it produces a claimed 105kW at 6000rpm and 195Nm at 3750. It drives through a six-speed manual gearbox takes the Fluence to 100km/h from a standing start in 10.4sec and on to 195km/h at a cost of 7.8 litres/100 km in the combined cycle and 184g/km.
The base Expression model has dual front and side airbags, curtain airbags, automatic warning light activation during emergency braking, IsoFix mounting points for the rear side seats, an integrated alarm system and automatic central locking of the doors and boot when in motion.
Aircon is standard, along with a hands-free “smart card” for easy access and starting, 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.
Infotainment is provided by a 4x15w front-loading CD receiver with MP3/WMA music file compatibility and an integrated Carminat TomTom satnav.
The Expression runs on 16” alloys and comes with a full-sized (steel) spare.
Dynamique specification adds automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, automatic headlights, dual-zone auto aircon with combined odour-particulate filter, full leather trim, a 4x35w MP3-compatible CD player with Bluetooth connectivity for cellphones and audio streaming from portable MP3 players, a dedicated RCA connection for plug-in devices - and multi-spoked, 17” alloy rims.
The top-notch Privilége specification list extends to traction and stability control, one-touch electric windows all round, reverse parking sensors, power-adjustable, heated side mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror and a split leather steering wheel.
It also has a “3D Sound by Arkamys” digital three-dimensional surround sound audio system with eight speakers.
The options list includes a sports kit, comprising front and rear bumpers, and colour-matched side sills to give the Fluence a more striking edge. There's also a chromed exhaust pipe, rear spoiler, chromed side mirrors and a range of special alloy rims.
PRICES:
1.6 Expression - R199 900
1.6 Dynamique - R224 900
2.0 Privilége - R244 900
Service intervals are 15 000km.