RENAULT FUSES (IN)FLUENCE INTO HOT SEDAN MARKET

The affordable family sedan market just got a shot in the arm with the launch of the all-new Renault Fluence. Ever since the demise of the Megane II sedan, the brand hasn’t played in the company of Toyota Corollas. Until now that is. We sampled it around the Gauteng and North West areas and came away with some feelings.

Renault is a massive company in the global arena, pushing off over 2.6 million cars during the 2010 period. Compare that to the South African outfit’s 10 000 and you can see why we often undermine the brand on our roads. Apart from the Sandero, the company struggles to fill in a top ten sales position on monthly charts, despite plenty of effort and budget on its side. Would you buy a Renault? I would. Would I buy a Fluence? Well, it’s a Renault, isn’t it?

No car manufacturer seems to pride itself with importing cars that not only mirror those built and sold in France, but at times they even exceed those European standards. The Sandero is manufactured here outside of Pretoria. But the Fluence is not. Yet, it is uniquely South African because some components are added on to suit some of our harshest conditions. So we get exactly what the French get, but sometimes a little better.

That applies especially to standard equipment. While South Africans tend to always think the grass is greener elsewhere (until they actually jump the wall), those who know, know better. This Fluence for instance, comes in three models, Expression, Dynamique and Privilége. Specs are pretty similar between them but the top-of-the-range Privilége does benefit from some extra kit.

Standard garb includes air conditioning, electric windows all around, a CD/ radio combination, an LED rear central light, power steering, a whole lotta air bags and something of a revelation in this segment; satellite navigation. That’s right folks, even the cheapest, baseline Fluence is decked out in sophisticated TomTom navigation systems. The Privilége then adds things like Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your cell phone and an Arkamys sound system. It, like the Dynamique, also sports 17-inch alloy wheels and leather seats. An optional sunroof is available.

Some of our journalist colleagues enjoyed driving the smaller-engined cars, while I thought the 2.0-litre had more vuma. For the record, the naturally aspirated, four-cylinder 1.6-litre engines used by Expression and Dynamique models produce 81kW at 6000rpm and 156Nm at 4400rpm. They get paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox which supposedly helps them accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in 11.7 seconds. Maximum speed is 185km/h. A combined average fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km is claimed. Matching C02 emissions are 159 g/km.

Brave as it is, the 1.6-litre gets severe asthma attacks when it comes to tackling noticeable steeps and overtaking comfortably. One really has to change down a gear or two to access some serious revs for more power. Luckily people who will buy the Fluence aren’t too interested in dicing Megane RSs on the street. They just want to get from A to Z in a comfortable environment while carrying all their passengers and accompanying luggage. In this regard Fluence is more than capable.

The 2.0-litre is also naturally aspirated, featuring 105kW at 6000rpm and 195Nm and 3750rpm. Yes, it ain’t much more impressive than the 1.6 but at least it isn’t intimidated by anything even resembling a hill. Renault claims a 0 – 100km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 195km/h. The front wheels drive the entire thing through a 6-speed manual gearbox. It’s about time we start seeing the turbocharged 1.4 TCE engines and others in the lower Renaults I reckon.

Design-wise the Fluence reflects a modern dynamism and soft, pretty lines. The platform on which it sits is shared with the Megane hatch, but this is not exactly a Megane with a boot. The front end has a set of large clear headlights with a chrome strip on the grille, a powerful wavey bonnet, smooth side profile, a high-rise boot with bright rear lights and an integrated bumper.

Renault is going into the lion’s den with the Fluence, and the Toyota lion doesn’t seem to wanna budge. Perhaps a little French charm coupled with some very good after-sales service and a price to match could do the trick? Its marketers believe the Renault Confiance which includes a 5 year/ 150 000km mechanical warranty, 5 year/ 100 000km service plan, 24-hour road side assistance (they even send a guard to stand by your side while you wait) and others will go a long way towards it. I for one hope they are right.

Renault Fluence Pricing

1.6 Expression (R199 900)

1.6 Dynamique (R224 900)

2.0 Privilége (R244 900)