Renault Fluence

RENAULT FLUENCE – Overview

It is a popular product in South Korea, where it is marketed under the Renault Samsung Motor brand. Being a C-segment sedan, its traditional competitors are Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Sylphy, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Cerato, Volkswagen Jetta, Peugeot 408 sedan and Ford Focus sedan. 

The last official price of the Renault Fluence 2.0 was RM113,143 in 2018 thanks to the zero-rated GST or tax-free holiday. However, TCEC was offering additional incentives that reduced the price of the fully-featured sedan for just under RM80,000. Sales of the vehicle has been discontinued in 2019. 

RENAULT FLUENCE– Exterior

The Renault Fluence shares many of its underpinnings with the Renault Megane hatchback. However, as sedans are not popular in Western Europe and France, the styling was catered towards Renault Samsung Motors and eastern European markets.

This means it looks rounded and not particularly striking, unlike the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Standard features include automatic on-off projector headlights, LED DRLs and Renault Smart Key Card Entry system. In the 2015 facelift, the tail lamps were revised together with a new front bumper that features LED DRLs and an updated grille design. These were only offered in the more expensive Dynamique variant. 

Similar to most of the rivals, 17-inch wheels are fitted to the Renault Fluence. At the end of its model life, TCEC introduced a sportier variant called Black Edition as well as Trophy Edition that featured an all-round bodykit and darkened rims.

RENAULT FLUENCE– Interior

Dashboard

The glovebox is easy to reach and even has a full-length pocket on the door, useful to store a notepad, some random loyalty cards as well as stowage for charging cables. It’s not a wide glovebox due to the layout of the fusebox and other electrical panels, which is common in Renault vehicles. A narrow slot next to the Start-Stop button is used to store the Renault Smart Key Card if you find it too large in your shirt pocket.

Instrument cluster

Space and practicality

RENAULT FLUENCE– Features

Safety features

Comfort features

The seats are upholstered in a combination leather material while the steering wheel and gear knob are matched with leather wrapping. The rear seat also has a 60-40 split folding layout. Being a generation old, certain nice-to-have features are missing such as a power-adjustable driver’s seat, electronic parking brake and LED headlamps are not available in the Renault Fluence.

Infotainment

The sound is meanwhile pumped out to a six-speaker setup with sound processing done by Arkamys software. Adjusting the audio from the steering wheel switch is rather different in a Renault, where the switch fob is hidden behind the spoke of the steering wheel. The steering wheel buttons on the 9 and 3 o’clock spokes are for adjusting the cruise control, where the main on/off switch is located on the lower console, next to the handle lever at a slanted angle. 

RENAULT FLUENCE – Powertrain

Engine

Transmission

Chassis

Drivetrain

RENAULT FLUENCE – Driving Performance

Engine performance

Transmission performance

Steering and handling

RENAULT FLUENCE – Ride Comfort

Soundproofing

Passenger comfort

RENAULT FLUENCE – Fuel Economy

RENAULT FLUENCE – Conclusion

On paper, the powertrain doesn’t look sufficient but thanks to great calibration of the CVT and torque output, the drive feels responsive and at the same time, relaxed. TCEC offers different ownership experiences with Renault products such as subscription package. It is a great way to feel the products without the large commitment.