It seemed like the French automaker had been busy to enjoy the success of Duster and forgot about its other models, probably, this could be a reason of disappointed sales of Renault’s Fluence in India. But Duster is somehow also going through a slightly tough time now after the launch of other competitors in its segment like Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano etc, company is being attentive and now bringing refreshing model of its existing cars soon in India.
Earlier we told you about the new face-lifted Duster; today we come with news about the launch of updated version of Renault’s sedan Fluence. This sedan is expected to be launched in India in upcoming months of this year or in early 2014.
No changes have been reported in its price range till now. The existing Fluence comes with the price tag between 13.62 lakhs-15.29 lakhs.
Engine details:
According to the updates we get, company has improved its engine variants availability and now new variants with better power and torque has been embellished in this facelift.
While the 2.0 liter petrol and 1.5 liter diesel engines are remain untouched, two other variants have also been added in this renovation. The new Fluence will also be equipped with 1.6 liters of both petrol and diesel engine.
The max power and torque churned out by the different engine variants are 135.1bhp/ 190Nm in 2.0 liter petrol and 115bhp in 1.6 liter petrol, while 130bhp/ 320Nm in 1.6 liter diesel and 108.5bhp/ 240Nm in 1.5 liter diesel. While the petrol variants offer 5-speed/6-speed manual gearbox transmission in 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter respectively, its both the diesel variants offers the 6-speed manual gearbox. Also the both petrol variants and 1.5 liter diesel has automatic gearbox as an option.
While the ARAI claimed mileage of the newly equipped engines are unrevealed till now, its already existing engine provide the mileage of 13.4 km/l in 2.0 liter petrol and 20.4 km/l in 1.5 liter diesel.
Space:
This five seater sedan has the same dimension of 4618mm*1813mm*1488mm like its predecessor, with the clear height of 168mm.
Interior & Exterior:
So many modifications can be seen in this facelift including a longer front grille with modified diamond shaped Renault badge. Also the LED day time running lamps are equipped above the fog lamps and alloy wheels have modified too. Inside the cabin, it is expected to design with new satellite navigation module, parking sensors, automatic parking brake, refined upholstery, infotainment unit (touch screen) etc.
Road handling & Safety:
Safety devices are almost similar in this update version as its predecessor like dual airbags, immobilizer, ABS with EBD etc.
By adding more options in its engine variants, company has improved its performance on road because the newly equipped engines will also offer improved power as well as torque. But more and accurate details can be known only after its launch.
Car Zoom’s take:
It can be said that Fluence is one of the less selling car in its segment. The reason behind this is its high price due to its less localization in India because this car is being imported from the Renault’s Turkey branch. To increase the sales in India, its necessary for the company to establish this sedan’s set-up plant in India too.
But it would be interesting to see after this re-launch, whether company’s strategy to manage this sedan’s position in the competition list of same segment with other cars like Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze etc would be fulfilled or not.
