First Drive: Renault Fluence

Renault South Africa is on the move under the leadership of managing director, Xavier Gobille. Nicknamed ‘the slave driver’ by his team, after successfully motivating them to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in what must surely rate as one of the most strenuous team-building exercises ever, Gobille is determined to conquer the local market with the same determination and verve.

Unsurprisingly, Gobille speaks passionately about the French brand and with good reason too. In 2009 Renault SA grew its market share by around 72 percent and in 2010 achieved year-on-year growth of 24 percent. Openly conceding Renault’s lack lustre performance in the past, Gobille has set about overhauling a number of core areas and taken bold steps to get Renault SA headed in the right direction.

Beginning with a R1 billion investment in 2008, with alliance partner Nissan, Renault SA has moved from being an importer to having a vested interest in the local economy with its Sandero production facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria. In the past 18 months the company has introduced a completely new model line-up, from the entry-level Sandero through to the range-topping Laguna Coupé and everything in-between.

Spearheading the company’s progress is the focus on customer service with the brand’s ‘Confiance’ service policy that includes a 5-year/150 000 km warranty; fixed price servicing with 95% parts availability, failing which a ‘mobility solution’ will be provided; 24-hour roadside assistance – with a security guard available in and around major cities to stay with you while you receive assistance – as well as a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not entirely satisfied with your new Renault purchase. It’s this level of commitment that now stands behind all Renault products and that is changing the perception of the brand for the better.

With this in mind, Renault are confident that the introduction of their new Fluence will be met with enthusiasm by those looking for a stylish and practical family sedan that boasts a touch of class and plenty of value. If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is. It’s a good description of the burgeoning C-segment market, not just locally, but globally too.

The Fluence sets itself apart with class-leading dimensions both inside and out. The 2 700 mm wheelbase and 4 620 mm overall length make way for a spacious interior that boasts best-in-class shoulder and elbow room for both front and rear seat occupants, as well as a massive 530-litre boot. The interior is of simple, yet elegant design, with clean lines that are complemented by Renault’s familiar sweeping dashboard trim strip. The controls for the radio and climate functions are all standard Renault fare, meaning they’re within reach and easy to use. However, we’re still not partial to the over-populated satellite control cluster located to the right of the steering wheel. Rear legroom is adequate and a nice touch are the air vents located beneath the front seats and at the rear of the centre console on top-spec models.

Three specification levels are available, namely, Expression, Dynamique and Privilége. Renault have equipped all models with standard equipment that includes air-conditioning; electric power steering; a Renault Hands-Free Card for easy access and starting; 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, as well as a 60:40-split folding rear seat. The Fluence also comes standard with a 4-speaker sound system with radio/CD/MP3-player and most notably, an integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system. Safety is a Renault strong point and the new Fluence is no exception, having been equipped with dual front and side airbags, as well as curtain airbags, ABS with Emergency Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), as well as automatic warning light activation during emergency braking. The entry-level Expression trim also includes 16-inch alloy wheels, along with a full-size spare wheel.

The Dynamique specification adds automatic rain-sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlight activation and dual-zone automatic climate control. In addition, it boasts full leather trim, a more powerful sound system with Bluetooth connectivity and streaming audio, plus an aux-in connection. Adding to the upgraded spec are a set of multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. The range-topping Privilége expands the features list to include ESP traction and stability control, one-touch electric windows all round, reverse parking sensors, electric heated side mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror and a split leather steering wheel. Furthermore, it features an 8-speaker sound system with Arkamys surround sound technology.

Built on a stretched version of the current Renault Mégane chassis, the Fluence delivers a comfortable ride together with accurate steering. Renault say the suspension, which employs MacPherson-type struts and anti-roll bar in front, with a programmed-deflection flexible beam in the rear, has been developed to provide comfort combined with reduced body-roll for improved handling. The braking system uses ventilated discs in front with solid versions at the rear, controlled by the latest Bosch 8.0 ABS system with integrated EBD and EBA.

At launch, the Renault Fluence will be offered with a choice of two 16-valve petrol engines with capacities of 1.6-litres and 2.0-litres respectively. The 1.6-litre unit required a fair amount of prodding to get the Fluence up to pace on the high-veld launch route, but peforms adequately considering the 1 736 kilograms it has to propel. The 1.6-litre engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and is available in Expression and Dynamique derivatives. The engine produces peak power output of 81 kW at 6 000 r/min and 156 Nm of torque at 4 400 r/min, while Renault claim an average fuel economy figure of 6.5 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

The 2.0-litre 16v engine, found in the Fluence Privilége model, produces 105 kW at 6 000 r/min and 195 Nm of torque at 3 750 r/min. This engine is the first petrol unit to be jointly developed by Nissan and Renault and is also found locally in the Nissan Qashqai. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and, used wisely, will help to return an average fuel consumption figure of 7.8 L/100km whilst the engine expels 184 g/km of CO2.

The Renault Fluence ticks all the boxes demanded by C-segment buyers and then some. However, when Chevrolet launched their Cruze back in 2009 they faced the challenge of launching an entirely new product that was an unknown quantity. Similarly, Renault’s biggest challenge continues to be the shrugging off of the brand’s old perceptions.