ELEGANT, FLUID STYLING
Harmonious, modern forms
This new, four-door saloon is 4.62 metres long and its size and generous levels of standard equipment place it halfway between the C segment, for compact family cars, and the segment immediately above.
Streamlined headlights herald the start of an elegant waist line which sweeps harmoniously along Fluence's sides to the boot. The surround and chromed grille of the upper air intake embellish the car's front-end looks with a sporting flourish, while Renault Fluence's status-enhancing appeal is heightened by its sculptured wheel arches and long bonnet. At the rear, the horizontal, two-part lights allow a generous boot aperture and reinforce the car's thoroughly modern styling.
Fluence packs several opulent upgrade touches: the lower window and boot trims, foglamp surrounds and door handles are finished in chrome, while the B-pillar uprights are gloss black along with body colour side protective mouldings.
Perceptions of strength and quality
The sense of strength and safety is reinforced by the carefully proportioned balance between the windows and the large surface area of the doors, the lower part of which incorporates protective panels. Seen from the side, a distinctive character line flows rearward from the rounded front wings before emphasizing the solid rear haunches.
Renault Fluence creates an impression of quality, and particular attention has been paid to the fit and finish of body panels (windscreen pillars and refuelling flap, for example). The rear bumper incorporates discreet parking sensors. At rest, the windscreen wipers are tucked away behind the bonnet's upper edge, partly for aesthetic reasons, but also to reduce wind noise and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
A simple yet elegantly styled interior
In the cabin, the airy facia design incorporates taut, uncluttered lines that are complemented by the sweep of the dashboard trim strip. Essential driving functions and useful accessories all fall easily to hand. They are concentrated around the steeringwheel and centre console with a view to freeing up as much space as possible and to making the car even more user-friendly.
Significant care went into choosing the ideal materials and finish: the integrated upper dashboard cowling has a soft-touch finish, yet it is also resistant to everyday knocks and exposure to direct sunlight.
The step-up in range is equally visible in cabin details such as the chrome finish applied to door handles, instrument surrounds and gearlever knob, as well as the availability of either light-or dark-hued leather upholstery.
Particular attention has been paid to the decorative trimming to create a varied range of distinctive ambiances, and also distinguish between different equipment levels. Customers can choose from a light, elegant interior which exudes a sense of wellbeing, or else something darker, with more sporting overtones.
RENAULT FLUENCE PUTS THE ACCENT ON TRAVELLING COMFORT
An ergonomic driving position
It is very easy to feel at home at the wheel of Renault Fluence, thanks to its sound ergonomics and straightforward interfaces. On board, every driver will be able to find the ideal seating position thanks to a wide range of adjustability options, with all the controls near at hand. In a matter of seconds, he or she can:
-adjust the angle of the seatback and headrest,
-alter the level of lumbar support,
-adapt the steeringwheel for rake and reach1 ,
-vary the seat position (it can be moved fore and aft through up to 240mm, and up or down by +/-35mm).
All essential cockpit functions fall easily to hand. These include the controls for the navigation and climate control systems, the steeringwheel-mounted radio and telephone fingertip remote controls and the controls for the cruise control/speed limiter.
Space – and a place – for everything
The sense of onboard comfort is embellished by attention to detail in the realm of reduced noise levels and high standards of interior space, including class-topping elbow room (1,480mm at the front, 1,475mm at the rear). Renault Fluence's cabin provides more than 23 litres of stowage space, including an illuminated, refrigerated2, nine-litre glovebox, a 2.2-litre centre console and a 2.6-litre bin in each front door.
The 530dm3 boot capacity is one of the biggest in its class. Access is facilitated by a low sill and a large (1,020mm) aperture, which has been made possible by incorporating one part of the rear light cluster within the boot lid.
The 60/40-split folding rear seat enables the load capacity to be increased to suit the needs of the moment. The absence of any steel partition between the cabin and the boot makes this feature particularly useful when long or bulky items need to be carried.
Perfect cabin temperature at all times
No effort has been spared in terms of thermal comfort, either. To ensure maximum efficiency, notably in international markets exposed to fierce heat and humidity, all versions of Renault Fluence feature climate control as standard equipment – even at entry level. The system is complemented by air vents positioned:
-at the base of the windscreen, as well as at the centre and both ends of the dashboard for front-seat passengers,
-beneath the front seats and at the rear of the centre console for those sitting at the back.
On some models, automatic dual-zone climate control is also available. Tried and proven on the Megane range, this system is supremely efficient without being intrusively noisy. It enables the driver and front passenger to select individual temperature and fan-speed preferences via the 'Soft-Auto-Fast' control:
-the 'Auto' mode optimizes thermal and acoustic comfort and swiftly adjusts the system to an appropriate setting,
-the quiet 'Soft' mode places the emphasis on effective distribution,
-the 'Fast' mode ensures rapid ventilation of the whole cabin.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO EASE THE STRAIN OF TRAVELLING AND MOTORING
New, integrated Carminat TomTom® navigation system
Simple to use, the Carminat TomTom® navigation system costs less than ˆ500 and provides:
-clear, precise maps on a large, 5.8-inch screen,
-real-time traffic information and alternative route options,
-notification of speed limits,
-a comprehensive selection of points of interest,
-speed-camera alerts (depending on market),
-a range of functions that can be tailored to suit individual needs or tastes.
The system's integration within the dashboard is a pledge of quality and security. It is easy to update and extend, too, by simply linking its SD card to the internet. A permanent, dedicated website (http://www.renault-multimedia.com) provides up-to-the-minute road network data and enables users to make personalized set-up changes.
A new audio range whose watchwords are 'sound quality' and 'connectivity'
Renault Fluence benefits from the entry level 60-Watt RadioSat Classic system which includes an MP3-compatible CD player and an RCA connector.
For customers who crave more refined performance, Renault has worked with Arkamys® to develop the 3D Sound by Arkamys® system which incorporates:
-a powerful 140W system with eight speakers (four woofers and four tweeters),
-Bluetooth® connectivity,
-Arkamys® digital sonic tuning, which provides three-dimensional surround sound, guarantees precise reproduction and tailors sound to suit the forms of the cabin and the materials employed,
-a double antenna to provide optimal radio reception.
The Plug & Music option enables drivers to control auxiliary players (such as an iPod®, or anything with a USB connection) via the steeringwheel-mounted fingertip remote controls. The menu and playlists are displayed on the dashboard screen.
Bluetooth® connectivity also enables the driver to operate the telephone via the steeringwheelmounted remote control.
Several other similarly practical touches complete this high-tech package (available as standard on some models, or as an option on others). These include a hands-free entry and ignition card (with automatic locking of doors as the card-holder walks away from the car) and cruise control with speed limiter.
SHEER DRIVING PLEASURE
Dynamic handling
Renault Fluence's chassis delivers an efficient, comfortable and enjoyable ride. The aim of Renault's engineers was to combine steering and handling precision with minimal noise and vibrations. Fluence's front suspension features MacPherson-type struts with rectangular lower arms, while the rear incorporates a programmed-deflection flexible beam.
Renault Fluence also benefits from a particularly effective braking system, with large discs that provide both outstanding stopping power and durability.
The electric power steering combines precise driver feedback with quick, accurate response to instructions from the wheel. It is easy to use and feels completely natural.
Engines that combine punch with fuel economy
From launch, and depending on market, Renault Fluence will be available with a wide range of thrifty engines which are all a pleasure to drive.
• Two petrol engines, each available in two versions:
-1.6 16V 110hp, with automatic transmission or manual gearbox
-2.0 16V 140hp, with continuously variable transmission (CVT) or manual gearbox
• A choice of five variants of the 1.5 dCi diesel block:
-dCi 85
-dCi 90 DPF3
-dCi 105
-dCi 110 DPF3
-dCi 110 DPF with the new dual clutch transmission (DCT)4
All diesel-engined versions return CO2 emissions of 119g/km and qualify for the Renault eco. environmental hallmark.
SOLID FOUNDATIONS
Reliability and durability proven by extreme endurance testing – a hallmark of Renault quality
In addition to all the standard tests, Renault has added another 800 quality checks to take into account the demanding road conditions found in the majority of the countries where Renault Fluence will be marketed.
Fluence benefits from Renault's ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of everyday motoring by between 20 and 30 per cent. For instance, oil-change intervals have been extended to 30,000 kilometres (or every two years) on all diesel models (with the exception of the dCi 85: 20,000km/every year), while climate control systems no longer need to be replenished.
Real-world safety that meets customers' needs and expectations
Fluence was designed using the same philosophy that applies throughout the Renault range. The company has capitalized on studies conducted by LAB5 and also used its extensive engineering expertise to develop efficient safety systems relevant to the real-world driving conditions found in all the countries where Fluence is marketed.
Entry-level Fluence models will be equipped with:
-ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
-emergency braking assist, with automatic activation of the hazard warning lights,
-ESC (electronic stability control) with CSV6 understeer control,
-three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, with pretensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts,
-inertia-reel seatbelts with load limiters for all three rear seats,
-driver and passenger airbags6, two lateral thorax airbags6 and two curtain airbags6,
-warning alert if driver or passenger seatbelts are unfastened6,
-three-point Isofix anchorage for outer rear seats,
-cruise control with speed limiter6,
-latest-generation headrests.
[Source: Renault]