The French carmaker has unveiled the new Renault Fluence releasing the complete details, video and images of the new model. The Renault Fluence is 4,620mm long, 1,809mm wide, 1,479mm high and has a 2,702mm wheelbase. The carmaker says the Renault Fluence has the most passenger interior space in its class.
As far as the engine goes, the Renault Fluence offers a choice between two petrol units (1.6 16V 110hp and 2.0 16V 140hp) and five diesel engines (dCi 85, dCi 90 DPF3, dCi 105, dCi 110 DPF3 and dCi 110 DPF). The Renault Fluence does not offer a particular high level of power, nor performance in consequence, instead being focused on comfort and economy.
The Renault Fluence price has not been announced yet, but the manufacturer says it will be sold on the main markets for the Megane II, Turkey, Russia and Romania.
Renault Press Release:
RENAULT FLUENCE: FOR TRAVELLING IN STYLE
Renault is to enhance its range in autumn 2009 with an elegant new saloon: FLUENCE. Renault Fluence was designed with the aim of standing out as the most attractive car of its class and several features set it apart from rivals: beneath its strong, sporting exterior, Renault Fluence features
a comfortable cabin and a barrage of useful technological aids.
Renault Fluence targets customers looking for a status-enhancing saloon and will be built on the existing assembly line at the Oyak-Renault plant in Bursa, Turkey, where the booted Mégane II was previously produced.
Passenger comfort is optimized by generous dimensions:
· 4,620mm long, 1,809mm wide, 1,479mm high and a wheelbase of 2,702mm,
· 530dm3 of boot space,
· more passenger space than any main rival, including 1,480mm of elbow room at the frontand 1,475mm at the rear.
An ergonomically sound driving position:
· Renault Fluence's dashboard features elegant, flowing lines and key 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,
· the driver's seat has a huge range of adjustments, 240mm fore or aft and +/-35mm in terms of height; the steering wheel can be adapted for rake and reach, too.
A comfortable, welcoming cabin:
· the 60/40-spilt rear seat is wide and comfortable,
· the cabin features more than 23 litres of stowage space, including an illuminated, refrigerated glovebox (nine litres) and a 2.2-litre centre console cubby,
· a climate control system with front and rear vents is standard, even on entry-level models; automatic dual-zone climate control is available as an option.
A raft of user-friendly, high-tech features
Renault Fluence video:
more commonly associated with top-of-the range
models:
· hands-free entry and ignition card with automatic locking of the doors as the card-holder walks away from the vehicle,
· the new, integrated Carminat TomTom® navigation system for less than €500,
· a wide range of audio options including the range-topping 3D Sound by Arkamys® system, Bluetooth® telephony and 'Plug & Music' digital connectivity.
A blend of outstanding comfort and top-class roadholding embellished by engines which combine punch with fuel economy:
· a chassis that aligns efficiency with comfort and driving pleasure,
· a comprehensive choice of engines, with four petrol and five diesel Renault eco² options.
Rigorously designed to meet even the most exacting customer's demands:
· a comprehensive range of leading safety features: standard ABS and emergency braking
assist, ESC, up to six airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters,
cruise control with speed limiter, etc.,
· reliability and durability proven by a ferocious testing regime; our quality control systems
are designed with certain markets' most demanding road conditions in mind.
A strong environmental stance:
· all diesel models in the Renault Fluence range have a CO2 emissions rating of 119g/km and qualify
for the Renault eco² signature,
· in 2011, the Renault range will be boosted by the introduction of an all-electric version of
Renault Fluence – proof that attractive, comfortable, spacious cars are by no means incompatible
with respect for the environment.
1. 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
Renault 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.
Renault 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 darkhued
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.
2. 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 frontseat
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
Mégane 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.
3. 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 €500 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.
4. 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. Renault 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 eco²
environmental hallmark.
5. 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.
Renault 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
Renault 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 Renault Fluence is marketed.
Entry-level Renault 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.
