Renault refreshes Fluence range

RENAULT has added extra features to its slow-selling Fluence sedan range as a part of a mid-life refresh that includes new technology and extra gear for the same price as the outgoing model.

The range still kicks off from $23,143 plus on-road costs for the base Dynamique with a six-speed manual gearbox and $30,298 for the top-spec Privilege matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is a $2000 option on the Dynamique.

Renault has lifted the front-end with a restyled grille and new projector headlamps with black bezels that the company says offers improved night-time vision.

New 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel designs, a new metallic brown colour and a chrome strip running across the rear of the car round out the exterior changes to the Fluence.

Cabin upgrades include a new digital dashboard for both variants, while the Dynamique benefits from redesigned cloth seats, a new radio head unit and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity.

The more generously equipped Privilege gains updated leather upholstery and a new seven-inch colour touch screen that houses controls for the sat-nav and the new Bose sound system that includes a digital amplifier and nine-inch sub-woofer.

Further additions to the range-topping Privilege include a new electric-assisted parking brake, rear parking sensors and a colour reversing camera with guidance function.

Standard equipment on both Fluence variants includes automatic headlights and wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual front, side and curtain airbags, keyless entry and start via Renault’s ‘Smart Card Key’ and 60/40 split rear seats.

No mechanical changes have been made to the Fluence range, which continues to be powered by a 103kW/195Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering fuel economy of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres in both manual or CVT guise.

The Fluence acts as Renault’s entry-level sedan alongside the similarly sized Megane hatch, but has never managed to reach the same level of sales as its more popular sibling.

So far this year, Renault has sold 120 Fluences in Australia, compared with 306 in the same period last year, marking a hefty drop of 61 per cent.

Aside from the all-new Clio light hatch that has only just launched in Australia, the Fluence is the slowest selling model in the French car-maker’s local line-up. It is even being outsold by the Kangoo light commercial van.

2013 Renault Fluence pricing*

Dynamique	$23,143
Dynamique (a)	$25,143
Privilege (a)	$30,298

*Excludes on-road costs.