Renault Fluence launch on 23rd May 2011, more details!

We recently told you about Renault aggressive plan for India. The company is planning to launch as many as 5 new models in the next couple of years. The renewed French assault on the Indian market will be spearheaded by the Fluence sedan, slated to be launched on the 23rd of this month. The Fluence will be a C+ segment car and will rival the likes of the Cruze, Civic, Laura and the Corolla.

The Fluence will be offered in India with two engine options – a 1.5-liter dCi diesel and a 2.0liter naturally aspirated petrol. The diesel version will deliver 105bhp of peak power, with an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 21.84 kmpl. The petrol variant with its 2.0 liter engine will be good for 137 horses. The petrol variant will also have a 6-speed auto transmission to its credit. An interesting fact about the Fluence is that the company is planning to price the diesel version below its petrol engined option. There are two reasons to it. First, the diesel engine’s cubic capacity and power is much lower than its petrol counterpart, and second, Renault plans to project the petrol variant as the more ‘premium’ of the two power plants. There is a good possibility that only the petrol version gets the top-of-the-line features and trim levels, with the diesel variant serving as a value deal for the economy conscious.

The top end version of the Fluence, however, can be expected to come fairly loaded with features. Apart from the 6-speed AT, the car will also have a keyless entry and engine start function, along with dual zone climate control.  There will also be front and side airbags in the top end variants. The car will come with a 2+2 year or 80,000 km warranty along with 24×7 on-road breakdown assistance. What’s more, Renault India is saying that the prices of the spares for the new car will be kept low.

Renault is currently working on strengthening its sales and service network. The company currently has 14 dealerships, which it plans to take to 100 by 2015.