Performance and handling
The Fluence is powered by a 1.5 liter inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 110PS of peak power output and 240 Nm of peak torque. The engine is essentially the same as the previous version of the car. While those aren’t very impressive numbers for the segment the car represents, the Fluence still manages to move forward with confidence once it hits the meat of the torque curve. Turbo lag can be experienced easily below 1800 rpm, and you would need to play with the shifter stick a bit more than desired in stop start city traffic. While the torque reservoir isn’t entirely empty at low revs, there isn’t a reassuring shove to be experienced. Having said that, the Fluence would manage to pull very softly from 1400 rpm onwards, and keep building momentum slowly thereafter.
The positive side of the engine is its silky refinement, and the low NVH levels. There is hardly any noise inside the cabin as the car is doing a low 2000-2500 rpm and cruising away happily at 120 km/h in 6th gear. Like most French cars, the suspension is tuned well, and offers a flat, composed ride. The Fluence takes rough patches and smaller undulations in its stride impressively well, with no noise or thuds percolating inside the cabin. It’s only while passing over sharper edges at high speeds that the Fluence gets a bit unsettled. Then again, which car doesn’t when treated with extremities.
We loved the Fluence for its ride quality which even after being firm enough offers ample comfort to both front back row passengers. The steering wheel on the car is very well weighted, and unlike some other cars in the segment, offers good feel and feedback. We enjoyed our stint with the car, especially on open, mildly winding highways. The steering has some feel to even at dead center and even very mild movements are translated into directional changes. The Fluence’s steering makes it an interesting car to drive, and the beautifully tuned suspension enhances the experience.
Having said all of that, the Fluence being an everyday car, meant to ferry people in comfort does exhibit its share of body roll when thrown around bends. It’s not bothersome at all though, and you’d love driving this car around a set of twisties, unless you want to drive in an extreme manner. Presence of Electronic Stability Program and ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) ensures that the electronics are constantly keeping a watch and cut in to rescue for one of those overcommitted maneuvers.
Verdict
The Fluence has its sophistication, understated elegance, quality interior and a healthy list of features going for it. Those who like good automotive design are sure to get impressed by this beautiful exponent of French design. The car is priced competitively for the segment, and is liberally equipped even on the base variant. On the downside, a bigger engine would have done more justice to the segment this car represents. A more linear power delivery would also have made this car more city drive friendly.
The Fluence, then, is not for those who are looking for a grandiose exterior, or gimmicky features inside the cabin. It’s a classy piece of design, with a very good set of features that would really make a difference to your status and comfort. If you have a refined taste in cars, this one should tug the strings of your heart.
2014 Renault Fluence Price at the time of test
E2 : 13.99 lakh ex-Delhi
E4 : 15.49 lakh ex-Delhi
Tech Specs and Features List (Click to Expand)
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The fluence has always been a car which looks better in flesh than in photograph. I guess the flowing lines hide the real dimension of the car. When you look at it in person the car appears bigger and has immense road presence especially in black or white colour. I think it's the best in it's segment.
The new Jetta is getting design language from Audi's old designs. And that is making it look more competitive these days.