2011 Renault Fluence released

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By Brett Davis | November 09th, 2010

Renault has released an all-new small to medium-sized sedan to rival the likes of Holden’s Cruze. The new car was designed to offer comfort, space and European personality all at a reasonable price.

Renault is hoping the new car will extend the brand’s appeal by adding more variety to its lineup, offering three different trim levels, all with a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine developing 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque.

The engine was developed to pass Euro 4 emission standards, which it does by using just 7.8 litres of fuel per 100km, on average. The engine can also be matched to a CVT automatic transmission which further improves the car’s economy.

Inside, the car gets a typically French-designed interior with seating for five. There’s plenty of silver accents and highlights throughout, with an option for leather upholstery. It also offers a huge 530-litre boot capacity, which is claimed to be the largest in its class.

For safety, the Fluence gets six airbags, anti-lock brakes – with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control – with ‘understeer control’, and emergency brake assist with automatic hazard light activation.

The car also features some handy in-car technology, such as Bluetooth connectivity, MP3/USB compatible stereo, Renault hands-free smart card key, 16 inch alloys (17 inch for the Privilege), and climate control air-conditioning with rear vents.

The all-new Renault Fluence is available right now at the following prices:

Renault Fluence Dynamique (manual) $22,990
Renault Fluence Dynamique CVT (auto) $24,990
Renault Fluence Privilege CVT (auto) $29,990

Renault is also offering the Dynamique manual at a driveaway price of $25,990.

KinFungL

CA, is it another Renault make by Samsung Motor just like the Koleos? The car looks more “Korea” than Euro…

May be the next Nissan Pulsar will be base on this one, it’ll better than Renault Clio based Tiida… (As much as I hope the next Pulsar to be base on the new Megane… I just don’t see this happening.)

Steve-Poyza

This is based on the Mégane.

o

why did we get the ugly versions why not this one.

http://www.dieselstation.com/pics/2010-Renault-Fluence-car-pictures.jpg
Daniel

Where does this sit in relation to the Megane sedan?

Jon Leong

It sits exactly on it. Predecessor and successor relationship.

http://Caradvice Onepoppa

Firstly, this is the Megane sedan, and the basis for Renault’s first production electric car, so is very much a mainstream Renault. The real question is not when the electric will come, not soon if the government won’t give any incentives like most other countries are doing, but when the diesel will arrive here. It could easily be sourced now from Turkey now, just the Megane hatches are.
m2m

This is the Megane sedan replacement I believe?

Doesn’t look that bad, considering its priced similar to Top end light sedans or base spec Small sedans, it’s pretty good value!
Gene

Hi there,

How does the Tomtom in the car operate? Is it a touch screen unit or steer wheel controlled? Is it difficult to reach from the driver seat?

thomas

The Tom Tom satnav is remote controlled.

Jon Leong

They’ve picked the wrong front bumper. Instead of using the actual Renault fluence’s front bumper
http://www.renault.com/en/Vehicules/renault/Pages/fluence.aspx“, They’ve picked the (I think uglier) Renault-Samsung SM3′s front bumper. http://www.renault.com/en/Vehicules/rsm/Pages/sm3.aspx

Myke

I think the Fluences arriving here are from Korea, so technically they are the R-S SM3.

Jon Leong

I know the Oz-Fluences is a R-S Sm3. But the euro Fluences and the Sm3 is exactly the same car… just with different style bumpers made in different country. They can still source their car from Korea, and use the euro-style bumpers instead of this ugly sm3 style bumper.

zahmad

Went downhill starting from that choice…a shame!
LRE

You’re right, although it’s more the grill area that’s different. The other version is much more contemporary looking. On that note the ” sports pack” with skirts and a deeper airdam really improves things in a fairly subtle way.

nickdl

The boot capacity, probably the only best in class feature for this car, is hampered by the cheap hinges which intrude into the boot.

I don’t think it will do that well. Like I just said, there is nothing really best in class with this car – the engine is ordinary, it looks Korean and probably won’t drive much better and it will still have Renault’s infamous reliablity and running costs record. Yeah it’s cheap but so is every one of its competitors and they’re made by brands that people know and trust. It would have a chance if Renault properly advertised it though.
Wayne Kerr

French cars have always been stylish but those engine power figures are pathetic.
Sonic

This is a very uninspiring design. I’m really struggling to see anything positive about it.

At least it will appeal to the masses…
Shak

I wish Renault much success with this smart little package. The only thing holding them back here is the lack of advertising. Promote this well, and theres nothing stopping it from selling as a volume model in your line up.

Jimmy

I’d say another thing holding it back would be its bland looks.

Able

I couldn’t agree more and please add more engine and a Privilege manual onto that list. I have a friend who is a Renault freak and everytime they talk to me I just sit there wondering why! The ones we get here are nothing like their Euro counterparts…

Shak

Well in the Small to mid sized sedan market cars dont have to be very attractive.

nickdl

But the thing about the Corolla sedan, is that its bulletproof reliability record and minimal running costs more than counter its bland looks. The Renault also has bland looks but without any of the Corolla’s reputation.

If someone wants a more adventurous small sedan they might go for the Mazda3. It does polarise opinion when it comes to looks but I, and it seems a lot of other people, like the styling.

Steve-Poyza

I am a bit a of a Renault freak and I haven’t a clue how it happened. I have very few friends I can actually relate to about it…

Jimmy

Yeah I wouldn’t hold it against you, I’ve always liked Renault. They have that emotional appeal like an Alfa Romeo. The thing is though, Renaults can be so forward with their design – both exterior and interior, but with cars like this I just think they are doing their heritage and reputation a bit of an injustice. I mean, look at the thing, it could be a Holden Viva.

Bo

In the first pic, at first glance, I thought its a Hyundai.
Baddass

Pretty decent looking thing, and the interior looks pretty nice. The reviews I’ve read said it rides like a much larger car.
jj

dull chinese looking pos

no way would you guess this as being a name brand euro car.

would want to be 12990 drive away looking like that!!!
Duckula

If this car stops even one person buying a corolla or a camry then its a good thing….

MF

It doesnt even look better than a corolla…

MF

Just admit it…

If they change the badge to Toyota, I bet u will see lots of “bland, boring car” comments.

smokin’r32

Absolutely. This looks like it was designed in the mid-nineties, but people let it slide cause its ‘euro’, please..

Duckula

Awww poor little corolla lover..having a cry cos someone said something not nice about your cardigan car… I didnt say it was better than a corolla, in looks or any other aspect… I just hope that it stops people buying them, at least this comes with proper safety equipment as standard… I dont see any base corolla’s with 6 airbags as standard equip….
ST

Duckula, you haven’t read that all Corolla comes with 7 (not 6) airbags & ESP standard. The only thing it hasn’t got is automatic hazard light activation which no one here in Australia understands anyway.
Duckula

yeah that good old Toyota reliability… its awesome, how many recalls have they had this year…

Duckula

yeah and how long has the Corolla been on the market… and when did it get those airbags… this year!!! its been around for years and its only ever had 2 airbags… so ST go back to knitting at your Toyota dealership

Duckula

And just before you spill your cup of nanna tea, I just double checked, the extra airbags were only available as standard fitment from Sept 2010 production ( it even says so on the toyota website) even the god awful barina has had 4 airbags for a couple of years…. it REALLY says something when your playing catch up to a korean Barina.
MF

Duckula, people who will shop for a Renalt wont really look at Toyota anyway, and vice versa. They have quite different objectives they want to achieve in their cars. French being more on the styling? (I think they screwed this car up.) n Toyota being more on reliability? Thats the impression I get.

So while they are comparable in other aspects, I dont think Renault will steal much sales from Toyota.
ST

Thanks for the tip! I’ve booked myself into some knitting classes!!! Anything else I should look into?

I’ve also heard these reflective disc music things but I’m a bit worried how they fit on my record player. Got any tips?
Duckula

You numnuts don’t get it do you…ughhh what Im saying ( which most people – who dont love corolla’s seem to understand ) is that although it might be just another small/medium 3 box sedan, much like many of the others out there, its good to see that they filled it with a decent amount of features, both comfort and safety from the outset – rather than having to be shamed into adding them as standard years later, which Toyota do all the time…. and can you blame them, cos mindless twats keep blindly buying them with the same old catchcry of ‘ yeah but they are reliable….’
ST

I can hear my fishing line whizzing out of my reel? I wonder what I’ll catch??!!
Duckula

its probably a loose thread off the back of your beige cardy…
ST

If a product isn’t for you, then don’t buy it. If you think the reputation doesn’t suit you, then don’t buy it! If you hate anything a company produce, then don’t buy it! You don’t own the car company! Why take it so personally and labelling people because of what others buy?? It’s just a car! A device that transport people and objects from A to B. If you think you’re a better person than someone else by owning a particular car, then all the power to you! These buyers didn’t come to your place to spit in your face, then kick sand in your eyes whilst burning your house down!

Some people need to find another hobby to keep themselves occupied. May I recommend knitting?
Duckula

ST are u a bit dim? u dont understand my argument at all – its nothing to do with the corolla itself its about how Toyota got away with charging so much money for something that was sooooooo far behind – but because of this idiotic myth that just because its reliable, justifies that it has sub standard safety and comfort features as compared with other cars on the market ( at a cheaper price) I wouldnt own either of these cars ( as yes, neither suit my needs) but dont get go all cry baby, because I have an opinion… Toyota have been ripping people off for years with dull, out of date cars and will continue to do so, cos people like you will keep buying them, cos Toyota tell you to.. I have never once said here that the French box was any better looking/reliable/nicer to drive etc – but you obviously cant read very well. I was purely commenting on how its time Toyota stepped up to the plate and actually caught up with the rest of the motoring world, rather than playing people for suckers… If ( in aust) a relatively small brand can bring out a similar sized/priced car with all the features listed, then why didnt toyota…
ST

I don’t care if anyone is right. I’m just fishing.
nickdl

What does it matter if the Korean Barina has four airbags when it has the structural integrity of a coke can? Most other manufacturers only put 6 airbags and ESP standard on the base models within the past 18 months or so anyway.

http://Caradvice Onepoppa

This is very much a mainstream Renault – it is the basis for Renault’s first production electric car. We won’t see that too soon unless our government offers some incentives like most other countries. But where is the diesel? It could easily be sourced from Turkey like Megane hatches are.
Ricky

LOL I love how they have the car with “Victoria – the place to be” license plates and have palm trees in the background. Yeah, that’s just so typical Victoria. lol.

Igomi Watabi

what an odd and irrelevant thing to say.

Duckula

At least its amusing – and no more irrelevant that all the other stuff that gets posted here… maybe next time they could take a pic of it in front of a bunch of kiwis who live in australia that have decent jobs…

Aim

Yes it is based on the Megane (it is a Megane sedan).
Like the new Megane, it is a great car (except the glove box, you might be able to fit a tub of strawberries in it if you are lucky)

The problems:
Reliability was hurt with the 2002 Megane. All thought Renault have spent a lot of time to fix their cars 2006 onwards, people would hesitate buying a Renault (which is a shame because now they are very good unlike the PSA group… focus on design and don’t worry about engineering)

It is ugly, nice back (in real life) but the front is Awful.
Although it is a good car it is meant to be cheaper than the Megane (atleast in Europe).

Generally most people love Renault (although they hesitate with their past). You can see their cars mainly get good reviews from public and reviewers, but they have the wrong range….

Where is:

The Megane Coupe (thats all i saw in Europe not the Fluence, not the Megane hatch),
The Laguna GT (4-wheel steering, awesome engine)
The Laguna Coupe?
The Renault Wind?
And the Twingo RS, or at least the down to earth sport version (which looks pretty good, unlike the basic twingo)
The new Master Van?
The New Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic?

Renault if you are reading this, This is what you should focus on, not only the Awesome Clio 200 and Awsome Megane 250, but also those REALLY EUROPEAN LOOKING CARS. You are a European brand why don’y you bring your true european cars?

And thats why Peugeot (which i have nothing against) is out selling you…

Nasal Explorer

Why would you put strawberries in the glovebox?

Aim

Because it is a chilled glovebox (no seriously dude it is pretty small…)

nasal explorer

Hmmm . . . what about raspberries? Would they fit?

Golfschwein

Looks good. Cheap as chips. Should sell.
Vins

Looks too generic. I guessed these days the few companies that commit to design exciting small to medium sized car are Mazda and the Kia (one could include Hyundai as well), besides the German.

Still miss the old French designs like Pug 306, 405, 406 and Citroen Xantia
thomas

The reason Renault has not brought in the Megane Coupe, Laguna range, the wind or the Twingo is because thouse cars would be too expensive in the Australian Market. The basis for Renault Australia to bring cars in is that they should be able to offer 20% more features for the same price as the competition.

The new Master is due in early 2011. The New Latitude is coming in early 2011 instead of the Laguna. Going to be a great car.

Renault Australia has just invested more money into marketing the brand which is why they now sponsor Getaway and there are more radio and TV ads.
http://Caradvice onepoppa

Having seen the Fluence on the road overseas – Israel and Turkey – it looks very nice. Very clean lines. It is more of a Jetta sized car. Given that it is now going on sale in Europe and will be available in many countries in its electric form it will be a very significant model for Renault.
Brian Griffin

thats just what people say when they have run out of input… why not just call me a derr! head and take your ball and go home… its the same thing. You need to try a little bit harder if you want to sound superior….
gms

I guess the important question is can we fit a beer in there?

nasal explorer

No. No beer. Berries only, apparently.

Anthony

Give me a Jetta anyday………
http://dodge franz chong

Should do well.If I won the lottery I would buy such a car
Rick

Currently having Megane Privilege Sedan in the home garage i can say if it is as comfortable to get around in as the car it replaces it should do ok. The top spec Megane sedan when introduced was over $40,000 no sunroof, no Sat Nav, no Bluetooth, no aux port or usb conectivity.
The Fluence sedan is good value, but do like the Euro nose better than the one for australia. To me it matches the Megane hatch range. The front on the aussie version will match the incoming Lattitude sedan.
Shmuel Goldberg

The only problem I find in Fluence is that it never follows a stright line, nor a curve. It is steering, steering, steering all the time. In my earlier 3 Renaults (19, Megane, Megane 2) I could relax while driving, but not in Fluence. It is very far from what I expected in a European car.
Anwar Ahmadieh

I bought Renault Fluence, with the 2.0 liter engine and CVT automatic transmission. I have only driven it so far 700 km. It’s comfortable and smooth running car, the driving position is excellent it can be adjusted to suit most picky drivers. Fuel consumption is impressive given the relatively big engine and as advertised 7.8 liters/100 km. The car equipped with the latest technology gadgets i.e. keyless entry, electric folding side mirrors, climate control, CD player, usb port etc…, Fluence has many safety features that are not available in higher class cars. I have test driven Mitsubishi Lancer GLS, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf prior to test driving Renault Fluence. I really found it much better drive and way more equipped with a reasonable price tag. Encouraged by the Nissan/Renault jointly designed engine (Same engine that powers Nissan Qashqai) I was quite convinced with the car. The reliability of the car is yet to be tested.