Fluent move by Renault as it launches Fluence saloon

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Friday, April 16, 2010

Renault Ireland has launched its new saloon, the Fluence, which we are told has been designed with the aim of standing out as the most attractive car of its class for an amazing price.

The company boasts that the new car has several features that will set it apart from rivals: beneath its strong, sporting exterior, Fluence features a comfortable cabin and a wealth of useful technological aids.

Renault makes the bold claim that the Fluence targets customers looking for a status-enhancing saloon, and tells us it will be available in two diesel versions — 1.5 dCi 86 and 106Bhp, and also a petrol 1.6 16V 110HP. An electric version of the Fluence will arrive here at the end of 2011.

Eric Basset, managing director, Renault Ireland, says he is delighted to bring the much-awaited Fluence to Ireland and he says that if ever a car was built for the Irish market, then the Fluence is it.

“The Irish driver and the saloon car almost have a tradition and history, and we believe the Fluence will exceed all expectations of the saloon car in Ireland. Its stunning looks, fantastic roominess, a great diesel engine, and at an amazing entry price, will be a big temptation to Irish drivers. With the Fluence, you are driving upgraded — its look, size, and specifications for the price of a smaller car, will blow Irish drivers away,” he says.

No little measure of confidence there, then.

The new range is available from just €15,800, including a €1,500 trade-in allowance, the €1,500 Renault scrappage for cars of eight years plus, and €1,500 Government scrappage. We are told that customers who order a Renault Fluence in April will receive a free, five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Credit Renault is also available for the Fluence, at a special launch rate of 5.9% APR.

Renault tells us that the main attractions of the car are the comfort and practicality of the cabin; a raft of user-friendly, high-tech features more commonly associated with top-of-the range models; a blend of outstanding comfort and top-class road-holding, together with engines that combine power with fuel economy; a comprehensive range of leading safety features: ABS with EBA (emergency brake assist), ESC (electronic stability control), six airbags, five, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, cruise control, speed limiter, etc; and a strong environmental stance.

Given that Renault has changed tack completely in recent times, and is now emphasising the value and high spec nature of its products — not to mention value for money — it would seem fair to assume that the new range will be a very competitive proposition, indeed.

The company also maintains that, 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 Fluence will be marketed.

And it maintains that the new model will benefit from Renault’s ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of everyday motoring by between 20% and 30%. For instance, oil-change intervals have been extended to 30,000 kilometres (or every two years) on certain versions, while climate control systems no longer need to be recharged.

Undoubtedly, we will be reporting in more detail when we get our hands on the thing.