FIRSTDRIVE RENAULT FLUENCE:Whatever about the pronunciation, PADDY COMYNfinds the new three-box saloon good value and competent to drive
AT THE launch, Renault Ireland’s managing director Eric Basset pronounced the name like the -fluence from influence, rather than the Flew-ennnnce.
When quizzed about why he had taken the French out of Fluence, he said he wasn’t overly concerned about how it was pronounced. And you can understand why. The Frenchman has overseen the renaissance of the brand in Ireland to the point where it accounts for 9 per cent of the market. Now, with the arrival of yet another model that takes advantage of the scrappage scheme, Renault could yet see out the year with the same momentum it began it with.
The Fluence sits in size between a C- and D-segment car, so is larger than most key rivals, such as the Ford Focus saloon.
It is generous inside, and has a 530-litre boot. And it comes with the same engines as the Mégane, meaning 1.6-litre 16V petrol, or more importantly 1.5-litre dCi diesel engines with 86 and 106 horsepower. An electric version will be out at the end of next year.
The Fluence continues to show the improvements that Renault has illustrated of late. It feels more solidly put together than cars of old, and the cabin is rather nice. The diesel engines might sound a bit weedy but even the lower-powered unit is comparable to some larger-capacity rivals.
Plus, these diesel engines have low emissions – 119g/km – so all you will pay is €104 a year in road tax. The Fluence doesn’t have overly dynamic handling but it is all about comfort. It is well insulated and cossetted and, aside from a slightly lazy gearshift, is a handsome and competent car.
But let’s cut to the chase. Renault is all about value these days. The Fluence starts at €18,890 for the 1.6-litre petrol, which is impressive, especially when you look at the standard kit which, even on the entry point, the Royale, includes air-conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free. A diesel will cost €1,410 more, and then €1,000 more for the Dynamique spec model, which adds alloys, dual-zone climate control and others.
Add another €1,500 and you can have the full bells-and-whistles TomTom edition, with built-in satnav, clever multimedia player and 17-inch alloys. Finally €23,500 will get you the six-speed 106 horsepower 1.5-litre dCi TomTom.
As the diesels qualify for scrappage, and with Renault adding €1,500 trade-in allowance, €1,500 for cars of eight years or older and an additional €1,500 from the Government if your car is 10 years or older, then you can have the diesel Fluence from just €15,800. Buy the car in April and a five-year warranty is thrown in.
Factfile
Renault Fluence 1.5 dCi 86 Royale
Engine:1,461cc 4-cylinder diesel putting out 85hp @ 3,750rpm and 200Nm @ 1,750rpm
Maximum speed:175km/h 0-100km/h: 13.4 secs
Fuel economy:4.5 l/100km
CO2 emissions:119g/km
Annual road tax:€104
Price:€20,300 (up to €4,500 off this with scrappage)
