Renault India had showcased the Fluence facelift at the 2014 Auto Expo while also announcing the prices for the facelifted version at the event. The French automaker has now officially commenced the sales of the D-segment sedan in India today with the revised prices after the excise duty cut. The Fluence is brought in as a CKD unit and assembled at the Renault-Nissan facility in Oragadam, Chennai.
The 2014 Renault Fluence facelift gets a host of changes including a redesigned front fascia that is now in line with the French automaker’s family design. The new grille sports a larger Renault logo in the centre, while the bumper has been redesigned and now gets LED daytime running lights. The changes to the side and rear profile remain minimal, but give the sedan a positive appeal. The alloy wheels also feature a new design. On the inside, the Fluence gets new upholstery and a new instrument cluster. You get Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted controls, cruise control, rear parking sensors, dual zone AC controls and rear AC vents. Renault has also added the 3D ARKAMYS music system as part of the features list.
The 2014 Renault Fluence retains the mechanicals with the 1.5-litre dCi motor producing 110 PS of power and peak torque of 240 Nm, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Renault is offering the Fluence in two trims, namely the E2 and E4 diesel. The petrol version has been discontinued for now. The diesel engine returns a claimed fuel efficiency of 20.4 km/l. The sedan comes loaded with safety features such as ABS, ESP, Brake Assist, ASR, seat belt with pre-tensioner, dual airbags and force limiter for occupant safety.
Renault has priced the 2014 Fluence facelift starting from Rs. 13.99 lakhs for the base diesel E2 variant, while the top end E4 variant is priced at Rs. 15.49 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Fluence could not make a mark in the D-segment space in spite of being a worthy contender. However, the facelifted version has surely made some much need changes on the sedan that should help the automaker contest more effectively in the segment. The Renault Fluence competes against the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze and the upcoming Toyota Corolla in the segment.
