Renault India started its second innings in India in 2010 with some very aggressive plans. Fluence was the first offering from Renault and was introduced in 2011. This brave move by Renault to re-establish itself again in India with a D0segment car was appreciated by many automobile enthusiasts. Internationally, the Renault Fluence was introduced back in 2009 and rumors were about Renault working on Fluence Facelift and now the 2013 Fluence has hit the test route.
When we reviewed the Renault Fluence we were in love with the planted and comfortable ride quality, the refinement it offered and the responsive steering. Almost every look of its exterior and interior made us to indulge more in this French beauty. Renault’s new brand image and design theme is the prime reason for the facelift. This is the new line which replaces the previous one. One can easily make out that it’s the front end of the car that will get a major cosmetic treatment. The Fluence will get a new front bumper, a revised grille and a new pair of headlights. Renault will also give Fluence day time running LED’s and we expect the same on the Indian version too.
The rear of the Fluence will only get some minor tweaks. The car might get changes at the tail lamps and boot lid only. The interiors will get mild updates as well. The engines powering the Fluence will be same for India, a 1.5-litre diesel producing 110 PS and 2.0-litre producing 137 PS. Globally Renault might tweak the engines to extract more. Renault India will bring the facelifted Fluence to India in early 2013 as the vehicle is brought in through the CKD route. The company will officially unveil the facelifted Fluence at the 2012 Paris Motor Show later this year.
– Kanishk Arora