Test drive by Renault Fluence since 2009 sedan

Renault Fluence: Renovation

With each new generation, cars are becoming more and more spacious. But Renault was slightly crossed with growth hormone for Fluence, and now other golf classes next to him risk seeming pesterings.

Formally, Renault Fluence Golf Class sedan. It would be logical to assume that the new model will change the Megane sedan in the line, but the French insist: do not compare these models! Like, Flyens is a completely different car than those that are usually considered to be a C-class, and it is exactly in the middle between C- and D-segments.
The grounds for such judgments are given by a banal bypass of the sedan with a tape measure: Fluence grew MEGANE as much as 12 cm in length, and lags behind Laguna by only 7 cm. The growth of width was 3 cm, and the lag from the older model in this parameter is only 2 mm!

The fact that we are still not a middle class, only the line of engines convinces, so far consisting of 1.6-liter gasoline units with mechanics and automatic.

French design is ambiguous as always. If the stereotype that is fixed for the Peugeot charm, then the designers Renault seem to receive money so that God forbid their creations does not confuse with competitors. That is, both French brands go to the same goal, but in different ways
Next to Megan, the new flime looks more smooth and unexpectedly rounded. In details, the sedan looks spectacular, but in general the image is quite controversial. Personally, it seems to me that the views and behind the French were successful, but the design of the front is full of poorly combined elements of different geometric shapes: round fog, a narrow radiator grill, bent over the corners of the hazardous air intake and oval, also pointed upward headlights. Much more advantageous cars with a brightly exposed central part look: look at the Ford Focus trapezers, the blades of the previous Opel Astra, the nostrils of the BMW 1-Series or the Audi A3 shield?! And Fluence has the brightest elements of the headlights and the mugs of the foglights are spaced on the sides, leaving the center without strong features. However, Renault designers probably have the opposite opinion.


Places in the salon are more than enough growth in the dimensions compared to Megan is not less than Fluence than from the outside. Although the layout of the interior is exactly like that of a new C-class. The seats are soft, comfortable; The range of adjustments is hypertolerant: the Fluence driver will sit comfortably and will reach the steering wheel and pedals without any problems. The disadvantage is all the same: buttons on the steering wheel. On the left of the cruise control (accessible only in top versions), and on the right, the R and O keys are incomprehensible to most motorists, which are responsible for the choice of some options of the on-board computer. Judging by the forums, even some of the owners of Renault do not understand why these keys are there
 
Sedan with 1.6 and automatically rides well. This is especially true for the smoothness of the course and sound insulation of the salon. Driving comfort The result of the use of the front suspension from Megane and the rear half -dependent beam from some Nissan sedans. Shock absorbers skillfully cope with the smoothing of road bumps, almost without voicing them either acoustic or hitting the body, and the start and inhibition are accompanied by light bites of the bow. And here it is appropriate to recall how comfortable cars are usually controlled. Badly?!
No, not bad, but without emotion.
The electric power capture of fuel saving is almost indecratively working in a standing car, that is, just when maximum efforts are required from the driver (or driver). With the speed of speed, the performance of the amplifier grows and the steering is simplified. On the contrary, it would be more logical.

As for the dynamics, then without surprises; A flat thrust continues in the entire range of revolutions, without jerks and unexpected accelerations. The response to the gas pedal is timely, and the gear shifts are quite fast and predictable.
Renault Fluence is relatively inexpensive but perhaps the most spacious sedan in C-class with a very spacious trunk (530 l), and a very high level of acoustic and dynamic comfort. But fans of fast driving should not be upset: this summer, 2.0-liter sedans with a variator will appear on the market. It is possible that Fluence will become more terrible

The most affordable Fluence authentique is sold for 559,500 rubles. In the database: a 1.6-liter engine, a mechanical gearbox, ABS with systems for the distribution of brake efforts and helping with emergency braking, front-in-law airbrushes and passenger pillows, air conditioning, electric drive and heating mirrors, adjusting the driver's seat in height.

The Confort version with an automaton costs 62,000 rubles more. Fighting headlights, emerging rear seat, audio system, rear electric windows, heating seats, front side airbags, and the head restrained heights are added to its equipment.

The most expensive modification of Dynamique costs 677,500 rubles. It is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain and light sensors, a chip card and engine start button, folding electric drive and heating mirrors, two-zone climate control, safety curtains.

 

Author: Alexander Korobchenko
Photo: Renault, Roman Ostanin



 

Source: Wheel magazine [April 2010]