Test drive by Renault Fluence since 2009 sedan

Renault Fluence. Family value

Renault Fluence. Price: Not defined. On sale: since spring 2010
Renault Fluence belongs to a prestigious C-class, but it will be favorably different in price. The novelty is intended for family people who value more comfort and safety than dynamics. And for those who love hotter, the French are preparing a surprise

Test pilot
Eduard Shivorshinov, 37 years old, test engineer, driving experience of 19 years, travels to Mercedes-Benz v220
In the spring, in our country they will begin to sell the new Renault Fluence model. The French company has long accustomed the public to extravagant acts. Often, original deputy machines became the ancestors of the advanced directions of the automotive industry of the future. So it was in the case of Espace, Scenic and Vel Satis. However, the one who goes non -flowing is always risks. People may be unusual for unusual decisions. This is exactly what happened to the wonderful car Renault Avantime, which really was too much ahead of time. And here is a new attempt.
Renault Fluence positions as a family sedan, to the elegant design of which a large number of basic and optional innovations have been added. This should convince buyers of the car belonging to the luxury class.
Let's start with a salon that has a number of undoubted virtues. The finishing materials are distinguished by quality and tight mount than, unfortunately, many cars of about the same price category cannot boast. Belonging to luxury models, as it were, by chance, emphasizes chrome elements and leather inserts that decorate the door handles, the KP lever and the steering wheel. The internal space is distinguished by a spaciousness, which is given not only to the driver and front passenger, but also to those who sit from behind. The supply of space in the knees in the second row is 238 mm.
The first test of the novelty took place in Turkey, where we managed to fully evaluate the operation of the climatic installation. Special praise deserved optimally located air ducts, allowing to maintain the necessary temperature regime. In addition, a 9 -fraud is subjected to cooling. In total, the Renault Fluence salon contains a lot of boxes, drawers and messes, which contains 23 liters of useful and not very things. The French with the advent of Fluence update the trunk record for C-class cars. In the usual state, its volume is 530 liters. But if you fold the rear seats, the rear compartment will accommodate both longs and bulky luggage. For this it is worth saying thanks to the wide horizontal opening.
The driver’s place is also not deprived of an impressive space, which is also worth recognized as very ergonomic. The governing bodies are concentrated around the steering wheel and on the central console. Looking ahead, we note that Carminat Tomtom is proposed as an option. For pleasure unmistakably navigate in space, you will have to pay 500 euros. Continuing to inspect electronic toys, we pay attention to an audio system with a capacity of 60 watts. Already in the basic configuration, it works in combination with a CD/MP3 resigner with RCA and USB connectors. Digital information can be easily transmitted using Bluetooth.
The first kilometers on Turkish land showed that Renault really sought to make a family car. This is easily determined by setting up the chassis of Fluence. French engineers were able to achieve good acoustic and vibration protection. You can find fault with the control of the car if you do not take into account the mission of the model. And in urban conditions, a comfortable suspension is more valued than unquestioning obedience at high speeds. Nevertheless, we note one circumstance: the steering mechanism equipped with an electrical power does not become heavier than moving the speedometer to the right.
Family values \u200b\u200bare quite consistent with an economical gasoline engine with a volume of 1598 cm3, developing 110 liters. With. It is aggregated with 5 -speed mechanics. A 4 -speed automatic will be optionally available. Diesel version of 1461 cm3, issuing 105 liters, gives particular confidence. With. and 240 nm torque. Our tests have shown that diesel goes well with a 6 -speed mechanical transmission. By the way, we are not talking about one, but about four engines. It is curious that with the same volume their power is 85, 90, 105 and 110 horsepower, and the level of release CO2 is the same for 119 g/km. Already now equipped with soot filters, the modifications of DCI90 and DCI110 are responsible for the upcoming EURO 5 standard. Like many other companies, Renault is in no hurry with the supply of diesel vehicles to Russia. The explanation is the previous quality of fuel. But what about other manufacturers who do not experience problems with our diesel fuel?
It remains to rejoice that for lovers of dynamics will produce Fluence with a two -liter engine with a capacity of 140 liters. With. He will be given in a couple a 6 -speed manual transmission or a unavailable CVT transmission.
Those who want to stand out from the crowd are designed by a two -liter version with aggressive bumpers, which are equipped with pseudo -eating and painted in the body color. Complement the picture of the pads on the thresholds and doors. The final element spoiler on the trunk lid.
We do not love
530 liters of the luggage compartment are a decent result for the sedan. Voluminous
The basic trifle of the curtains on the rear windows. They will save from the sun and prying eyes. Nicely
How to live without an eye on a ceiling console? Absolutely impossible. Familiar

Advantages and disadvantages
+ Dynamic and acoustic comfort, rich equipment.
- sluggish dynamics of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine.
Specifications
Mark and model - Renault Fluence 1.6 16V 110 BVM
Dimensions - 4618/1809/1479 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1598 cm3, 110 liters. S./6000 min--1
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed KP
Dynamics - max 185 km/h; 11.7 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Octavia

Our opinion
With a profitable combination of price and quality, competitors of the new Renault in the prestigious C-segment will have to be squeezed. Although the Russians love fast riding, practical considerations often prevail. In this sense, the family Frenchman clearly will like many of our fellow citizens. At least Renault marketers promise to make the price sweet. Let's hope that it will be so.

Author: Eduard Shivorshinov
 
  
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [December 2009]