Renault has released a press note stating that the new Renault Fluence will be released tomorrow at the Istanbul Motor Show in Turkey which opens its doors today.
The French manufacturer states that the new Fluence has been designed to match the customer needs as closely as possible. The car receives a new front grill which is going to be the family design identity of future Renault cars.
The grill connects the headlamps and widens at the middle in order to house a bold Renault lozenge. The new bumper looks more sculpted and has a split lower air dam and fog lamp enclosure. The new Fluence also sports LED daytime running lights.
Renault claims that the interiors are also modernized and the seats are enhanced by the use of new upholstery. The car gets digital instrumentation across all the variants and a new audio system.
The updated car comes with a host of driver aids like the hands free phone controls, front and rear parking sensors and automatic parking brake. The high end variant gets Renault's R-Link touchscreen multimedia system which includes Blueetooth telephony, navigation system and audio system with USB connectivity.
Powertrain options include a new 1.6 litre petrol engine which develops 115bhp and mated to an equally new X-Tronic CVT auto transmission. The claimed fuel efficiency of this pair is 15.6 kmpl.
Apart from the 110 bhp 1.5 K9K, diesel power comes from a new 1.6 litre dCi engine which is good enough for 130 bhp. The engine is claimed to be most powerful in its segment and has a fuel efficiency of 21.73 kmpl. The 1.6 litre diesel engine will be available in select markets. As the 1.5L K9K is fully localized allowing Renault India to retail the Fluence at competitive price levels, we don't see the 1.6L engine getting a look in, here in India.
The car will start selling in Turkey in January 2013 and Renault says it will launch the car in 55 key international markets by the end of 2013. We should see the Fluence facelift in India late next year or in early 2014.