French car maker Renault is one of the few companies in the Indian car market that had a reasonable 2013, which was majorly due to Duster compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Despite this, sales of its cars, minus Duster, are pretty flat in India as the company has been unable to connect with customers. One of the cars in the line-up of Renault is Fluence sedan, which has not registered sales as per expectations of its manufacturer. Introduction of a facelift version is an often-followed strategy by car makers for models that are not doing well. Now, according to latest rumours and reports, Renault is planning to launch the facelift version of Fluence sedan in the Indian market. Motor Vikatan, a magazine based in south India, has released spy images of the new car on its Facebook page. Spotted near the Renault-Nissan Oragadam facility, located on the outskirts of Chennai.
Fortunately, Renault had bare minimum hidings in the test mule that was spotted in Chennai. Only the badges and bonnet were covered in order to prevent identification. Other major changes, made to the exteriors of Renault Fluence, were quite evident, thereby giving experts a chance to analyse the new sedan. The French car maker, like other firms that introduce facelift versions of existing models in India, has introduced the new vehicle in a number of European markets. This refreshed version was showcased during late 2012 at the auto show held in Turkish city Istanbul. Sales of the same were commenced sometime after the showcasing and it has managed to perform reasonably well.
There are a number of noticeable changes in the facelift version of Renault Fluence as compared to the one that is on sale in India, especially in terms of exteriors. The front fascia of the facelift is completely different as the grille has been given a massive makeover, which makes it look really stylish. Along with this, the headlights have also been redesigned to add to the style quotient of Renault Fluence. Revised front bumper, newly alloy-wheels and LED running headlights are the other highlights of this newly designed sedan. Other features are expected to remain the same in facelift version of Renault Fluence. Coming to interiors, sources claim that the French car maker is likely to retain most features from the existing version. The facelift version is expected to be integrated with the new R-Link multimedia set-up that boasts of a navigation system as well.
In all probability, the mechanical configuration of Renault Fluence facelift will remain the same. This sedan comes in both petrol and diesel engine versions. Fluence diesel is powered by a 2.0-litre unit, which produces an output of 135 bhp and peak torque of 190 Nm. Mated to advanced CVT II with 6-speed manual mode, petrol version of Renault Fluence renders a fuel economy of around 13.4 kmpl. On the other hand, diesel version of this car runs on a direct injection diesel engine that has a displacement of 1461 cc and produces an output of around 108 bhp. According to company claims, the fuel-economy of Renault Fluence diesel is 20.4 kmpl, which can be considered quest impressive.
The Boulogne-Billancourt based firm has pretty clear plans for the Indian market as far as 2014 is concerned. As per a recent announcement made by the car maker, it is not likely to introduce a new model in 2014. Thereby, it is quite clear that whatever vehicles are launched from Renault's stable, are going to be versions of existing models. And this is true to a great extent as sources claim that facelift Duster might make its way to India soon.
