After exhibiting the facelift version of its premium saloon, Fluence at the 2014 Auto Expo, the car maker has finally launched it in India at a starting price of Rs 13.99 lakh for the E2 trim and the E4 trim is available for sale at Rs 15.81 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
On the exterior front, changes like a new front grille flaunting a huge Renault badge, reworked head lamps and revivified bumpers with integrated fog lamps are included. Renault is also offering new 16 inch alloy wheels on the Fluence facelift. Cabin too gets a set of new features including a new audio system, dual zone climate control, a soft touch dashboard, touch-screen infotainment system with integrated sat-nav, electronic parking brake and a digital instrument cluster.
Another kit is also on offing that includes cruise control, parking sensors, smart key with start-stop button, ABS, EBD, ESP, four airbags, rear sun blinds, rain sensing wipers, dusk sensing head lamps and rear ac vents.
No changes have been made in the mechanical front, the saloon continues to be powered with the same 1.5 litre, four cylinder, diesel engine that comes with a displacement of 1,461cc and offers a top power and torque output of 110 PS at 4000 RPM and 240 Nm at 1850 RPM respectively. A six speed manual transmission is mated to the diesel motor.
The recent tweak could have been given in order to ramp up sluggish sales of the saloon in India. Despite being endowed with appealing looks and advanced equipments, the saloon could not find many takers in India. Ever since its launch in the Indian auto market, Fluence failed to rope in aplenty sales. However, with the new version on sale now, we hope that Fluence will get its due in the domestic market.
