New Renault Fluence - lots of car for little money

You don’t need me to tell you that buyers in all markets are looking for real value for money these days. With everyone suffering in one way or another under the current fiscal climate value and price is now more important than ever before. No-where is this more important than in the considerable outlay required to buy a new car. Most who observe the car market will know that Renault have been on a big push of late, reducing prices across the range and improving specifications. The result of their efforts have pushed them to number two in the Irish marketplace. Renault recently introduced a completely new car called the Fluence, which offers a hell of a lot of car for as little as just over €15,800 with scrappage. With 1.6 petrol or 1.5 dci diesel power the new Fluence is both economical to own and run. First impressions Smart stylish and businesslike - the new Fluence is available only as a four-door saloon with a selection of trim levels. The car has echoes of the Laguna at the front but from there on it has a style all of its own and indeed looks very smart. Behind the wheel My test car was the top-of-the-range 1.5 dci “Tom Tom” version, which comes complete with a remote controlled Sat Navigation system. The cabin is large and spacious and this car will seat four adults in great comfort and five adequately. Indeed it also has a huge boot, which I am glad to see houses a full size spare wheel and not one of those naff spacesavers or worse still tyre sealant. The driving position is very good and specification is impressive with the usual electrics in addition to which the Tom Tom version has heated leather seats, cruise control, trip computer, climate control, keyless entry, auto locking on exit, front foglights, alloy wheels, multi-function steering wheel, remote audio controls, auto lights and wipers, and of course Sat Nav. Unfortunately Renault chose to operate this via a small remote control unit (much like a little TV remote). Frankly it’s fiddly, and actually very distracting and should only be used while stationary in my opinion, which is rather limiting for such a system. Other than that, inside the new Fluence, it is all good news. It feels well put together and has a nice air of quality. Performance The 1.5 dci four-cylinder diesel is that same as that seen in the Laguna and available with 85 bhp or 105 bhp (as here) power outputs. It performs well, is mated to a nice six-speed manual gearbox and proves quiet and refined. Of more interest is that it costs just €104 a year to tax and uses diesel at a miserly rate of 5.9 litres per 100km giving a range close to 1,000km between refuels. Road behaviour The New Fluence handles predictably and safely on wet or dry roads. Its not an exciting drive but then again many of its rivals offer the same dependable uninvolving experience. The levels of ride comfort are very good with the Fluence managing to soak-up most of what our roads can throw at it. Noise levels are commendably low too with wind, road and engine noise all well suppressed. Verdict You can buy the top of the range Renault Fluence “Tom Tom” for just €23,950. With scrappage you can get that figure down to just over €19,000. That’s great value for a car that is nearly as big as the Laguna, yet its rivals are the smaller VW Golf and Opel Astra class. Overall then here is a good all rounder that delivers on its promise. It looks well, drives quite nicely, and comes very well equipped. My only concern with Renault right now is what long-term effect their heavy discounting of their cars will have on residual values.