New 2015 Renault Fluence Debuts In Malaysia – Two Variants, From RM109k

TC Euro Cars, the official distributor of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, has just launched the facelifted 2015 Renault Fluence C-segment sedan. It now comes in two variants – the lower range Expression and the higher-end Dynamique. 

Prices start from RM 112,178.10 for the Expression and RM 123,481.97 for the Dynamique. All prices are inclusive of GST and insurance. By comparison, the pre-facelift Fluence was available in a only a single variant and was priced at RM115,000.00 without insurance.

The refreshed Fluence here largely features cosmetic updates over the 2014 model, with its powertrain and interior design largely left intact. Here is a quick look at what’s new for the 2015 model.

Buyer’s Guide:

Like the outgoing Fluence, it has some established competition from the likes of the Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla Altis but offers a European experience at a price point that’s well under the Jetta’s RM135k.

The Fluence is built on the Renault/Nissan C-platform and is locally assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Segambut. It offers 2.0-litre engine churning out 143hp, ample interior space, high equipment and comfort levels, and comprehensive after sales services.

KEY SPECS: 2015 Renault Fluence 2.0 CVT, Expression and Dynamique. 

• Price: RM112,178.10 – Expression, RM123,481.97 – Dynamique.
• Engine: 2.0-litre 16-valve four-cylinder
• Transmission: XTronic CVT
• Power: 143hp at 6,000rpm
• Torque: 195Nm at 3,700rpm
• Consumption: 7.7 litres per 100 km (manufacturer’s claim, combined European driving cycle)

Performance:

Here’s how the Fluence 2.0 CVT stacks up for power against its key rivals:

• Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC: 141PS, 174Nm
• Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0: 145PS, 187Nm
• Mazda 3 2.0: 162hp, 210Nm
• Ford Focus 2.0: 170PS, 202Nm
• Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI: 160PS, 240Nm

For the Malaysian market, Renault has also fitted the Fluence with a transmission oil cooler for its Xtronic CVT to better handle driving at high speed for extended periods. Together with the use of a timing chain instead of a belt, this powertrain package is meant to offer better durability.

The facelift model is differentiated by a new front end design featuring Renault’s floating grille and LED daytime running lights. Behind, there is a new tail light cluster and a new rear bumper.

Variants:

Expression: The base Expression model comes with 6 airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), cruise control,  ISOFIX mounts for child seats, fabric interior, automatic wipers and headlamps, halogen projector headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth, USB paired to a 6-speaker audio system. Leather upholstery is an optional extra for the Expression costing RM4,000.

It is covered by a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage (without 5 inFluence customer care privilege).

Dynamique: The higher-end Dynamique model adds LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, leather upholstery, and Renault’s signature 5 inFluence customer care privilege. This includes, 5 years/100,000 km free maintenance inclusive of labour and parts, free pickup service and a courtesy car should your Fluence needs to stay in the workshop for more than 48 hours due to any unavailability of parts.