"#%^^$%#*&" is the first response for Renault Fluence's owner in Malaysia, as Tan Chong happily brought in the older generation of the car, then launch the 2012 facelifted model in a short 6 months gap. Well, it could be their "go-to-market" test, selling the pre-facelifted model at just under RM100k, trying to gauge the acceptance of the French C-Segment car in the crowded space. The dealer could get huge discount from the manufacturer assisting them to clear off their old stock. Anyhow, finally, here is the latest 2015 facelifted Renault Fluence, the one that is finally in-line with the what rest of the markets are having.
The fully loaded "Dynamique" variant as shown here, is fitted with rear LED tail lights, daylight running light, leather seat and dual-tone 17" alloy wheels to make itself different from the "Expression" unit, which is asking for RM120k, an additional of RM11k. Not a lot of differences here for the RM11k additional, but one will get the "5 influence" after sales service which include 5 years free labour and parts services, free pickup for every service and courtesy car if the repair exceed 48-hour.
The engine here is still similar to the pre-facelift Fluence, which is from the previous generation of the Nissan Sylphy, mated to a Nissan X-Tronic CVT gearbox. Four official colours, Ultra Silver, Black Metallic, Mars Grey and White Pearl are available, and limited units of Red as shown here. For those that would love to have a continental family car, with Japanese reliability, the Renault Fluence could be a good choice as the facelifted model finally looks and feels good. It is also priced competitively in the segment. Of course, if you could pay more, the shopping list could add in the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis.
| Fluence 2.0 | Sylphy 1.8 VL | Cerato 2.0 | Elantra 1.8 | Cruze 1.8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | 143HP/195Nm | 129HP/174Nm | 161HP/194Nm | 148HP/178Nm | 140HP/176Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT | 6-speed | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty (Yrs) | 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Price (RM) | 120k | 125k | 119k | 115k | 107k |
The Fluence price sit in the range of the Korean, and might suffer the similar fate of depreciation in value. But for this price, and 5 years of worry free motoring, well worth it. Tan Chong, we want the Renault Captur and bring back the Kangoo!
