For the first time, the Renault Fluence car, reviews of which we will find out later, was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. At that time, the vehicle was a two-door version. The specified concept was soon transformed into a Laguna coupe, and they decided to give his name to the line of golf sedans. Consider the characteristics of this car, its pros and cons, as well as the responses of the owners about different modifications.
Appearance
As you can learn from the reviews of the "Fluence", each new generation becomes more spacious. It is worth noting that this model has slightly larger dimensions than standard analogues of the golf category. In some respects, the car is similar to the Megan series, but manufacturers claim that these are completely different modifications. And this is not unreasonable. The difference is already visible after measuring the dimensions of the body.
The model in question is 120 mm longer and 30 mm wider. Renault Fluence has smoother and more rounded features. After a detailed examination, we can talk about its effectiveness, however, some users find this element rather contradictory. The lateral and rear parts are made perfectly, but the “face” and the principle by which it was developed are puzzling. It seems that the designers tried to combine incongruous elements.
The front part contains parts of completely different configurations. Among them:
- round fog lights;
- narrow grille;
- oval air intakes;
- pointy head optics.
The nameplate with the company logo in size catches up with the size of the headlights. Other owners note the originality of the style in front, indicating that this is a new “European” trend. Auto looks great in a white color scheme, which maximally emphasizes all lines of the exterior.
Features of the body "Fluence"
Reviews of some motorists suggest that the design of the car is not particularly intricate, more focused on family people who prefer practicality and solidity. Let the opinions on this score differ, one thing is clear - the design is not at all boring.
The body part of the car seems pretty high quality thanks to the ideas of French engineers, including reduced clearances of most elements, nice finish and some other little things. If you study the reviews of the 2012 Fluence, the body has minor flaws. They include softness of metal, large wipers and impressive loops of the luggage compartment. Some users note a design flaw associated with poor visibility.
Trying to improve aerodynamic qualities, the designers significantly “overwhelmed” the front struts. It is because of this moment that visibility has suffered. For example, at pedestrian crossings you may not notice a person of small stature, slowly crossing the road. In addition, when moving along narrow streets, to see the curbs from the sides, it is necessary to apply to the torpedo. Through the rear window, visibility is also not at the highest level due to the "bullying" of the car.
Internal arrangement
As evidenced by the feedback from the Fluence owners, there is ample space in the cabin. The interior is arranged according to the class “C” type, while the growth feature is noticeable from the outside. The seats are comfortable and soft, the driver's seat is adjustable in several positions, which allows the driver of any height to conveniently control the car. The steering wheel can also be adjusted to the individual characteristics of the user. The owners note that the driver’s chair is focused on long trips, it does not numb the back and does not hurt the sides.
Among the shortcomings of the interior of the car in question: a rather tight handle for adjusting the inclination of the seatback; slipping of some adjusting levers in the hand. These are not critical disadvantages, since usually tuning is done once.
From the inside of the car, it blows with freshness and high cost. The decoration used exclusively high quality materials. The plastic elements are soft and pleasant to the touch, squeaks and backlashes are absent. The equipment is thought out to the smallest detail, the engineers did a great job on sound insulation. Despite some flaws, the cabin is comfortable at home.
Location of controls
In reviews of the 2013 Fluence, owners point to a formal change in the interior of the car compared to its predecessors. The gear lever with the base is finished in chrome. There is perforation and stitching on the steering wheel with white thread. Among the shortcomings of the controls note the placement of buttons on the steering wheel, and this point applies to all modifications of the series in question.
On the left side of the steering wheel is the cruise control, which is equipped with the most expensive modifications. On the right are the buttons for selecting the on-board computer options. They are indicated by the letters “Q” and “B”. The instrument panel has remained unchanged. At the same time, the backlight became a different color.
To analyze the disadvantages of steering on the road, you should study the feedback on the Fluence (automatic) directly from the owners. In general, the car behaves confidently and dynamically, but the disadvantages are immediately noticeable. They mainly relate to the controls of the head unit, as well as sound quality. The R-Link system is installed only in "luxury" versions.
Technical plan options
The following engines can be installed as a power unit for the car in question:
- 1.6 / 2.0 liter petrol models. Their power is 105/109 or 138 horsepower, respectively.
- The diesel version of 1.6 liters with a power of 130 "horses".
The last engine is the most economical, consumes an average of about 4.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. In Russia, diesel modifications are not yet officially offered. In reviews of "Fluence" (1.6) with mechanics and diesel, more positive than negative is traced. Despite the vibration and noise characteristic of such engines, consumers are pleased with the low fuel consumption compared to gasoline counterparts.
Transmission
The car in question is equipped with both automatic and manual transmissions. In a mechanical transmission with 5 and 6 modes, users note reliability. However, in early versions of cars, the car was twitching during start after prolonged standing in a mash. The indicated problem was solved only by replacing the clutch unit.
Version with "automatic"
Also, a 4-position automatic transmission with a variator was installed on this vehicle. Reviews about Fluence with this site are not always positive. Owners indicate not the best performance of the "machine." Its shortcomings are expressed in jerks and shocks when shifting gears. The resource of a node depends on driving style and proper maintenance. The Jatco variator itself makes a better impression than the classic counterpart, however, it has a number of shortcomings. With significant and prolonged loads, the risk of transmission failure due to deformation of the cones and chain increases.
Deficiencies that are still noted in the reviews of Fluence (2011)
Owners of the cars in question for different years of production note about the same flaws in the car. Nevertheless, most of them have the modification of 2011. Despite the fact that the car is quite roomy, large and relatively inexpensive, for more than 600 thousand rubles, I would like to better match the dimensions, interior and dynamic performance.
In addition, the engine range does not offer sufficiently powerful power units for a vehicle whose length is 4.16 meters. The quality of the trim is objective, but not particularly impressive.
In order to identify as much as possible all the flaws of the car, it is necessary to indicate a few more weaknesses noted in the responses of consumers. Among them:
- Insufficient indicator of dynamics. For lovers of speed, this machine is unlikely to work. It should be said frankly: the engine capacity of 1.6 liters is physically not enough for high-speed racing. For driving around the city, a car is quite suitable, but on the roads when overtaking, the dynamics flaws are immediately noticeable.
- Transmission functioning. In this regard, the car’s behavior in winter is considered a serious drawback. With a 30-degree frost, starting the engine is very problematic. As for the operation of the transmission, or rather, its disadvantages, the mechanics have problems with reverse gear, the “automatic” has pronounced shocks when turning on the speeds. In addition, the variator works somewhat inhibited.
- Sound insulation. Not all owners are satisfied with the noise that is felt inside the car when driving at high speed or on bad roads. This is partly due to budget tires on wheels, which is equipped with a machine from the factory.
To summarize
The car in question has established itself as a fairly reliable, comfortable and unpretentious vehicle. Even after prolonged use, most parts remain in almost perfect condition. In fairness, it should be noted that in the reviews of "Fluence" users indicate some shortcomings that do not require significant investment to eliminate them. If you operate the car carefully and take into account its belonging to the golf class, you can close your eyes for many minuses.