Renault Fluence debuts, may come to GCC

Renault’s Turkish factory, production home of the goofy Symbol and Clio sedans, has added a new model to its line-up. Dubbed the Renault Fluence, it is intended to replace the French-built Megane in “low-end” markets such as Turkey, Russia, Romania and most likely the GCC countries eventually.

Sized to fall exactly between compact and midsize cars, the attractive Fluence is powered by a 110 hp 1.6-litre with a manual or automatic, or a 140 hp 2.0-litre with a manual or CVT automatic.

The Fluence can be had with hands-free entry and ignition card, integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system option, optional leather, a wide range of audio options including a “3D Sound” system by Arkamys, Bluetooth telephony and ‘Plug & Music’ digital connectivity.

Comprehensive safety features include standard ABS and emergency braking assist, ESC, up to six airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, cruise control with speed limiter, and more.

Given Renault’s shift from French-built models to Turkish and Korean cars in the UAE, the Fluence seems likely to hit Arab markets soon, especially since the all-new Megane is already out in Europe and it hasn’t been launched in the UAE yet.