The Fluence is all about space. It has 530 liters of boot space and Renault claims it has more passenger space than any major rival. Interior stats include 1,480mm of elbow room at the front, and 1,475mm at the rear. The driver’s seat can be adjusted 240mm fore/aft and 35mm +/- in height, and the steering wheel has both rake and reach adjustment. The cabin features 23 liters of storage, including a 9 liter refrigerated glovebox and a 2.2 liter centre console cubby. The 530 liter boot has a low sill and a 1,020mm wide entry for easier loading.
It’s got decent specifications too. All models including entry level ones will get rear aircond vents, and dual zone control for the front is an option. Renault has also made available a hands-free entry and ignition system using a card. As the card-holder walks away from the car, the doors will lock automatically. You’ve got up to 6 airbags, ABS, and stability control.
In the engine bay, for now diesel and petrol engines are available. All the diesel models qualify for Renault’s eco2 branding, which means CO2 emissions of 119g/km. In 2011, Renault will be introducing an all-electric Fluence, which technology most likely adapted from the Nissan Leaf EV.
The petrol engines include a 140hp 2.0 mated to either a manual or a CVT. This is likely the same engine and transmission combination available in the Sylphy. There is also a 110hp 1.6 liter engine. The eco2 Diesel engines all use the same 1.5 dCi block but with different stages of tune – 85, 90 DPF, 105, 110 DPF and another 110 DPF mated to a new twin-clutch transmission.