2013 Renault Fluence facelift unveiled in Istanbul

Renault has unveiled the new 2013 Fluence facelift for Europe at Istanbul. The sedan sports the new design philosophy of the French manufacturer and goes on sale in Europe early next year. The Fluence also gets a new version of the dCi diesel engine, which is a little bigger, more powerful and will hopefully put an end to complaints about it being under powered.

The Fluence facelift has styling similar to that of the new Clio MK4; it was earlier unveiled as the Renault’s new design philosophy through the concept car called the Zoe. The C+ segment sedan gets new sleeker grille with Renault badge at the centre extending out on to the hood. It also gets LED DRLs as part of the fog lamp console, tweaked tail lamps and new alloy-wheel options.

The instrument cluster of the new Fluence is digital and the top-end variants now get R-Link multimedia system with touchscreen display and voice command. Under the hood, there are two new engine options – 1.6-litre 115bhp petrol and 1.6-litre 130bhp dCi diesel. The petrol engine is now more efficient and greener; mated to X-Tronic CVT gearbox. The more interesting diesel unit is part of the same efficient dCi range that power all the mass production Renault and Nissan diesel cars in India.

Now that Renault India has completed its five products in 18 months plan – it will certainly look at few other options and also upgrading the existing range. The Fluence is getting respectable numbers and we think Renault will introduce this facelift in India in the second half of 2013. More importantly, the new diesel engine might also come to India not only for the Fluence but also for the Duster.