The Renault Fluence diesel was a lucrative option for those looking for a comfortable but affordable diesel sedan in its segment. However, the diesel engine felt a little underpowered - at least, according to Renault - and it now gets a little more power.
The power has now been increased to 110PS from the outgoing model's 106PS and that doesn't seem like very much. However, the engine has been developed by Daimler and Renault together, which promises a very nice torque spread, and which peaks at an identical-as-before 240Nm. The new E4 variant also sports 16-inch alloy wheel, ESP, traction control, leather upholstery, and automatic headlamps and wipers.
The Renault Fluence E4 D is priced at Rs 15.2 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, which is a little more expensive thanks largely due to the new taxation in the 2012 Union Budget. However, this puts it at the bottom of the diesel sedan pile along with the Toyota Corolla diesel. Diesel variants of the Skoda Laura and VW Jetta are all above the Rs 16 lakh mark.