Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics

Rameshdude · 20th January 2012, 15:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASTRIKX

Ramesh, Its really nice to know that you are enjoying your 'Turbulent' Fluence. Also good to know that you have not faced any problems as on date. However I would like to know, since you mentioned the clutch, don't you think the Clutch would wear out pretty quick if you change gears with a half clutch ? Is is THAT hard that you find it uncomfortable to depress the clutch ? Also, you had mentioned a lot a good points about the car, but could you please list a few negatives as well, if any. lolz. I am seriously considering buying the Fluence when the upgraded Diesel gets launched. I hope it's a better buy that the Skoda Laura, Volkswagen Jetta or the Toyota Altis. Whats your take on it ?.

Hi Astrikx,
Upgraded diesel Fluence has been launched with a few added features. They are also offering optional leather seats in good prices. I think the upgraded diesel costs a lakh more than the E2.

aks_karthik · 20th January 2012, 15:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rameshdude

Hi Astrikx,
Upgraded diesel Fluence has been launched with a few added features. They are also offering optional leather seats in good prices. I think the upgraded diesel costs a lakh more than the E2.

Leather Seats are standard fitments only and not Optional.
Renault - Equipments

The only issue with this car is the Engine. For it's size the Engine is punny.

ASTRIKX · 20th January 2012, 20:28

Hey Ramesh, I've already got the E4 Renault Fluence Diesel. Will update you on the details in a short while. Thank you for the information. Really appreciate it.

Rameshdude · 20th January 2012, 22:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASTRIKX

Hey Ramesh, I've already got the E4 Renault Fluence Diesel. Will update you on the details in a short while. Thank you for the information. Really appreciate it.

Congrats Astrikx.
Finally i got some company here! Been getting bashed alone for some time! Do post some pictures and further details. How has been the dealings so far? Do start an ownership thread,if you have the time.

ganeshram · 13th February 2012, 01:01

Hi Ramesh

An excellent ownership thread this is!

I have been looking for a car since the last 4 months. Booked the XUV, but was always unsure. Test drove the Jetta, but thought it doesnt justify the cost mainly because it looks almost identical to the Vento. Was never a fan of Skoda. And Didnt want to buy the Altis, since I already have a Corolla.

The Fluence is an absolute beauty. But Renault in India is still not proven. Have been thinking about a test drive since a couple of weeks. And today I went for one. And I was just floored by the car. True, there is a fair amount of turbo lag. But I feel that once you are used to the behavior, it wont be a problem. Clutch and gear shift were smooth. And the build quality is just amazing. The bonnet is super heavy!

To be frank, am thinking of getting the Diesel E4 Fluence. Would be gratefeul if you could help me with some basic queries:

- How is the drive in bumper to bumper traffic? Is it hard on the knees?
- How has your service experience been so far?
- Is there any major issue you have faced till date?
- Would you recommend the Fluence?

Thanks!

ajmat · 13th February 2012, 08:50

Vid6639 and I test drove the Fluence a few weeks backs and were improessed. It does not have the performance but on all other counts it is a brilliant package. Go for the fully loaded one. We also analysed the services costs and parts. They are very competitive.

Renault are quietly ramping up on service points to cope with the forthcoming duster demand

Rameshdude · 13th February 2012, 16:32

Hi Ganeshram,

I have done 4500 kms so far in my Fluence. There has been no niggling issues or rattles or any major issues.

The 2nd and the 3rd gears, really pulls the car ahead and quickly too.

The car is heavy all around. The doors open wide,and close with a thud.

The ride is smooth. The noise level is less too compared to other cars. You don't have to change anything. Good powerful headlamps. Five alloys wheels and tyres 205/60 R16.
Only thing you might want to add later is a tuning box.

4 years warranty.

The clutch is a wee bit on the harder side. But not so much as to hurt our knees in city traffic.
The service personnel are good too. I told them, recently.i would like to have rear air con,they told me,to wait for some time ,they would study the E4 and do the best for me. They have been helpful throughout.

The Fluence is still CKD versions,that is the reason for the higher cost. But then you get the same car,that they sell in Europe. Good quality stuff.

I feel Renault is here to stay. Their engine is a time tested one.

Yes,I would recommend Fluence, if you are looking for a comfortable and spacious sedan. Soft touch interiors and pleasing to eyes.

E4 comes with all bells and whistles.

vb-saan · 14th February 2012, 08:47

Ramesh, how is the Fluence coping up with the roads in Cochin? And does the car have underbody protection – like those seen in the Laura / Linea?
GC of 170mm looks adequate, but any issues on that front so far? Thanks!

Rameshdude · 14th February 2012, 13:49

Hi VbSan,
Fluence handles the pot holes nicely out here. The ride is smooth. When we had been on a trip to Mysore, it didn't even once scrape those huge humps in Karnataka.

I am not sure about the underbody protection in Fluence.

Rameshdude · 26th February 2012, 15:35

Hello guys, a small update.

Have completed about 4600 kms. Though for last few weeks,not able to take it to the highways. I feel the car has become smoother and quicker. Feel so easy to drive. Maybe i have got accustomed with the car. So far a pleasure to drive with no issues yet.

With city drive for some days,my average speed is just 20 km/hr !

Have attached a few pics,though quite common in many cars nowadays.

Full access to the boot from the rear seat.

A light on top of the sun visor,which lits up as i slide open the blind for the mirror.

Rameshdude · 17th April 2012, 08:15

Guys,
Had been to Wayanad during the Easter weekend. The trip was good,attaching a nice pic of the car.
If anyone is interested in wildlife photos,please click this link.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post2745462

Rameshdude · 17th April 2012, 08:39

Note from Mod : Lets please refrain from discussing high speeds and also posting pictures of same. Thanks for your co-operation.

Had been to Salem last weekend. The Trichur to Erode stretch was mostly single lane with heavy traffic(except for Coimbatore bypass). Kochi to Trichur and Erode to Salem road was excellent.
I could really test the speed and stability of Fluence in the Erode to Salem route. The car was solid and well planted on the road. Generally i don't drive rashly. Anyway Kerala cops are strict,and will fine if we cross 80 km/hr. There are many in the forum,who have apprehensions about the capability of this 1.5 Lit engine in such a heavy and big car. I do agree there is a bit of turbo lag.

I got a mileage of 20.4 kms/lit onward trip. Just Imagine,Kochi to Coimbatore(160 kms) in just 8 llit of diesel ! The mileage averaged to 17.7 kms/lit in the whole trip.

I have covered 7200 kms in a span of 8 months.(Was buying a diesel car justifiable?).

The car so far has been trouble free, and first service is only at 10k kms. The issues are,
It is such a huge car to drive in the city.
The clutch is little hard. (common to all diesel cars,i suppose).
The initial turbo lag.

vb-saan · 17th April 2012, 10:55

That’s pretty impressive figures Ramesh, especially for a car of this size. Good to know that the Fluence is treating you well. Drive safe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rameshdude

I have covered 7200 kms in a span of 8 months.(Was buying a diesel car justifiable?).

I think so. Atleast you don’t have to deal with the heartburn while filling up a tank-full petrol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rameshdude

It is such a huge car to drive in the city.

It is indeed quite a big car, but how difficult is it drive around in Cochin, especially those narrow by-lanes and residential area?

Note: I would suggest to get the speedo picture taken off.

C300 · 17th April 2012, 11:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rameshdude

The car so far has been trouble free, and first service is only at 10k kms. The issues are,
It is such a huge car to drive in the city.
The clutch is little hard. (common to all diesel cars,i suppose).
The initial turbo lag.

Good to see your fluence after a break Ramesh. Its definitely a big sedan for our smaller city roads. How bad is the initial turbo lag? Are frequent downshift necessary?

Rameshdude · 17th April 2012, 19:49

The steering is very light in Fluence and driving about within the narrow roads is fine. Small turning radius too. We can easily manage in 3rd gear. There are two problems,
At times,I use our Jazz within the city, and that car is a breeze to navigate around!but then each pothole the jazz goes through, it hits your spine!
Secondly, the size. BMW 3 series and Fluence size are almost same.
Mods, please delete the speedo pic, thanks.

20th January 2012, 20:28	#78
ASTRIKX Newbie Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Kochi Posts: 20 Thanked: 12 Times	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Hey Ramesh, I've already got the E4 Renault Fluence Diesel. Will update you on the details in a short while. Thank you for the information. Really appreciate it.
	() Thanks

13th February 2012, 01:01	#80
ganeshram BHPian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bangalore Posts: 72 Thanked: 22 Times	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Hi Ramesh An excellent ownership thread this is! I have been looking for a car since the last 4 months. Booked the XUV, but was always unsure. Test drove the Jetta, but thought it doesnt justify the cost mainly because it looks almost identical to the Vento. Was never a fan of Skoda. And Didnt want to buy the Altis, since I already have a Corolla. The Fluence is an absolute beauty. But Renault in India is still not proven. Have been thinking about a test drive since a couple of weeks. And today I went for one. And I was just floored by the car. True, there is a fair amount of turbo lag. But I feel that once you are used to the behavior, it wont be a problem. Clutch and gear shift were smooth. And the build quality is just amazing. The bonnet is super heavy! To be frank, am thinking of getting the Diesel E4 Fluence. Would be gratefeul if you could help me with some basic queries: - How is the drive in bumper to bumper traffic? Is it hard on the knees? - How has your service experience been so far? - Is there any major issue you have faced till date? - Would you recommend the Fluence? Thanks!
	(1) Thanks

13th February 2012, 08:50	#81
ajmat Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 14,864 Thanked: 27,973 Times View My Garage	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Vid6639 and I test drove the Fluence a few weeks backs and were improessed. It does not have the performance but on all other counts it is a brilliant package. Go for the fully loaded one. We also analysed the services costs and parts. They are very competitive. Renault are quietly ramping up on service points to cope with the forthcoming duster demand
	(4) Thanks

13th February 2012, 16:32	#82
Rameshdude BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kochi Posts: 236 Thanked: 67 Times	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Hi Ganeshram, I have done 4500 kms so far in my Fluence. There has been no niggling issues or rattles or any major issues. The 2nd and the 3rd gears, really pulls the car ahead and quickly too. The car is heavy all around. The doors open wide,and close with a thud. The ride is smooth. The noise level is less too compared to other cars. You don't have to change anything. Good powerful headlamps. Five alloys wheels and tyres 205/60 R16. Only thing you might want to add later is a tuning box. 4 years warranty. The clutch is a wee bit on the harder side. But not so much as to hurt our knees in city traffic. The service personnel are good too. I told them, recently.i would like to have rear air con,they told me,to wait for some time ,they would study the E4 and do the best for me. They have been helpful throughout. The Fluence is still CKD versions,that is the reason for the higher cost. But then you get the same car,that they sell in Europe. Good quality stuff. I feel Renault is here to stay. Their engine is a time tested one. Yes,I would recommend Fluence, if you are looking for a comfortable and spacious sedan. Soft touch interiors and pleasing to eyes. E4 comes with all bells and whistles.
	(1) Thanks

14th February 2012, 08:47	#83
vb-saan Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: S'pore/Thrissur Posts: 7,273 Thanked: 12,404 Times	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Ramesh, how is the Fluence coping up with the roads in Cochin? And does the car have underbody protection – like those seen in the Laura / Linea? GC of 170mm looks adequate, but any issues on that front so far? Thanks!
	() Thanks

14th February 2012, 13:49	#84
Rameshdude BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kochi Posts: 236 Thanked: 67 Times	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Hi VbSan, Fluence handles the pot holes nicely out here. The ride is smooth. When we had been on a trip to Mysore, it didn't even once scrape those huge humps in Karnataka. I am not sure about the underbody protection in Fluence.
	(1) Thanks

26th February 2012, 15:35	#85
Rameshdude BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kochi Posts: 236 Thanked: 67 Times	re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Hello guys, a small update. Have completed about 4600 kms. Though for last few weeks,not able to take it to the highways. I feel the car has become smoother and quicker. Feel so easy to drive. Maybe i have got accustomed with the car. So far a pleasure to drive with no issues yet. With city drive for some days,my average speed is just 20 km/hr ! Have attached a few pics,though quite common in many cars nowadays. Full access to the boot from the rear seat. A light on top of the sun visor,which lits up as i slide open the blind for the mirror. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images
	() Thanks

17th April 2012, 08:15	#86
Rameshdude BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kochi Posts: 236 Thanked: 67 Times	Re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Guys, Had been to Wayanad during the Easter weekend. The trip was good,attaching a nice pic of the car. If anyone is interested in wildlife photos,please click this link. http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...ml#post2745462 Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

17th April 2012, 08:39	#87
Rameshdude BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kochi Posts: 236 Thanked: 67 Times	Re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics Note from Mod : Lets please refrain from discussing high speeds and also posting pictures of same. Thanks for your co-operation. Had been to Salem last weekend. The Trichur to Erode stretch was mostly single lane with heavy traffic(except for Coimbatore bypass). Kochi to Trichur and Erode to Salem road was excellent. I could really test the speed and stability of Fluence in the Erode to Salem route. The car was solid and well planted on the road. Generally i don't drive rashly. Anyway Kerala cops are strict,and will fine if we cross 80 km/hr. There are many in the forum,who have apprehensions about the capability of this 1.5 Lit engine in such a heavy and big car. I do agree there is a bit of turbo lag. I got a mileage of 20.4 kms/lit onward trip. Just Imagine,Kochi to Coimbatore(160 kms) in just 8 llit of diesel ! The mileage averaged to 17.7 kms/lit in the whole trip. I have covered 7200 kms in a span of 8 months.(Was buying a diesel car justifiable?). The car so far has been trouble free, and first service is only at 10k kms. The issues are, It is such a huge car to drive in the city. The clutch is little hard. (common to all diesel cars,i suppose). The initial turbo lag. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by GTO : 18th April 2012 at 12:11. Reason: Do NOT post text or pictures of speeding on public roads
	(1) Thanks

17th April 2012, 19:49	#90
Rameshdude BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Kochi Posts: 236 Thanked: 67 Times	Re: Turbulence and the Renault Fluence EDIT: 4500 kms & a few interior pics The steering is very light in Fluence and driving about within the narrow roads is fine. Small turning radius too. We can easily manage in 3rd gear. There are two problems, At times,I use our Jazz within the city, and that car is a breeze to navigate around!but then each pothole the jazz goes through, it hits your spine! Secondly, the size. BMW 3 series and Fluence size are almost same. Mods, please delete the speedo pic, thanks.
	() Thanks