Renault Fluence, the renewed Mégane Sedan will also get an electric version

Renault will present the Frankfurt Motor Show (on 15 September) the renewed version of the previous Mégane Sedan. But there will be more changes than a simple redesign, since to start with it changes its name, now Renault Fluence, and it will also set itself apart from the rest of the Mégane range.

The Renault Fluence was previewed when the Samsung SM3, with which it shares its platform and design (except for some details and the logos), was unveiled. The name change and these design nuances are due to Renault wanting to raise the level of the new Mégane Sedan to turn it into a saloon with more presence, moving it away from the image of a derivative of a compact, as the previous Mégane Sedan had.

It has dimensions that come close (by seven millimetres) to those of the Laguna, at 4.62 metres long, and a design that is smoother and better crafted, with its own personality. It also has a 530-litre boot, more capacity than the Laguna’s. Moving to the interior, we find the driving position of a Mégane III; the only change is a more serious, analogue speedometer in place of the digital one.

As for the engine range, it will consist of two petrol engines and four diesels. The petrol units are a 1.6 110 CV and a 2.0 16-valve 140 CV, with an optional CVT gearbox, while the diesel range will include the dCi with 85, 90, 105 and 110 horsepower (the latter can be fitted with the DCT dual-clutch gearbox from Renault).

But the best is yet to come in 2011, when Renault launches an electric variant of the Fluence. Now we just have to wait to see the prices at which it goes on sale and hope they keep it on par with the Mégane.

Source | Renault