Renault launches Fluence E4D, an upgraded diesel variant at Rs. 15.20 lakh!

Renault India has launched a new diesel variant, E4D of the Fluence sedan and is priced at Rs. 15.20 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The E4D variant will replace the Fluence E4 variant which was earlier offered at Rs. 14.63 lakh.

“The new Fluence E4D will be powered by a new generation of Renault’s most successful 1.5 dCI (K9K) engine which will give the best combination of power and fuel efficiency in its class,” Marc Nassif, Managing Director, Renault India, said.

When CarToq asked Nassif about why Renault hadn’t considered a bigger engine (such as the 2-litre diesel of the Koleos) for the Fluence, since it was anyway being upgraded, and almost all other cars in this segment offer more powerful diesels, Nassif was quick to defend the Fluence’s strong points. Also read: Why the Toyota Corolla Altis and Renault Fluence are more value for money post the excise duty hike!

He said, “We could have used that engine, but we didn’t. Yes, there are some customers who want power, but the Fluence offers better comfort and drivability and class-leading fuel economy, and we think this is the best combination we can offer.”

Nassif also pointed out that it will be available only with a six-speed manual transmission, and there were no immediate plans for a diesel automatic.

This variant of the Fluence is in fact the result of a huge demand from customers for more features in the diesel Fluence, which was initially available only as an E2 variant – which was priced much lower. Earlier, in December 2011, the company launched the E4 diesel variant of the Fluence sedan which was priced at Rs. 14.63 lakh. Read more about the Renault Fluence E4 here.

What’s new?

The Fluence E4 D is powered by essentially the same 1.5-litre (K9K) diesel engine, but has been given a new variable geometry turbo that puts out 108 bhp of power and 240 Nm of torque (torque figures have not changed). The ARAI-certified mileage of the E4 D variant is 20.4 kmpl. The new engine is expected to offer better drivability than the 1.5-litre dCI motor that powers the E2 variant. See our Renault Fluence video review here.

Renault states that the air intake path for the new engine has been simplified in order to obtain more efficient turbo performance without increasing the fuel consumption. Further, the company claims that its new Piezo injectors improve combustion and thereby lower CO2 emissions.

Variants and Prices

The Fluence is offered in three engine options: 2-litre petrol motor that puts out 135 bhp of power, 1.5-litre dCI motor that puts out 105 bhp of power and the new 1.5-litre dCI motor which churns out 108.5 bhp of power. The following are the variants and prices of the Fluence:

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Features

The Fluence E4D comes with a host of features such as dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and four airbags. The following are the features offered in the Fluence E4D.

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Price comparison

The Fluence E4D is priced competitively. At Rs. 15.20 lakh, the Fluence E4D is Rs. 85,000 cheaper than the Skoda Laura Elegance MT diesel variant and Rs. 1.20 lakh cheaper than the Volkswagen Jetta Comfortline 2.0. Also, the Fluence E4D is Rs. 3,000 cheaper than the Toyota Corolla Altis diesel GL variant. However, the Chevrolet Cruze LTZ is still Rs. 1.40 lakh cheaper than the Fluence E4D.