The new Fluence model, which shares its platformwith the Samsung SM341, will feature generous dimensions both outside (4,620mm long, 1,809mm wide, 1,479mm high and a wheelbase of 2,702mm) and inside (1,480mm of elbow room at the front and 1,475mm at the rear). The luggage capacity is 530 liters.

The range of engines includes two gasline units (6 16V 110hp, with automatic transmission or manual gearbox - 2.0 16V ) and five variants of the 1.5 dCi diesel.

Renault Fluence goes on sale from November. An electric version could be launched in 2011.

From the official Press Release:

Design

The four-door saloon is 4.62 metres long and its size and levels of standard equipment place it halfway between the C segment, for compact family cars, and the segment above.

Streamlined headlights herald the start of an elegant waist line which sweeps harmoniously along Fluence's sides to the boot. The surround and chromed grille of the upper air intake embellish the car's front-end looks with a sporting flourish, while the appeal is heightened by its sculptured wheel arches and long hood.

At the rear, the horizontal, two-part lights allow a generous boot aperture and reinforce the car's modern styling.

The lower window and boot trims, foglamp surrounds and door handles are finished in chrome, while the B-pillar uprights are gloss black along with body colour side protective mouldings.

The sense of strength and safety is reinforced by the carefully proportioned balance between the windows and the large surface area of the doors, the lower part of which incorporates protective panels.

Seen from the side, a distinctive character line flows rearward from the rounded front wings before emphasizing the solid rear haunches. Particular attention has been paid to the fit and finish of body panels (windscreen pillars and refuelling flap, for example).

The rear bumper incorporates discreet parking sensors. At rest, the windscreen wipers are tucked away behind the bonnet's upper edge, partly for aesthetic reasons, but also to reduce wind noise and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Interior

A simple yet elegantly styled interior In the cabin, the airy facia designincorporates taut, uncluttered lines that are complemented by the sweep of the dashboard trim strip. Essential driving functions and useful accessories all fall easily to hand.

They are concentrated around the steeringwheel and centre console with a view to freeing up as much space as possible and to making the car even more user-friendly.

The integrated upper dashboard cowling has a soft-touch finish, and is resistant to everyday knocks and exposure to direct sunlight.

Cabin details include the chrome finish applied to door handles, instrument surrounds and gearlever knob, as well as the availability of either light- or dark- hued leather upholstery.

Particular attention has been paid to the decorative trimming to create a varied range of distinctive ambiances, and also distinguish between different equipment levels.

(Source: Renault)