- Comfortable ride
- Spacious interior
- Light steering
- Dynamics fall short of class leaders
- CVT can be slow to respond to pedal input
- Mediocre fuel economy from 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Peculiar interior controls
Review: Renault X38.I Fluence (2010-13)
Overview
Released in November 2010, the Renault X38 Phase I (X38.I) Fluence was a mid-size, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured at the Renault-Samsung plant in Busan, South Korea, the Fluence was powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Furthermore, the Fluence was available in two variants: Dynamique and Privilege.
MR20DE engine
The Fluence was powered by an all-aluminium Nissan-Renault 2.0-litre MR20DE petrol engine which had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.2:1. The engine also featured equal runner lengths, a tumble control valve for the intake manifold, a ‘silent’ timing chain, mirror-finished crankshaft and camshaft journals and offset cylinder placement.
Dimensions
Underpinned by the Renault/Nissan C platform and developed in conjunction with the X32 Megane , the Fluence effectively replaced the X84 Megane sedan. Compared to the X84 Megane sedan, the Fluence was 120 mm longer (at 4618 mm), 32 mm wider (1809 mm), 18 mm taller (1478 mm) and had a 16 mm longer wheelbase (2702 mm).
Suspension and steering
The Fluence had MacPherson strut front suspension with rectangular lower arms and an anti-roll bar; the rear suspension consisted of a programmed-deflection flexible beam. The Fluence was also fitted with an electric power steering system that included an inductive torque sensor.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamique | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp CVT |
102 kW at 6000 rpm | 195 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| Privilege | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp CVT |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Renault X38.I Fluence included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and rear seatbelts with load limiters.
Brakes
The Renault Fluence was fitted with 280 mm (diameter) ventilated front brake discs and 260 mm solid rear discs.
Features
Standard features for the Renault Fluence Dynamique included 16-inch ‘Spiral’ alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, USB auxiliary input and Bluetooth audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a ventilated glovebox, cruise control (CVT models only), front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, remote central locking with Renault card, power windows, power mirrors with folding function, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.
The Fluence Privilege was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Monitor’ alloy wheels, an eight speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, satellite navigation, black leather seats, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power sunroof.
Related links
- Brochure: Renault X38.I Fluence (October 2010)
- Specifications: Renault X38.I Fluence (September 2010)
Review: Renault X38.II Fluence (2013-15)
Overview
Released in September 2013, the X38 Phase II (X38.II) Fluence introduced subtle cosmetic changes and additional features.
Visually, the X38.II Fluence could be identified by its new projector headlights with black bezels, restyled grille, a chrome strip above the rear number plate and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there was a new digital dashboard and, for Dynamique variants, a new audio head unit and redesigned cloth seats.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamique | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp CVT |
102 kW at 6000 rpm | 195 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| Privilege | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp CVT |
Features
Compared to its X38.I predecessor, standard features for the X38.II Dynamique variants were unchanged.
The Fluence Privilege, however, gained a Bose sound system (including a digital amplifier and nine-inch subwoofer), a seven-inch colour touchscreen, reversing camera with guidance and an electric-assisted parking brake.
Brochure
Related links
