Renault, GM up the ante with updated premium sedans

The premium sedan segment may not be growing but it is witnessing some new moves by OEMs to attract buyers. French major Renault has launched the new Fluence which offers new styling, tech-savvy features and a high performance engine.

The New Fluence, which sports an entry level price of Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), features a sporty and progressive design inspired by Renault’s new Brand identity. The vehicle’s powerful and efficient dCi engine is developed with technology distilled from the successful Renault engines in Formula One racing. The new Fluence also provides entertainment features such as a 3D sound system with eight speakers, driver-aid technologies like automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers.

The front-end design makes a statement of Renault’s new brand identity with the new front grille that sports the bold Renault logo. The car’s LED daytime running lights and projector headlamps further exude the overall sporty appeal.

Featuring Renault’s award-winning K9K engine, the new Fluence offers a comfortable, responsive and flexible drive. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the powerful dCi 110 diesel engine delivers fuel efficiency of 20.4 kilometres per litre (ARAI certified).

The new Fluence will be offered with the Renault Complete Care Package that includes 2+2 years or 80,000km warranty, four-year road-side assistance along with complete support.
Another new launch in this segment is the updated Chevrolet Cruze sedan from General Motors India. The car is priced between Rs 13.70 lakh and 16.19 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

The updated Cruze is aimed at further strengthening its position in the marketplace with improved fuel economy for the six-speed automatic transmission variant. It comes with both a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission mated to the turbocharged 2.0-litre VCDi engine. The Cruze delivers 164bhp and fuel efficiency of 14.81kpl for the automatic transmission-equipped model and 17.3kpl for the manual.

The new Fluence and the new Cruze will be joined by Toyota’s new Corolla Altis. The premium sedan segment is currently led by Hyundai Motor India’s Elantra.