Renault’s Fluence presents a more fluent argument than its Megane sedan predecessor. This is among the largest and most spacious four-door small cars and is arguably closer to being a medium sedan, though it shares its architecture and mechanicals with the smaller Megane. Highly specified even in base Dynamique guise, the Fluence cossets its occupants without polarising them on style. Many earlier Renaults (including the previous Megane sedan and hatch) boasted edgy, even confronting, styling but the Fluence looks quite mainstream. No diesel engine is offered and transmission choices are a six-speed manual (Dynamique only) and CVT. Safety is among the Fluence’s major claims and, priced from $22,990, it represents formidable value.
Megane sedan
Released: April 2004
Ended: July 2010
Family Tree: FluenceThe Megane sedan was launched in Australia six and a half years ago at an entry price of $32,190 for the 2.0-litre Expression. Although well-equipped, it was almost 50 per cent dearer than its successor. Even less successful than the hatchback version, the Megane sedan always struggled to gain custom. It drove well, was packed with safety features and offered sufficient performance, but suffered from a lack of profile.
Super Test
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