New RENAULT FLUENCE review at a glance:
View New RENAULT FLUENCE prices, View RENAULT FLUENCE news, View RENAULT FLUENCE price research.

Advantages: The Fluence succeeds because of ease of use, comfort and quiet, refined driving experience. The conventional looks might appeal to those less inclined show their green-credentials at every turn. It is cheaper to buy than its competitors and the zero emissions will hardly harm its cause.

Disadvantages: The Fluence’s plain styling and conventional, maybe dull, interior, but most of all there is a potential limitation in its range.

Summary: The Fluence is a smart, if a little dull electric city car that is cheap to run and delivers a smooth drive. It might not break any records with speed or be break any hearts in the looks department but it does provide a certain amount of understated grace to electric cars, but with compromises.

New RENAULT FLUENCE Review:


The new Renault Fluence sees the conventional looking electric car come of age… with compromises.

The Fluence is Renault’s first production saloon styled electric car and although not yet fully available in the UK it is effectively an electric Megane saloon. Boasting modern technology, zero emissions and a punchy 95bhp electric motor it feels more like how cars should be, lookswise at least.

The Fluence might not break any records when it comes to speed or pulling power but achieving a 0-62mph in 13 is at least creditable and its ability to deliver immediately it is lively from the start. Overtaking however may need a little more consideration since the pulling power tends to plateau at higher speeds. Despite this, and because its market is more urban, the Fluence gives a rewarding, smooth drive.

The ride quality is precise, well-weighted and accurate in cornering. The engine, Renault claims is around 50% quieter inside than a conventional diesel giving a smooth, quiet drive.

The Fluence’s space, although well designed and for the most part what you’d expect from a regular saloon lacks the storage space of some of its rivals. Five adults can be seated, although ideally this would be only for shorter journeys. Rear passengers, however, do get a centre armrest with integrated cup holders and adjustable air vents. The part-leather seats give an element of comfort but do not have enough side bolstering to prevent a some sliding around when cornering.

Unlike other some of its competitors, the Fluence price-tag does not include the battery. This has to be leased from Renault and with an average charge time of 6 to 12 hours, journeys might have to be a little more meticulously planned than with a conventional vehicle. The leasing agreement for the battery does however include breakdown recovery which at least gives peace of mind should the worst happen. Being electric and essentially a put-into-drive-then-accelerate system, there are fewer moving parts, meaning that reliability is paramount. Renault has a high reputation for safety standards and although the Fluence only achieved a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP, they have even been tested in flood, fire and accident situations.