The Renault Fluence as we know it is based on the last generation Nissan Slyphy with a Renault badge. In Malaysia, reception of the Fluence was rather sombre and falls short of the Renault 19’s success some 20 years back. However, this could change with the Fluence’s successor, the Megane Sedan.
The new Megane sedan is essentially the fourth-generation Megane hatchback with a three-box configuration. The saloon from the CMF C/D platform has a lot to offer compared to its rather underwhelming predecessor.
To start, the saloon’s aesthetics surely attracts attention, thanks to the headlights with an extended LED by the side. The front grille with the large logo reflecting strongly of their current design language. It also gets a full panoramic glass roof, just like its hatchback and estate counterpart.
Moving onto the powertrain; there are five engines to choose from, ranging from two petrol engines (SCe 115 and TCe 130) and three turbodiesels (dCi 90, dCi 110, and dCi 130). As per any Renaults, the engine’s power output is denoted by the numerics. Depending on engine choice, three transmission options are available: six-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission. The latter is offered only for the TCe 130 and the dCi 130 variants.
Inside, the Megane sedan impresses with its “top-level rear-seat spaciousness” and a cavernous 508 litre boot space, which should appeal to the more practical minded. Also included are a seven-inch colour TFT digital counter, 8.7-inch R-Link 2 infotainment system and Multi-Sense with five driving modes. Safety is also top notch as it receives Lane Departure Warning, Advanced Emergency Braking System, and Easy Park Assist.
The Turkish assembled car will be marketed in countries such as Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Morocco, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. For reasons unknown, some markets will identify this car as the Megane Coupe.
For now, Renault hasn’t announced any plans to introduce the Megane Sedan here. We think a car with such flair will meet with some level of success here (like the Citroen DS5), so it’s entirely up to TC Euro Cars to up their game in the years to come. Presently, the Fluence, powered by a 2.0-litre engine is offered from RM107k to RM118k.
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