Renault Fluence CKD launched in Malaysia
Having spent years pulling small volumes in niche markets, Renault is making a return to mainstream with the locally-assembled Renault Fluence officially launched in Malaysia today. Assembled at the historic Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) plant in Segambut, CKD packs of the Fluence are sourced from Renault Samsung Motors, a South Korean subsidiary of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Mechanical make-up of the Fluence puts it at the heartland of the Malaysian C-segment, with a 2.0-litre engine providing propulsion and carrying an array of features that is on par with segment benchmarks. Safety is impressively covered by ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control, and traction control, whilst the amenities package consists of leather seats, cruise control, hands-free telephony, rear air-con vents, reverse camera, keyless entry, and engine start stop.
Its unassuming exterior wears the shape of a conventional three-box sedan, whilst its cabin borrows the familiar dashboard of the Megane. Perched on top of the centre stack is the 7-inch touchscreen display of Renault’s R-Link multimedia system which incorporates voice command, satellite navigation, and connectivity via Bluetooth and USB.
Mechanical reliability of the vehicle should be promising – despite using a unique platform, the Fluence’s engine and drivetrain package is identical to that found in the previous-generation Nissan Sylphy, with the 2.0-litre MR20DE engine paired with the Jatco-sourced X-Tronic CVT, but supplemented with six virtual ratios for manual selection in this application.
With generous array of features, it is impressive that local Renault distributors TC Euro Cars is aiming to price the car at an estimated RM115,000 pending the Government’s price approval. Even more amazing is the ‘5inFluence’ after sales package bundled into the deal, which will see the ownership experience supported by a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty plus a 2-year/40,000km free service package.
Taking things even further, genuine replacement parts are all backed by one-year warranties, and TC Euro Cars personnel will offer complimentary pick-up of your vehicle when it is due for servicing. Pick-up will be performed by your sales advisor, who receives company incentives for carrying out this service. In the event that your car is stranded in the service centre in excess of 48 hours, a courtesy car will be provided.
