Fluence oozes French flair

Sporty, and keen enough to put a smile on your face.

Renault added a more affordable entry level Authentique model to the range about seven months ago and that certainly gave a nice boost to Fluence sales so that it now is the third best Renault seller after the Megane and the very affordable Sandero. The newcomer has the same 1.6-litre 81kW/156Nm engine and five-speed manual transmission as the fancier and more expensive Expression and Dynamique models but comes with less bells and whistles.

It's a Privilege

Top of the Fluence hierarchy is the 2.0-litre Privilege version which kicks out 105kW and 195Nm and has more than enough looks, style and go to step into the ring with popularity champs such as Chevrolet Cruz, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and VW Jetta.

There's plenty of room for passengers and luggage.

I recently spent some time with the Privilege and was pleasantly surprised by its classy finish, smart and comfortable cabin and impressive array of executive features. These include a smart sound system with USB and aux inputs, Bluetooth, automatic lights, wipers and dimming rear view mirror, Satnav, electric windows and mirrors, snazzy leather upholstery, cruise control and the handsome aluminium trim, sporty pedals and stubby gear lever which give it an extra dash of je ne sais quoi.

The finish is classy and clean and the accommodation is comfortable.

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The driver's seat is fully adjustable and so is the steering column so getting comfortable at the helm is a doddle.

In terms of space the Privilege is a comfortable five-seater with space enough for three in the rear. The back seat-back also folds to give added luggage space.

Sporty - and keen to be naughty

The Privilege has a nice sporty nature and is quite keen to trot when you keep the revs up with the willing assistance of its short-throw gear lever, getting to a 100km/h mark in about 10 seconds - not quite the spirited squirt of a Megane Cup but keen enough to put a smile on your face.

You should be able to hit 100km/h in about 10 seconds - if you're so inclined.

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In the handling department too, the Renault is more than adequate although not the master of cling. When pushed it does lean and float a bit through the corners and it certainly isn't too fond of less than smooth surfaces with an inclination to jump and waggle its tail. The steering is also a bit dull but not so that it distracts too much from the pleasure of spirited progress.

Top of the Fluence hierarchy is the 2.0-litre Privilege version which kicks out 105kW and 195Nm.

Measured against the opposition the Fluence Authentique, at R189 900 a pop, is probably not an automatic first choice but it is certainly worth looking at by anyone in the market for a pleasant family transporter. It has more than a soupcon of French flair and its offers the peace of mind of a five-year/150 000 warranty and five-year/100 000km service plan.

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2012 Renault Fluence Road Test

Renault Fluence driven on OVERDRIVE