New Renault diesel Fluence at Rs 15.2 lakh

Car maker Renault India on Tuesday launched a new diesel variant of its premium sedan 'Fluence' in the country, priced at Rs 15.2 lakh or Rs 1.52 million (ex-showroom, Delhi).

"Fluence was the first offering from Renault in India.

"The new upgraded variant is about our commitment to the Indian market and is a result of the feedback we received from our customers," Renault India managing director Marc Nassif told reporters in New Delhi.

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Powered by a 1461 cc diesel engine, the new Renault E4 diesel will deliver a peak power output of 110 PS in combination with a peak torque of 240 Nm.

It will compete with the likes of Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Laura and Toyota Corolla Diesel, which are priced between Rs 15.22 lakh (Rs 1.52 million) and Rs 16.41 lakh (Rs 1.64 million).

The company had launched the Fluence in May 2011 and it was followed by two more cars -- sports utility vehicle Koleos and premium compact car Pulse.

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The next in line is the crossover Duster, which will be launched before Diwali, and it will be followed by one more product," Nassif said, adding all the products will be assembled at its facility in Chennai.

The company is targeting to sell a total of 30,000 cars in India this year compared to about 1,500 units in 2011.

To push up its sales, the company is also expanding its dealership network to 100 by 2012 from 43 at present.

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Asked about reports that Renault India is looking to set up a new facility in Gujarat, Nassif said: "When we will saturate the 400,000 annual capacity at the current facility, we will look at expansion. We are open to choosing any location, but when and where, only time will tell".

Talking about Renault-Nissan's ultra-low-cost car project with Bajaj Auto, he said Renault India's hand are full with its existing priorities in the country.

"This project is being taken care of by the alliance at the global level and we (Renault India) are not at all concerned about it. Any decision will be announced by the alliance," he added.

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The powerful engine of the new Renault Fluence Diesel E4D is incorporated with the same 6-speed manual transmission as was available with the previous variant.

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However, with an increase in the engine power, the mileage of the car is decreased to 20.4 km per litre as compared to the 21.8 km per liter of the earlier E4 model  (both mileage certified by Automotive Research Association of India).

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Besides a slight boost in the engine power, the Renault Fluence E4 will be carrying all features same as before that comprises of the likes of rain sensing wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, cruise control, automatic headlamps, parking sensors, ABS (Antilock Braking System), EBD and Brake assist, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ASR, Multiple airbags (dual front airbags and side-chest level front airbags).

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