In a market dominated by the Japanese (read Corolla Altis) and increasingly the German/Czech combo of Skoda and Volkswagen, there’s finally a new kid on the block that brings with it a fresh take to the segment. To begin with, the just launched Renault Fluence has a design and style that’s very different from what’s currently available. It might not be pretty in the conventional sense, but it sure is attractive. And honestly, it’s a car you would like looking at every morning when you come down to take it to work.
It’s also refreshing on the inside, and packs in a lot of comfort features as well. The petrol gets climate control, keyless start and cruise control among other things. The Fluence is also spacious and has a comfortable ride. But the question is how does it compete with the current best seller, the Toyota Corolla Altis as well as other cars that are doing well in the segment, namely the Chevrolet Cruze and the Skoda Laura? Here’s how –
Quick comparisons
Fluence vs Corolla –
Between the Corolla and the Fluence, the Fluence is better looking. It also has plusher looking insides and though it might not have a lot more equipment compared to the Corolla, it still feels more solidly built. The ride quality is better on the Fluence and it’s also pretty easy to drive – the front visibility is good and the steering is light to use too.
As for the Corolla, it is the most proved product in this segment. And honestly, one can’t really go wrong with it. Moreover, apart from feeling as solid as the Fluence, the Corolla is pretty close to the Renault in almost every other area.
Price Index - Avg Ex-Showroom Price
Petrol
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8 J - Rs. 10,45,292
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G - Rs. 12,16,296
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G L - Rs. 13,53,624
Renault Fluence - Rs. 14,40,000
Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8V L AT - Rs. 14,54,557
Diesel
Toyota Corolla Altis J Diesel - Rs. 11,39,909
Renault Fluence - Rs. 12,99,000
Toyota Corolla Altis G Diesel - Rs. 13,24,030
Toyota Corolla Altis GL Diesel -Rs. 14,28,698
Fluence vs Cruze –
The Cruze, obviously, is only available with a diesel engine. So, if you want petrol, the Fluence is the default choice. However, if it’s a diesel you want, the Cruze has a lot going for it. It has the more powerful engine here, which is fun to drive. It also then has the option of a manual and an automatic gearbox, while the Fluence is only sold with a manual.
The Cruze is also a style icon, it has more road presence and when on the move, it looks purposeful. It’s a car that conveys youth for its owner, way more than the Fluence. However, it’s not as spacious as the Fluence. And the Fluence also blends the comfortable ride and good handling balance better than the Cruze. And as with the Corolla, the Fluence feels better put together than the Cruze.
Price Index - Avg Ex-Showroom Price
Petrol
Chevrolet Cruze LT - Rs. 12,03,006
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ - Rs. 13,60,315
Renault Fluence - Rs. 14,40,000
Diesel
Renault Fluence - Rs. 12,99,000
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ AT -Rs. 14,44,688
Fluence vs Laura –
The Laura might not be the selling car in this segment, but it sure is the best product. It’s built like a tank, has a lovely combination of ride and handling, and has spacious interiors and a fantastically large boot. It also has the better engines here, both petrol and diesel. Not only are these great fun to drive hard, these work well even for those who are not car nuts.
But apples to apples, the Laura just isn’t as well equipped as the Fluence. The Fluence in comparison shouts value for money when compared to the Laura and that we believe is a big advantage for the Renault. The thing is you get European built cars in both the Laura and the Fluence. You also get spacious sedans with comfortable seats if you choose either. And finally you get decently high snob value with both. Of the two though, the odds seem in the Fluence’s favour, mainly on account on its better pricing.
Price Index - Ex-Showroom Price
Petrol
Skoda Laura 2009 Classic 1.8 TSI - Rs. 12,57,771
Skoda Laura 2009 Ambiente 1.8 TSI - Rs. 13,62,852
Renault Fluence - Rs. 14,40,000
Diesel
Renault Fluence - Rs. 12,99,000
Skoda Laura 2009 Ambiente 2.0 TDI - Rs. 14,08,465
Skoda Laura 2009 Ambiente 2.0 TDI AT - Rs. 15,20,802
Skoda Laura 2009 Elegance 2.0 TDI - Rs. 15,59,517
Skoda Laura 2009 Elegance 2.0 TDI AT - Rs. 16,59,994
Skoda Laura 2009 L&K 2.0 TDI AT - Rs. 18,40,158
