Next-Gen Renault Fluence is here and is renamed Megane Grand Coupe

New Delhi: For the uninitiated, the current Renault Fluence is a sedan avatar of the third-generation Mégane hatchback (Mégane III). With the third-generation Mégane series, Renault went with a different name for the sedan — Fluence. However, it didn’t really click in several markets, including India. It is one of the least-selling cars in the country. The Mégane IV, which had made its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, recently went on sale in Europe. Its sedan iteration was expected (new Fluence) and voilà the Mégane Grand Coupé is here! The new Fluence... err... Mégane Grand Coupé just like its hatch sibling has finally adopted Renault-Nissan’s CMF (Common Module Family) platform — CMF C/D. To begin with, the design is in sync with the latest offerings from the French automaker such as the Talisman and the second-generation Koleos. Its face resembles the Mégane hatch with the signature C-shaped daytime running lights. While the rear is slightly different, courtesy the boot; it has retained the essence of the hatch. Mechanically, it will come with two petrol and three diesel engine options, while transmission will include two manuals, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and two dual-clutch automatics. The petrol variants will feature a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated motor SCe 115, which puts out 115PS and 156NM mated to a CVT or a five-speed manual gearbox. The more powerful version will include a 1.2-litre turbocharged TCe 130, capable of producing 130PS and 205Nm. This engine will come with an option of a seven-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. The diesel options will include a familiar 1.5-litre oil burner in two versions. The dCi 90 — 90PS/220Nm available with a six-speed manual, the dCi 110 —  110PS/260Nm available with a six-speed manual gearbox or the EDC six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It will also come with a 1.6-litre motor — the dCi 130, which chucks out 130PS/320Nm and will only be available with a six-speed manual. The cabin is similar to that of the hatchback and also carries forward all the features. Some of the features include a seven-inch colour TFT instrument panel (digital), an 8.7-inch multimedia tablet — R-Link 2 infotainment system, Multi-Sense, Easy Park Assist, panoramic sunroof, among others. Renault has said that the new Mégane Grand Coupé will be produced at the Bursa plant in Turkey and will be retailed in more than 20 countries around the world. However, India was not mentioned in the list, but we believe that Renault will replace the slow-selling Fluence with the Mégane, maybe at a later stage. The next product expected from the automaker is the Kaptur SUV, while the second-generation Koleos is also on the cards. Courtesy: Car Dekho