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Renault Fluence Saloon (2012-2013) review

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Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £22,845 - £23,745
Road tax cost £0
Insurance group 16 - 19
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
View full specs for a specific version

Available fuel types

Fully electric

Pros & cons

PROS

Ease of use, comfortable, quiet and refined, zero emissions, cheaper to buy than the competition

CONS

Potential range limitations, small boot, dull interior, plain styling

Written by Lewis Kingston Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

The Fluence Z.E. is claimed by Renault to be the first production saloon-styled electric car. You may not be familiar with the Fluence name, because it’s not sold in the UK. It is, effectively, a Megane saloon. As a result, the electric Fluence Z.E. looks just like a conventional car. That might appeal to those who want modern technology, and zero emissions, without the attention that comes with some of the more outlandish designs.

Under the bonnet is a punchy 95bhp electric motor, while the battery pack sits behind the rear seats. It’s remarkably simple to use – you simply turn the key, put it in drive and go. The Fluence also handles quite well, and is comfortable and refined. Fully charged, it’s claimed to cover around 125 miles at best. In poor conditions, however, that range can drop to as little as 50 miles.

The electric Fluence doesn’t include a battery, unlike competitors, making it cheaper to buy. Owners have to lease it from Renault instead, for a monthly fee. So, does the Fluence Z.E. offer a more cost-effective alternative to electric cars like Nissan’s LEAF, or range extenders like the Vauxhall Ampera? Read on to find out…