After a short lived partnership with Mahindra, Renault decided to enter India on its own. The top down approach saw the Renault Fluence assuming the charge of Indian operations.
However the D Segment sedan didn't do particularly well and a part of the reason lies in the fact that the segment shifted in favor of SUVs.
The 2013 Renault Fluence facelift was unveiled at the Istanbul Auto Show last year. The quirky front styling makes way for a more modern and attractive element. The Fluence facelift adopts the brand's new family face that debuted in the Renault Zoe.
The front grill connects the headlamps and houses an imposing Renault Lozenge in the centre. The front bumper incorporates redesigned secondary airdams and the foglamps come with LED daytime running lights. The interior remains largely the same save for a few improvements such as a new audio system.
Team-bhp.com member Ajmat has spotted the facelifted car parked alongside the current version at the car maker's stockyard in Chennai. It seems that Renault India has started the trial production of the facelifted Fluence.
The Fleunce comes to India through the CKD route and by this time, the stocks of the old car's kits would have depleted. It's only a matter of time before the Renault Fluence facelift is launched in India. Our guess is the festive season.
The 1.6 liter petrol and the 1.5 litre K9k diesel are expected to continue unaltered. However, the petrol version could get the X-CVT automatic gearbox.
The main rival would be the 2013 Skoda Octavia which will also be launched in India at roughly the same time.
[Image: Teambhp.com]
