No, just the tyre. Of course can go for the cheaper alternative. If rim, will change for better looking ones. Fortunately is not.

Is Fliueance sharing the same chassis platform as 408?
Some car expert told me this.

Its sharing the platform of Renault Megane Sedan i think.... But the engine were tune down as compare to what a Megane should have....

my fluence is clocking 500km, so far no major issue. 1 minor issue is on the aircond sound. amazingly, fluence has 8 fan speed. the noise starts at speed 3 and above... so, just imagine when we use the auto button, the noise is loud enough until you can barely speak with the passenger. pressing the auto button will get you to max speed during noon. at night, it will set you at 4 or 5 for a short while.

on other note, I tried searching on the web on other reviews, although all reviews are positive but there aren't that many reviews about fluence. some negative review are due to "not following the standard", like:

1- why the front bonet and start button is on the left side instead of right, close to the driver?
2- why the cruise control button are located at the hand brake?

after using it for few weeks now, I don't find it troublesome at all. simply because it is still available for use. it like when you are moving into a new house, you have to change and adjust to it. you don't blame it for not being "old standard".

especially on the front bonet button, you only use it when you are having problem with the engine. I am pretty sure that you usually use it when your car is not moving.

even on the start button, it is not a trouble at all to find it.

so, I see the point but I don't mind at all... I am still a happy owner...

because all the french manufacturers are lazy to do the proper conversion from LHD to our RHD. this is among the number one reason why i avoid them. im pretty sure there is a fuse box inside your glovebox isnt it? the lever to open your car bonnet is on the front passenger side isnt it? your handbrake on the passenger side instead of the driver side right? for all of these, i dont think they deserve our hard earned money. same also goes to peugeot.

yup, if you think about it that way... but no, lazy isn't the right word.

I call it "why bother to putting it where the rest of the standard in minority world want to put it"? furthermore, this is cost avoidance and upholding real value for money of the car.

just imagine if Renault invite you to the design stage and ask you to choose between, what should stay on left and how much its going to cost vs. put it on the right and what value it bring... surely you will come to your senses.

just like when you decided to make a move to an apartment when all the while you were growing up in a terrace house. you are going for a change for sure...

it is lazy because if u look at hyundai,kia, their dashboard for left hand and right hand is exactly mirror to each other.
i dont say japanese because japan is a RHD country like us so their cars mostly dont have this issue. some hyundais even made solely for the LHD market like hyundai i40 and i30. but when it came here, they are exactly for us RHD. the layout is exactly mirror of what LHD gets. even the manual shifting for the gearbox is at the driver side not at the passenger side which u know what brand.

I've no problem with getting used to the non standard layout. Is value for money for me, coming from a Kia fan. My minor grip is the position of the cup holders. Door sounds bit hollow. Need to add soundproof foam??

Yes, foam can help with a cost...

Another option is to learnt how to avoid that sound in the first place, avoid slamming the door. I usually release the door a few inches and let the momentum close the door instead.

Its a bit hard for the kids as they are used to the light door of elantra.

Whichever you choose, hope that its worth the effort.

Yes so not going for that option just yet. Just get use to it.

haha.... when you get your car? you bought facelifted 1? Yea.... need to get used to it..... but i think its ok.... for the price..... maybe korean car can make a good transition from LHD to RHD, but then their chassis and their safety standard still lose out to European cars.... and I am talking bout Fluence with reliability of Japanese Engine and the safety features of European standard... yea.... give or take.....

Facelifted.

Actually, I don't mind the old look at all, especially when they offer it at 10k cheaper + leather seat. Now, you can get Zero Interest some more, so much joy...

Yea..... Its a very worthy C segment car...... I think we Fluence owners should actively involved in this thread like sharing personal experiences and how satisfying are them.... as reference for other future buyers as I think plenty buyers will did their research through this forum before buying this car......

Sure why not.

For me, the car choose me, so to speak.

We were on vacation when we first saw the car. I wasn't looking for any even though our elantra finished the installment 11 months ago. The elantra was a fine car, still in good shape, performing steadily, accident free, trustworthy and very managable.

But, when the SA told me that we can test drive the car, that's when it all started to make sense. The roomier space, the simple, clean design, the quality feeling and comforting ride locking us into the game.

Then, the Nissan engine, the 5 years free maintenance, manufacturer warranty, the best part that get to us right away and put the booking on that spot, is the price. It is the same price as the elantra 10 years ago!!!

Once home, I started to learn more about the rest of specs online. Well, the SA did inform us the bells and whistles but I didn't pay much attention to it. I couldn't believe what they put into the conti with a korean level pricing.

I still feel like I am in a dream to own a car like this.

Almost the same reasons as mine when deciding to get the car. Got the pre facelift one to save even more. Kia car price went up after such success. The finishing looks quite solid too.

Yeah, we argue much between 10k savings and nicer looking car...

In the end, the SA give us a break by taking the elantra higher than initial offer that gave us the path forward.

That is another part that is Great about the whole thing, the SA are very responsive unlike others now days...

HI guys! Is the Fluence have a good fuel comsuption when compared with 408 as it is a smaller engine 1.6. And can you guys give me some unique points in this car than 408.

Spot on. The first SA couldn't give me a decent trade in price so I didn't go ahead after a satisfied test drive. He also didn't offer any opinion as to which model to take.

After a few weeks, went to the second SA and told him I'd give one more try if he can offer a better trade in price. He managed to get at least the minimum, then asked me to go for the pre facelift model, so I took the offer.

My first preference was Kia cerato but kia couldn't give the trade in neither much discount.

I think the after sales packages is the best compare to 408, and with the reliability of Nissan engine compare to a pure European engine, these where Fluence stand out (but if u look for more excitement, take the 408 1.6 turbo), i personally never drive 408 so I can't compare the fuel consumption but my experience was 7l/100km on city driving and 11.5l/100km on highway driving..... fuel consumption is decent i think for a 2.0 car and with such heavy body for this car.... considering the 408 1.6 is come with turbo.... its hard to compare......

This post has been edited by aaron1717: Sep 18 2015, 09:03 AM

Owh ok, interesting figures. I can't really claim the numbers on my car as it is still on 2nd filling of RM50 since we received the car. So far the number on the gauge are still on high note, some where 16l/100km... on daily travel of 5km, Home to school, twice a day...