Special privilege

IF the latest Renault Fluence looks and feels more grown-up, it is because it is. And it has accomplished this with a smaller engine and an upgraded trim level.

When the Fluence first arrived here more than four years ago, the French compact sedan introduced a novel design and positioning to the local market. But a facelift inside and out has managed to smoothen the styling and even given it upscale overtones.

As the Renault Fluence Privilege, it gets a higher set of specifications, plus a 1.5-litre diesel engine that replaces the previous 1.6-litre petrol unit.