What's New: June 2004

The frontal design is streamlined: the radiator grille is absent to focus attention on the Renault lozenge logo and to evoke other prestigious Renault cars.

"Fluence's interior is simple and easily remembered, with natural harmony," explains Patrick le Quement. The printed leather seats are mounted on runners. The sides of the seat back and cushion fan out when the doors are opened. The lateral seat supports can then be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The door armrests, which are also on runners, adjust their position in conjunction with the seats.

Fluence features a front-mounted 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine developing 280hp.

SEAT Toledo

Unveiled at the Madrid Motor Show, the SEAT Toledo Prototipo previews the look and characteristics of the production Toledo which is scheduled for launch later this year. This is the second model in the new generation SEAT range which was started with the Altea. Toledo shares much of the Altea's looks and style, but with a more versatile interior and more luggage space.

The SEAT dynamic line, first seen on the Salsa concept car, is very clearly visible on this prototype and is highlighted further by two-tone paint - platinum above and copper below the line. From the outside the most striking feature is the stepped rear hatch, which provides a wide easy-access opening to the 500 litre capacity boot. The boot is two-tiered, with a moveable shelf that can be set at different heights to divide the space. For even more flexibility and secure cargo carriage, the boot floor has compartments with moveable panels, and a diverse array of small storage spaces. To increase boot space the rear seat slides forward and also folds completely flat.

The SEAT design team have used both traditional and ultra-modern materials to create a bright, spacious, functional cabin carefully colour co-ordinated to the exterior. Natural leather graces the upholstery, steering wheel, gearknob, instrument hood, armrests and lower console and contrasts strongly with a chainmail-like material on the floor. The large central console, slightly oriented towards the driver, houses the audio, navigation and climate control systems and has a titanium-coloured surround.

The Toledo Prototipo has 19 inch alloy wheels, and is powered by a 2.0 litre 150PS petrol engine and six-speed manual gearbox combination which is available in the Altea.

Dacia Logan

Renault Group has unveiled the Dacia Logan, a car to be sold for only 5,000 Euro, initially only in developing markets outside of Western Europe. This is the first all-new car developed for Romanian carmaker Dacia, which Renault bought in 1999. Production starts later this year with a sales target of 700,000 vehicles by 2010.

Development was handled by the Renault Technocentre near Paris. Logan offers best-in-class price/space ratio, with five full-size seats and a very large boot. It is a Renault product in terms of design, technology, development, chassis and powertrain, and will be sold under the Renault brand on some markets.

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