Let's face it, if you're a family person with two teenage children, you're not looking for a little hatchback, you're looking for a C-segment sedan with a decent boot.
Trouble is, if you're a family person with two teenagers, you probably can't afford anything bigger than a little hatchback.
Enter the Fluence Authentique - a more affordable version of Renault’s big-booted, comfortable sedan, first launched in South Africa in March 2011.
Renault SA managing director Xavier Gobille said: “The Authentique model places even greater emphasis on value, which will not only benefit private buyers, but will also attract fleet customers.”
SAME ENGINE
The new Authentique brings the range up to four models - 1.6 Authentique, 1.6 Expression, 1.6 Dynamique, and 2.0 Privilege - while retaining comfort features such as a height and reach-adjustable steering column, and a drivers seat that can be 'individually tailored' for height and lumbar support.
It has the same 1.6-litre engine used in the Expression and Dynamique, rated for 81kW at 6000rpm and 156Nm at 4400. A five-speed manual 'box takes it from 09-100 in 11.7 seconds and on to 185km/h flat out, while average fuel consumption is quoted at 6.5 litres per 100km.
WHAT IT HASN'T GOT
The Authentique comes with 15” steel rims instead of the 16” alloys of its more upmarket siblings, and does without front fog lamps and satnav.
It still has aircon, though, electric windows all round and a 60W sound system (see if your kids will let you buy a car without one!), auto central locking and a full-sized spare.
Like we said, practical.
PRICES
These include a five-year or 150 000km warranty, and a five-year or 100 000km service plan.
Fluence 1.6 16v Authentique - R189 900
Fluence 1.6 16v Expression - R204 900
Fluence 1.6 16v Dynamique - R224 900
Fluence 2.0 16V Privilege - R249 900
Like all Fluences, the Authentique needs to go home to Mama every 15 000km.