We review the Renault Fluence ZE from price to economy and all its features

IT’S the family car Renault think you’re about to fall under the in-fluence of.

The Fluence looks remarkably ordinary but there’s nothing ordinary about the way it drives.

Extraordinary … Renault Fluence

The low-down torque from the 70kW electric motor — that equates to 93bhp — means you get a huge and instant burst of acceleration. 0-31mph takes just 4.1seconds, which is pretty quick for city driving.

Things peter out a bit as 0-62mph takes 13.4seconds and top speed is 90mph, but that’s quick enough on our city streets and speeding tickets will be less of a problem.

And because there’s only D for Drive on the auto box, the Fluence is simple to drive, plus you’ll enjoy the lack of noise from the electric motor which makes it a calm place to travel.

Calm … no noise from electric motor

In fact it is so quiet, Renault may introduce a noise to warn pedestrians there is a car nearby.

It is slightly strange when you lift off the accelerator because the car then goes into “regeneration” mode, capturing power from the braking to boost the battery. But it feels as if you’ve actually touched the brakes as the car slows down.

The Fluence drives well enough, the steering is light but precise and it corners surprisingly well.

Although the test car had a tendency to crash over potholes, Renault insist the ride will be smoothed out for the production cars. Like the majority of electric cars, the Fluence has a range limited to 100 miles.

But Renault are working with governments to have a network of fast charging points that will offer 20-minute top-ups at strategically placed motorway service stations.

Most people will recharge their vehicle at home overnight, although Renault are also developing instantaneous full battery charging stations in the mid-term.

Electric revolution … Phil charges his Fluence

On the inside, the Fluence feels like an eco-car for grown-ups.

There are no gimmicky digital trees growing on the information screen to prove you are saving the planet — just a large battery gauge to replace the rev counter, and a kW scale which shows the power you are using.

The interior space is all right, but not especially luxurious, with enough room for four adults and the boot is fine for for the weekly shop.

There are clearly still issues for the Fluence and all the coming crop of electric vehicles — especially range and the battery life-span, currently eight years. And no one knows yet what the value of the Fluence will be when you come to resell it.

But one thing is clear. The electric revolution is moving — not very fast — but it is definitely here to stay.