In a market with quite a few contenders for your money, Renault has stepped into the ring with the Fluence. The replacement for the chunky and now discontinued Megane, the Fluence starts off by being quite pleasing on the eye. Nice sleek contours, a vaguely muscled body and a beltline that runs all the way from the headlights to the top of the trunk hood create a very streamlined look.

Concealed wipers for better aerodynamics also add to the overall design aesthetic, but looks can be deceptive so we got in.The design story carries on within. The display cluster is nice and clean, and extremely easy to read in any sort of light. The seats are comfortable with the driver’s seat being 6-way adjustable and everything is nicely within reach so we set out.

On the road, pick-up is decent and the CVT does exactly what it says on the tin with only the very gentlest, almost imperceptible nudges indicating any gear change. It is also very stable thanks to a long wheelbase and a solid kerb weight which is well distributed. The suspension is taut enough not to spring about and cornering is tightish at the higher end of the speed scale. Steering is effortless – this is a very comfortable drive. But then things go wrong!

At 121kmph you are assailed by an infernal electronic cacophony. This is a speed alarm which is well, alarming – much like being hit repeatedly over the head with a Nintendo game. It does do the job though as we could not bear the sound and stayed well under the 120 mark from then on.

The Fluence comes equipped with a 1.6lt engine. With the body weight that lends it so much stability it really needs something more powerful under the hood. On a steep gradient the car struggles to maintain speed. There is also a 2.0lt engine version but sadly this will not be coming to the Oman market for a while. While labouring up the slope we engage the manual mode transmission option which helps put the engine out of its misery.

However, it has to be said that this is as good a car as any within its class – it actually sits on the very highest end of its class for spaciousness, comfort and features. All versions come with a trip computer and two of the three currently available come equipped with Bluetooth and audio controls on a stem by the steering. Another thing that is truly excellent in this car is the air-conditioning, it cools very, very fast. Renault has apparently been doing a lot of testing in hotter climates so the car is well equipped to handle our oppressive summers.

The fully appointed version, commonly known as the No 1 version in local car dealer parlance – we tested No 2 - comes with an electric  sunroof, hands-free key card, dual control air-conditioning with rear vents, 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, USB and iPod plugs and a few other frills. 

ABS, EBD and Brake Assist are standard on all versions and though we did not try any particularly life-threatening manoeuvres in it, the stability of the car and its handling otherwise, indicate that it is a safe and sturdy drive.

If you can live with the limitations that the Fluence imposes upon you then you are well advised to check it out if you are shopping around. It is not so much a dynamic drive as a comfortable one and if you spend hours trapped in city traffic then comfort is probably high on your wish list. Starting at a shade above RO5,000 the Fluence certainly merits a look.