RENAULT has pulled out all the stops in the newest concept guide to its future.

Fluence, its latest off-the-drawing board concept is a real upmarket, four-seater sports coupe.

At 4.6-metres long, Fluence is comparable in size to the present Laguna, and its design continues the latest theme from Renault's design department, started with the Wind concept roadster in March.

With its sloping, streamlined front and absence of a radiator grille, attention is focused on the diamond logo. The front contrasts with the vertical profile of the rear and its wide wings highlighted by elongated, horizontal lamps. The V-shaped rear window fits in perfectly with the slanting windscreen.

Two strips of glass stretch the length of the roof panel before dropping down towards the tailgate. The base of the body shell, with its aluminium finish, encircles the car and the 22-inch wide wheels are built for road holding.

Highlighted by the large glazed area is a Rouge Margaux red interior. The sides of the leather seat back and cushion fan out when the electric doors are opened, enabling adjustment of the lateral seat supports to suit individual preferences. The control panel is visible on a fold-away screen in the upper part of the dashboard, in accordance with the Touch Design philosophy.

Once on board, a vast, enveloping rear seat, comfortable for two, and adjustable reading lights that fold out of the roof after pulling on a leather cord, create a cosy time ahead.

The large boot provides two side storage units and a 396 litre capacity, reached via the tailgate by means of an innovative opening mechanism: the tailgate slides over the roof using an articulated arm in its centre.

The front-mounted 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine develops 280hp, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with flick-shift control.

Strictly a concept, Renault has no plans to put Fluence into production, but its design will heavily influence other new Renaults in the next two or three years.

Updated: 09:18 Friday, June 11, 2004