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In 1996, the first-generation Scénic saw Renault invent the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Today, 20 years later, Renault has redefined the concept. The new Scénic is a modern, assertive MPV that will be bought not only for the driving enjoyment it delivers, but also for the comfort the whole family will be able to enjoy whilst travelling.
The design and appeal of the new Renault Scénic breaks away from conventional MPV cues thanks to the new model’s unprecedented proportions, the fitment of 20-inch wheels across the range and a head-turning two-tone colour scheme that is unprecedented in the segment.
True to its DNA, the new Scénic meets the needs of families. It takes the modularity that forged the success of the model’s earlier generations to a new level to make everyday motoring even easier, including a One Touch Folding system for the rear seats.
Meanwhile, in addition to a comprehensive list of other driving aids, the new Scénic is the only compact MPV to feature AEBS (Active Emergency Braking System) with Pedestrian Detection as standard equipment.
The new Scénic also packs features more usually associated with the next segment up, such as MULTI-SENSE technology, R-LINK 2 complete with an 8.7-inch screen and a colour head-up display. The fourth generation of the model will also be available with an electrified Hybrid Assist diesel powertrain.
The new Grand Scénic will be revealed before the summer and both cars will go on sale in the UK this winter.
“We wanted the new Scenicto break new ground. It is a sexier and more modern take on the MPV which carries over the outstanding modularity that has been paramount to the success of the model’s three previous generations over the past 20 years. Its proportions and large-diameter wheels draw inspiration from the R-Space concept car.”Laurens van den Acker - Senior Vice President, Corporate Design
The new Scénic establishes a fresh approach to the MPV and much of its inspiration comes from the R-Space concept car that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011. Chief features include re-designed proportions, painstaking quality and meticulous attention to detail, both inside and out.
The design of the new Scénic marks a major shift, if only because of its unprecedented proportions. It sits on large 20-inch wheels – the standard fitment across the range – and its nicely-balanced lines make it especially pleasing to the eye, thanks to a lower roof line, longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang compared with those of its predecessor. Its fluid silhouette, broad shoulders and belt line that rises towards the rear imbue it with a new sense of dynamism. Wider tracks at both the front and rear ideally position the wheels at the four corners of the vehicle to ensure a particularly solid stance.
Like those of the R-Space concept car, the new Scénic’s steeply-raked windscreen and short bonnet heighten the elegance of its MPV silhouette. At the same time, the three-part screen – a first for the Scenic and a feature carried over from the new Espace – combines a panoramic view with improved side vision.
The new Scénic’s expressive front end includes a distinctive lighting signature. Depending on version, the C-shaped front headlights benefit from LED PURE VISION technology, while Edge Light technology provides the taillights with a 3D effect.
Probably the most ground-breaking feature of the new Scénic’s design is the fitment of 20-inch wheels as standard across the range. These narrower wheels (195mm) are both a technological and styling innovation.
With a sidewall height of 107mm – equivalent to that of the Scénic 3’s 17-inch tyres – the new Scénic’s tyres ensure a level of ride comfort that is amongst the market’s very best.
This bold design choice was a key guiding principle behind the project from the start. Indeed, these large wheels make an active contribution to the car’s balanced proportions and are customisable on demand thanks to a comprehensive choice of rims and inserts, called ‘add-ons’. These rims and add-ons have also been devised to save weight and streamline the car’s aerodynamics, which leads to lower fuel consumption.
The unique size of these wheels (195/55 R20), and the fitment of specifically developed tyres for lower energy consumption and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, also guarantee class-leading rolling resistance. The new Scénic’s CdA of 0.775 represents an improvement of 0.065 over that of the Scénic 3 (0.840).
A key feature of the new Scénic’s spacious cabin is the continuity of the dashboard’s lines across the door panels and the harmony of the materials employed (foam-backed materials, chrome beading) which heighten the impression of space. The layout of the uncluttered dashboard is more driver-centric than that of the Scénic 3. Shielded by a curved visor, the instrument panel is positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight and incorporates Renault’s full-colour head-up display for even greater driving enjoyment. The optional large fixed panoramic glass roof does not necessitate the fitment of a central brace, thereby allowing occupants to enjoy an even brighter cabin.
Meanwhile, the sliding centre console located between the front seats enables the driver to customise the cabin layout at will.
The new Scénic offers a two-tone livery which is unique in the compact MPV segment. This elegant colour scheme gives the vehicle a distinctive, modern look by highlighting its dynamic proportions. The two-tone option is available from the second equipment level upwards and is a standard feature of high-end versions (depending on market).
Two roof colours are available, as a function of the selected body colour – either black metallic or grey metallic.
For the past 20 years, the Scénic has been a home-away-from-home for families by preserving the fundamental features of comfort whilst travelling. The new Scénic duly offers a cabin that is spacious, comfortable and ingenious in its modularity.
The boot of the new Scénic boasts a volume of 496cc VDA (equivalent to 572 litres), representing an increase of 26cc VDA over the Scénic 3. This puts the new Scénic’s boot inside the top three in the compact MPV segment for volume.
The new Scénic stands out as the class leader in the compact MPV segment with a total additional stowage capacity of 63 litres:
In the back, the new Scénic is equipped with smart Easy Life folding tables, ideal for family use on longer journeys. They open to reveal a small storage area that can accommodate a mobile phone, a gaming console or perhaps crayons, whilst it is also possible to attach electronic tablets of different sizes. The two USB ports at the rear of the centre console mean electronic devices can be used without time restraints.
The impressive array of family-focused equipment inside the new Scénic continues with sunblinds for rear passengers, either as standard equipment or available as an option, depending on version.
The new Scénic is the only compact MPV to offer AEBS (Active Emergency Braking System) with Pedestrian Detection fitted as standard. This driving aid provides active emergency braking when a pedestrian is detected in the vehicle’s path. This function works across a speed range of 7 to 60kph. AEBS with pedestrian detection assumes the following role:
The system evaluates data captured by two sensors benefitting from different technologies, namely a front- facing camera and a radar located in the same housing on the inside of the windscreen, behind the rear-view mirror.
In addition to AEBS with Pedestrian Detection, the new Scénic offers two other new innovations for Renault vehicles:
The new Scénic similarly boasts all of the market’s major driving aids that can be found in the new Espace, the Talisman and the new Megane. These Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – which can be accessed and activated via the R-LINK 2 tablet – combine to provide the following functions:
Before the end of 2016, the new Scénic will be available with the Hybrid Assist electric option for its Energy dCi 110 diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. This system promises to combine low fuel consumption and high levels of driving enjoyment, providing a boost of acceleration at certain speeds, particularly at low revs.
Thanks to this innovation – which recovers energy during deceleration and braking – Renault is aiming to take the lead in low fuel consumption with the new Scénic. Hybrid Assist functions with a 48-volt battery, enabling the electric motor to support the internal combustion engine, which remains in continuous operation.
The new Scénic benefits from CMF C/D (Common Module Family) modular architecture and comes with a wide range of features more generally associated with the next segment up (the new Espace and the Talisman), or with the new Megane.
Higher-end versions of the new Scénic are equipped with R-LINK 2 complete with an 8.7-inch (22cm) portrait-format display, identical to that seen in the new Espace and the Talisman. Unique in the compact MPV segment, the system benefits from an easy-to-use capacitive ‘pinch & zoom’ screen, much like that of a smartphone or tablet computer.
R-LINK 2 includes voice recognition for the navigation system, telephone use, apps and radio, ensuring easy access and safe operation of its various functions. R-LINK 2 features:
MULTI-SENSE technology allows users to personalise their driving experience by modifying the accelerator pedal and engine response, adjusting the speed of the gearshifts performed by the EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic transmission and controlling the firmness of the steering, the cabin lighting environment and the massage function of the driver’s seat when it is available.
A MULTI-SENSE button on the dashboard’s centre console provides direct access to five different driving settings which are displayed on the R-LINK 2 screen: Neutral, Sport, Comfort, Perso and Eco.
This is complemented by a choice between five interior lighting ambiences: sepia, red, blue, purple and green. The selected ambience covers the centre console – as well as the front and rear door panels in high- end versions – and matches the colour of the dashboard’s TFT screen and the portrait-format multimedia display.
The retractable full-colour head-up display enhances driving comfort and safety by making the driving aids (ADAS) more legible and easier to use. Without the driver needing to take his or her eyes off the road, the screen displays all relevant information (current speed, navigation instructions, driving aids) to ensure a relaxed and untroubled driving experience.
The new Scénic is available with BOSE Surround Sound audio, an innovation initially seen only on Renault models from the next segment up, namely the new Espace and the Talisman. Once again, engineers from Renault and Bose collaborated closely to produce a tailor-engineered sound specifically configured for the new Scénic thanks to the optimal positioning of 11 high-powered loudspeakers: a central loudspeaker at the front to ensure well-balanced sound, ten high-performance loudspeakers spread around the cabin to generate clear, precise quality, and a subwoofer integrated into the boot to reproduce music in all its original depth. This combination allows all occupants of the vehicle to enjoy an exceptional, immersive audio experience.
