New Scénic: Renault redefines the MPV
In 1996, the first-generation Scénic saw Renault invent the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). 20 years later, Renault has redefined the concept.
The design and appeal of the new Renault SCENIC 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 SCENIC 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 SCENIC is the only compact MPV to feature AEBS (Active Emergency Braking System) with Pedestrian Detection as standard equipment.
The new SCENIC 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 SCENIC will be revealed before the summer and both cars will go on sale in the UK this winter.
Ground-breaking styling for even greater appeal
Surprising proportions and large-diameter wheels
“We wanted the new SCENIC to 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 SCENIC 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 SCENIC 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
Dimensions / The New SCENIC / Compared to Scénic 3
Height / 1,653mm / + 13mm
Ground clearance / 170mm / + 40mm
Length / 4,406mm / + 40mm
Width / 1,865mm / + 20mm
Wheelbase / 2,734mm / + 32mm
Front track / 1,594mm / + 49mm
Rear track / 1,583mm / + 36mm
Rear overhang / 741mm / + 16mm
Like those of the R-Space concept car, the new SCENIC’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 SCENIC’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.
Unprecedented: 20-inch wheels for all versions
Probably the most ground-breaking feature of the new SCENIC’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 SCENIC’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 SCENIC’s CdA of 0.775 represents an improvement of 0.065 over that of the Scénic 3 (0.840).
A status-enhancing interior with two driving configurations
A key feature of the new SCENIC’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:
- When the centre console is in the forward position, it tucks beneath the large portrait-format display to form a single unit, creating a saloon-car cockpit feel for the driver who still benefits from the high-up seating position associated with MPVs.
- With the console in its rearmost position, the new SCENIC boasts a more ‘open plan’ arrangement that can be shared between the driver and the car’s other occupants.
A two-tone colour scheme unique in the segment
The new SCENIC 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.
Hybrid assist available for the new SCENIC
Before the end of 2016, the new SCENIC 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 SCENIC.
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 SCENIC offers six diesel engine options and two petrol alternatives:
The new SCENIC 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.
A connected driving experience courtesy of the 8.7-inch R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet
Higher-end versions of the new SCENIC 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.
Full-colour head-up 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.
BOSE® Surround Sound
The new SCENIC 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 SCENIC 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.
Hybrid assist available for the new SCENIC
Before the end of 2016, the new SCENIC 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 SCENIC.
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 SCENIC offers six diesel engine options and two petrol alternatives:
- The Energy dCi 95 with a six-speed manual gearbox
- The Energy dCi 110 with a six-speed manual gearbox
- The Energy dCi 110 Hybrid Assist with a six-speed manual gearbox
- The Energy dCi 110 with EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) seven-speed automatic transmission
- The Energy dCi 130 with a six-speed manual gearbox
- The Energy dCi 160 with EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) six-speed automatic transmission
- The Energy TCe 115 with a six-speed manual gearbox
- The Energy TCe 130 with a six-speed manual gearbox
The new SCENIC 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.
A connected driving experience courtesy of the 8.7-inch R-LINK 2 multimedia tablet
Higher-end versions of the new SCENIC 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:
- Clear, intuitive graphics, similar to those employed by tablets and smartphones, complete with click-and- drag to move icons, page scrolling, two-finger zoom, etc.
- Easy customisation, courtesy of three configurable home pages with widgets (icons) and up to six different profiles that allow swift access to pre-set driving settings and in-car ambience preferences,
- A control centre, which controls the activation and deactivation of the majority of functions, including driving aids,
- Connectivity: a package that includes a free 12-month subscription to TomTom Traffic, access to the R-LINK Store and up-to-date European maps (depending on market).
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.
Full-colour head-up 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.
BOSE® Surround Sound
The new SCENIC 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 SCENIC 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.
Renault Press
