2016 Renault Scenic revealed at Geneva
The fourth-generation Renault Scenic has made its debut at the Geneva motor show...
What is it?
Renault’s all-new Scenic ditches its predecessors’ straight-laced MPV image in favour of a trendier, more design-focused one. Renault admits it wants to appeal to more image-conscious buyers, so has given the Mk4 Scenic a more striking exterior.
Standout design features include the car’s muscular body, which borrows lines from the curvaceous R-Space concept of 2011 and the current Kadjar. It sits on 20in wheels – standard across the range – that are pushed far out into the car’s corners, helping to give the larger than ever Scenic taught proportions.
Inside, the car features a wraparound dashboard which helps to give the Scenic’s interior a more driver-focused feel. The centre console can slide back to open things up, and a fixed panoramic roof extends the view of the outside world.
What engines can I choose from?
Renault is launching the new Scenic with a choice of six diesel and two petrol engines. The diesels include dCi units that produce between 94bhp and 158bhp, with a Hybrid Assist model in the mix, while the petrols produce 113bhp and 128bhp. We’re expecting as much as 70mpg combined to be on offer from the diesels.
As standard, the car comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, but buyers of the 108bhp dCi diesel will get a six-speed dual-clutch automatic 'box. The most powerful diesel comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
What equipment does it come with?
Renault has loaded the Scenic with technology in order to give the Scenic a more premium image. Two USB charging ports are included, and all models aside from the base car get two digital displays. One is an 8.7in vertical touchscreen located on the car’s floating centre console (it houses the car’s R-Link 2 infotainment system), and the other is a 7in horizontal display that sits behind the steering wheel, taking the place of conventional analogue dials. A head-up display is also included on these models.
The car comes with Renault’s latest active emergency braking and pedestrian detection systems, and features adaptive cruise control, which can follow traffic between the speeds of 25mph and 99mph, and lane departure warning.
The cabin features six airbags and a tiredness detection warning system which works to prevent drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
The boot has 572 litres of luggage space, with more space available when the 60:40 split rear bench is folded. Optional 'One Touch Folding' can lower the rear seats electronically via the touch of a button in the boot, or through the car’s infotainment system.
Top-spec Scenics will come with leather-trimmed seats, but Renault expects to sell more mid-range models that get cloth trim with contrasting stitching.
How much does it cost?
Insiders are predicting a starting figure of £21,000. That’s about £500 more than the outgoing car, and ranks it within firing range of premium models such as the £23,310 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.
How good are its rivals?
Compare the Scenic to conventional MPVs such the Ford C-Max, which starts at £18,395, and it appears massively overpriced. But consider the standard equipment it comes with and its significantly more striking design, and it’s clear the Scenic is targeting a different buyer.
The £23,310 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is probably a more closely aligned rival, but those who rank form as high as function will still likely be drawn towards the French car.
