The 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March saw Renault take the wraps off the All-New Scénic, a striking, compact MPV with pioneering proportions and, in an unprecedented move, 20-inch wheels as the standard fitment across the range.
It is now the turn of the new Grand Scénic to break cover and extend the Scénic line-up.
The 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March saw Renault take the wraps off the All-New Scénic, a striking, compact MPV with pioneering proportions and, in an unprecedented move, 20-inch wheels as the standard fitment across the range. It is now the turn of the new Grand Scénic to break cover and extend the Scénic line-up.
The All-New Grand Scénic, a family vehicle par excellence, comes with either five or seven seats and features a fresh approach in term of its design, including:
– Chrome or Metal Grey accessories, sculpted forms and body sides, and a distinctive belt line towards the rear which combine to produce a fluid, elegant silhouette.
– For the first time in the segment, 20-inch wheels are standard, while a two-tone livery and harmonious interior trim underline the model’s modern personality.
Cabin modularity and travelling comfort – which are two strengths that have helped to forge the Scénic’s reputation – have been thought through to ensure that the needs of families are met even more closely. A One Touch Folding Seat function allows the rear seats to be folded automatically to obtain a flat floor and facilitate loading. Meanwhile, the new Grand Scénic is 24cm longer than the new Scénic and consequently boasts extra boot space and carrying capacity compared with its sibling: 718dm3 VDA (five-seat version) for an extra 222dm3 VDA compared with the new Scénic.
Probably the most groundbreaking 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 Easy Life sliding centre console between the front seats enables drivers 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 Grand Scénic boasts a more ‘open plan’ arrangement that can be shared between the driver and the car’s other occupants.
Higher-end versions feature a Club Brown interior trim (upper part of the dashboard, front door trim) for a warm, refined ambience.
Genuine travelling comfort for up to seven occupants
A comfortable, judiciously-designed modular cabin
The new Grand Scénic can be specified with either five or seven seats, with all passengers benefiting from the same careful attention to travelling comfort that has forged the Scénic’s reputation over the years.
The occupant-friendly modular cabin features a long list ingenious solutions and equipment designed to meet the needs of modern families.
– The structure of the front seats is similar to those of the new Espace. Eight-way power adjustment, including lumber adjustment, and heated seats are available for higher-end versions.
– Independently sliding 60/40-split second row seats for all versions.
– In the case of the seven-seat version, the design of the folding third row seats is similar to those of the new Espace.
– The One Touch Folding Seats function available for certain equipment levels enables the rear seats to fold automatically in order to obtain a flat floor and optimised carrying capacity with just one tap on the R-LINK 2 display or by using the control fitted in the boot.
The Easy Life sliding centre console – a hallmark of the Scénic – has evolved in order to cover the new requirements of both front and rear passengers, providing up to 13 litres of storage capacity. The front part of the console offers a lit stowage area protected by a sliding cover, plus an integrated armrest, underneath which can be found two USB ports, an SD card slot, an audio jack socket and a 12-volt power supply (depending on equipment level). Rear passengers have access to two USB ports, an audio jack socket, a 12V socket and their own dedicated storage space.
The new Grand Scénic is available with a choice of five diesel powerplants – including an electrified Hybrid Assist engine – and two petrol engines (depending on market). Hybrid Assist, which comprises an electric generator and a 48-volt battery, recovers deceleration energy, thereby allowing the electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine. The benefit is more responsive performance and a lower fuel consumption.
The All-New Scénic and All-New Grand Scénic (five or seven seats) will be available for sale before the end of the year 2016.
