ourth-generation MPV edges towards the crossover segment with a striking new design; due to go on sale with a price tag of around Rs 20 lakh
03 Mar 2016 | 3827 Views | By Sam Sheehan and Jim Holder, Autocar UK
Renault has unveiled its all-new Scenic at the Geneva motor show. The fourth-generation model features a new design and enlarged proportions, with Renault claiming the car now occupies a new segment that straddles the MPV and crossover classes.
The new Scenic inherits much of the design philosophy seen on ...
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Renault has unveiled its all-new Scenic at the Geneva motor show. The fourth-generation model features a new design and enlarged proportions, with Renault claiming the car now occupies a new segment that straddles the MPV and crossover classes.
The new Scenic inherits much of the design philosophy seen on the R-Space concept of 2011. Apart from removing the need to develop different chassis set-ups for different wheel sizes, this one-size-fits-all approach allows the styling to be optimised around that wheel size, while the narrowness reduces drag and rolling resistance. The tyre has also been developed to provide a good ride.
The Scenic has a higher than usual H-point for an MPV, to provide the seating position of an SUV. This “puts us in a bit of a bind with aerodynamics,” says Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker, “because the car is taller, and wider too. But the dropping roofline and the narrowing of the car’s body in plan form compensates.”
Optional extras for the car’s exterior include LED headlights, diamond cut alloy wheels and two-tone paint – which sees the roof painted in a contrasting colour. The 10 colours options list includes several bold colours, confirming Renault’s intentions to spruce up the Scenic’s image.
This design focus has been carried onto the inside, where a driver-hugging dashboard creates the feeling of a more cockpit-like interior. The whole cabin has a significantly premium feeling with soft touch plastics and well finished trim. There are two USB charging ports, 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 place of conventional dials. A head-up display is also included on these models.
The Scenic’s boot can swallow 572 litres of luggage, but more space can be accessed when the 60:40 split rear bench is folded.
Powering the new Scenic will be an option of six diesel engines and two petrols. The diesels are made up of dCi units that produce between 94bhp and 158bhp, with a Hybrid Assist model in the mix, while the petrols produce 113bhp and 128bhp.
As standard, the Scenic comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is available with the mid-spec 108bhp dCi engine, while a seven-speed dual-clutch auto is exclusively available with the most potent diesel.
Inside there are six airbags, and a tiredness detection warning system works to prevent drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
Renault latest model is expected to be priced from about £21,000 (Rs 20 lakh).
Renault says Scenic is last chance for MPVs
Meanwhile, Renault chief designer Lauren's van den Acker said the new Renault Scenic is the last chance for the firm to make a sales success in the MPV sector.
“If we can't sell a beautiful, sexy car with 20-inch wheels as standard, then I don't know what will work," said van den Acker. If any car has a chance in the MPV sector then this surely is it. It brings some life and joy to the sector. If we'd unveiled a standard minivan we'd be dead. Now we have a great opportunity. We need to work harder than our opposition to stand out - and the Scenic demonstrates that."
More from Geneva:
- Volvo XC40 to spearhead a family of smaller cars to be sold globally
- SsangYong unveils SIV-2 concept
- Rolls Royce reveals Black Badge Ghost and Wraith models
- Seat reveals its first SUV, the Ateca
- DS E-Tense electric concept car revealed