Renault Scenic

SCENIC GETS SLEEKER SOPHISTICATED LOOKS

The Renault Scenic is back, in fourth generation guise aiming to reinforce its position as the compact MPV to choose. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

Renault's fourth generation Scenic range now has more of an up-market feel, with sleeker more sophisticated looks and cleverer technology. A range of more efficient engines mean it still stacks up well on the balance sheet and it remains nicely built, safe and very well equipped. All very good reasons to keep it well in contention against key rivals in the five-seat compact MPV segment.

Background

The Scenic has been one of Renault's biggest contemporary success stories, selling over 4.5 million units since its launch in 1996. It's been especially popular here in the UK, filling the number one spot in the MPV sales charts for many of those years, but in more recent times has been overtaken by the likes of the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and the Ford C-MAX in the affections of British buyers. Hence the need for this completely redesigned fourth generation model.

Here, the design is far more stylish and driver-centric than before, plus there's more space and storage inside along with more sophisticated infotainment technology. A 'Hybrid Assist' diesel variant will tempt those in search of ultimate efficiency too. Sounds promising doesn't it?

Driving Experience

The focus with this latest car has been in offering customers more choice. Choice in body shapes, in trim levels and in engine options. How these compact MPV class cars drive is actually some way down the priority list for most buyers behind value for money, safety, reliability and practicality. The Scenic has never really garnered a reputation as a particularly sharp steer, but that suits the sort of customers who just want something comfortable and unthreatening to do the family duties.

The bestselling diesel will be the 1.5 110PS dCi variant and this derivative is also being offered with clever 'Hybrid Assist' technology. Hybrid Assist functions with a 48-volt battery, enabling the electric motor to support the internal combustion engine, which remains in continuous operation. So far so practical. There's also a very attractive 1.2-litre TCe turbo petrol unit in 115 and 130PS guises which is well worth a look if you don't cover such big mileages.

Design and Build

The styling is based on Renault's R-Space concept car, key features like the steeply-raked windscreen and short bonnet heightening the elegance of its MPV silhouette. Uniquely, big 20-inch wheels are fitted to all versions. At the same time, the three-part screen combines a panoramic view with improved side vision. At the front, there's a more 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.

Around the car, there's a total additional stowage capacity of 63 litres. Take the 'Easy Life drawer', which faces the front passenger seat and offers a storage area of 11.5-litres. That's three litres more than a conventional glove box. Lit and chilled, it opens via an electronic sensor and automatically locks when the vehicle stops. Plus, as before, there are four underfloor compartments. In the back, this Scenic is equipped with folding tables that 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.

Market and Model

Prices as before, are likely to sit in the £21,500 to £30,000 bracket, with the usual premium of around £1,800 if you want the longer Grand Scenic seven-seat bodystyle. There's the choice of four trim levels - 'Expression+', 'Dynamique Nav', Dynamique S Nav' and 'Signature Nav'. A key new safety addition this time round is the AEBS 'Active Emergency Braking System' which also has a Pedestrian Protection feature. Lane Keeping Assist and a Fatigue Detection system are additionally being offered. Along with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, a Safe Distance Warning system, 'Traffic Sign Recognition with Over Speed Prevention' and Blind Spot Warning. Buyers can also specify a reversing camera, automatic dipped and main beam headlights, front, rear and side parking sensors and Easy Park Assist hands-free parking.

Higher-end versions are equipped with Renault's advanced 'R-LINK 2' infotainment system, complete with an 8.7-inch screen. Here, you get voice recognition for the navigation system, telephone use, apps and radio. There's also the option of a full-colour head-up display system that projects key driving information onto the bottom of the windscreen. And Renault also hopes it can tempt buyers into paying more for a desirable 11-speaker BOSE Surround Sound audio system.

Cost of Ownership

The Scenic may no longer have the lowest running costs in its class but they're still impressively low for a car of this size. The efficiency champion will be the 1.5-litre dCi 110PS diesel model that comes with the brand's clever 'Hybrid Assist' system that works with a 48-volt battery and provides an electric motor to support the diesel engine. Even if you can't stretch to that variant though, you should find this to be a very frugal MPV. In conventional form for example, the 110PS 1.5-litre diesel model should return nearly 70mpg on the combined cycle and not much more than 100g/km of CO2. As you would expect, all Scenic models are aided in achieving their figures by a Stop & Start system that cuts the engine when you don't need it, stuck in traffic or waiting at the lights.

Most buyers will want to consider the 'Renault 4+' programme which provides retail customers with a comprehensive four year/100,000 mile warranty, free routine servicing for four years or 48,000 miles, includes four years of roadside assistance cover and offers up to four years of lease or PCP finance, subject to status.

Summary

Renault's fourth generation Scenic is here to remind us that there's still a place for the traditional five-seat compact mini-MPV in a modern market stuffed with other, more high profile alternatives. It's practical, spacious, well built and decently equipped, as every car of this kind must be, but is it all enough to keep the market's original five-seat mini-MPV as the best choice for frugal families?

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Renault Scenic

PRICES: £21,605 - £30,805

INSURANCE GROUPS: 18-23

CO2 EMISSIONS: 100-129g/km

PERFORMANCE: [Scenic 1.2 TCe 130] 0-62 11.4s / top speed 118mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [Scenic 1.2 TCe 130] (combined) 48.7mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ESP, twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBA and EBD

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4406/1866/1653 mm