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 Renault's
Scenic pioneered the mini-MPV class here in South Africa six
years ago and despite very conservative looks its practicality
saw it establish Renault as a major player in the family car
market, backed up by the strong success of the
youth-orientated Clio hatch.
Now with Scenic II breaking cover, Renault's direct
competitors must be shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot:
the new Renault MPV can build on the runaway success of the
radically-styled Megane hatch, and there is no mistaking the
common styling themes enjoyed by the two cars.
The distinctive rear end of the Megane hatch was initially
quite something to wrap your head around, but familiarity in
this case has bred deep content for thousands of people out
there. The Scenic II also has "the look" but it is
softened ever so slightly with gentler lines to the tail lamps
and boot-lid accent, giving the people-mover a more sober
look.
To bring out the best in the new Scenic design, it needs to be
finished in one of the brighter colours in the Renault range.
The examples on the launch ranged from white through solid
reds to metallics in gold and green, and our least favourite
was the grey-charcoal example, which gave the Scenic II a very
pedestrian appearance. The bright metallics are best at
accenting the dramatic styling, and in this line of thinking,
so are the alloy wheels fitted to the top Privelage trim
levels.
To get the Scenic range in clear perspective, it helps to know
that it is offered in three trim levels, with three engine
choices.
The Authentique 1.6 16V is the base model and comes only with
the petrol 1,6-litre motor developing 83 kW. This motor has
variable valve timing to produce good mid-range torque and
even at Dullstroom's altitude of above 2 000 metres and three
people plus luggage on board, the 1,6-litre acquitted itself
well in the overtaking department.
The Authentique model lacks some of the novel features of the
more expensive models in the range but nevertheless is well
equipped with air-conditioning, a CD/RDS radio with remote
control rain-sensitive windscreen wiping which proved
invaluable in Mpumalanga over the weekend past. It also has a
massive glovebox linked to the air-con system to keep things
cool. Frontal and lateral airbags are provided for the driver
and front passenger, while curtain airbags provide side
protection front and rear.
The Authentique is identified quickly by its black door
handles and mirrors, grey protection mouldings and rather
plain hubcaps on 15-inch steel wheels.
The Expression is the next trim level up, and this comes with
both the 1,6-litre petrol and the excellent 1,9-litre dCi
turbodiesel motor.
The 1,6 petrol motor is offered in Expression form with the
five-speed manual fitted to the base model or a four-speed
automatic 'box. The diesel version comes only with a six-speed
manual.
The relaxed gait of the diesel lets you appreciate the
attributes of the new Scenic to best advantage. Most
noticeable from a driver's point of view is that the Scenic
II's wider track and lengthened wheelbase offer improved
high-speed stability, and speed is all too easy to achieve in
this Renault. We
noticed the new digital speedo creeping above the 150 km/h
mark all too often without trying to hustle things at all.
All the new Scenic models offer increased leg room thanks to a
wheelbase of 2 685 mm, while headroom in front is more
generous, as is elbow room thanks to the wider body. Rear
headroom is a little on the low side for tall passengers,
thanks to that sloping rear roof line.
All
the models have had lots of attention paid to stowage and
convenience for long journeys. There are four underseat
drawers, two underfloor compartments for stowing important
items and various pockets and boxes in the doors, armrests and
in the 430 litre boot. And the rear seats can be individually
removed, tumbled up against the front backrests or folded
flat.
The Expression trim level offers the fold-down front passenger
seat which transforms into a table, as well as the sliding
function for the outward rear seats, one-touch electric window
lifts and lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat.
The Expression models still come with the steel wheels as
standard, although the 1.9 dCi diesel can be ordered with
16-inch alloys.
The Expression is otherwise identified by colour-coded door
handles and mirrors on the flanks and attractive metal-look
"gunflint" impact strips on the front and rear
bumpers.
The top two models in the range are the Privelage 2.0 16V
six-speed manual and four-speed automatic. Like the 1,6-litre
Expression auto, the 2,0-litre auto also employs sequential
"flick shift" gear-changing if so desired.
The two-litre petrol motor is the new-generation high torque
16V already seen in the Megane range. It develops a fairly
modest peak output of 98,5 kW at 5 500 r/min, but it offers
impressive torque which is ideal for an MPV. There is 191 Nm
on tap at 3 750 r/min and Renault claims as much as 170 Nm
from 2 000 r/min upwards
In addition to the Expression trim levels, the Privelage comes
standard with 16-inch alloys or 17-inch alloys as an option,
while gunflint side mouldings and chrome door handles identify
the top models further. The interior is finished in a
combination of cloth and leather, while the steering wheel and
gear knob are leather bound.
There is also electronic climate control, speed control,
electrically foldable wing mirrors and an opening tailgate
window.
Listing all of Renault's innovations is not easy in a report
of this size, but it is worth mentioning the new automatic
parking brake. This is located on the dash to the right of the
steering wheel and consists of a combination button and
pull-lever. It is a one-action operation to secure the brake,
and when pulling away it is automatically released as soon as
forward motion is detected. This you have none of the
roll-back angst you get with a Mercedes, for instance when
pulling away on an incline.
Pricing
for the Scenic is very competitive, as Renault has made a big
effort to hold its pricing down for this new model which
offers a lot more than its predecessor. All Scenic II's come
with a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan as standard, a
three-year 100000 km warranty, while service intervals are 15
000 km for the petrol models and 10000 km for the 1.9 dCi
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