The New 2016 Renault Scenic
Renault has breathed new life into a category of car that looked all but certain to be fading out. The MPV class was the top of the pops in the 1990s, with Renault’s Scenic being at the forefront when it was originally released in 1996. However, over the last two decades with the advent of the SUV, the MPV has all but become obsolete, with sales figures flagging and desire dwindling.
Never ones to back down from a challenge, the good folk at Renault have risen to the occasion with the new look Scenic. Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show it is hoped that the Renault Scenic will make drivers “fall in love again” as they once did with this dazzling new additions older sibling 20 years ago, according to Laurens van den Acker, VP of corporate design.
He also said: “We wanted the new Scenic to break new ground. It is a sexier and more modern take on the MPV which carries over the outstanding modularity that has been paramount to the success of the model’s three previous generations over the past 20 years. Its proportions and large-diameter wheels draw inspiration from the R-Space concept car.”
The all new look Scenic is sleek, sexy and is a definite display of the French flair we have come to associate with Renault. The designers have implemented a crossover look by apparently raising the vehicle’s suspension giving it added height. But, don’t be fooled. It is all optical illusion and visual trickery. The Scenic has been fitted with 20” wheels which give it the appearance of a raised ride. While the suspension has not been raised, the ride is smooth and can handle potholes and uneven road surfaces quite well.
As with all Renaults, safety is of paramount importance and as well as the standard safety features the Scenic has been kitted out with Lane Keeping Assist, Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Tiredness Detection.
Bigger and better, the 2016 Scenic has a 572 litre luggage capacity, and is overall more spacious and much roomier than any of the previous models. With a wider body and more adaptable seating layout this MPV crossover really delivers when it comes to comfort and space. There are 63 litres additional storage space throughout, including a 13 litre centre console and an 11.5 litre electric glove box. The 60:40 split in the second row of seating and one touch folding system for the rear seats, as well as the fact that the seats now fold flat into the floor mean that there is no end of space in the Scenic, and there is no longer any need to remove seats to gain extra space.
The Scenic comes in a range of four cylinder turbo charged petrol and diesel engines similar to those of the Megane: the dCi 95 and dCi 130 models have a manual gearbox; the dCi 110 a seven-speed automatic gearbox; the dCi 160 has an automatic gearbox and the petrol TCe 115 and TCe 130 manual only. Renault has also announced that there will be a diesel-electric hybrid version too, and this will have a six speed manual gearbox.
It is fair to say that Renault’s new Scenic has definitely caused a stir of excitement, and might just be what is needed to breathe new life into the MPV class of cars. We will have to wait and see if this newest edition to the Renault family will be destined for South African shores, but stay up to date by following us on Facebook and subscribing to our monthly newsletter.
