GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Renault Scenic to blur boundaries between SUV and MPV
Fourth-gen French mini people mover unveiled at Swiss show; won’t make it Down UnderRenault has revealed its all-new replacement for the Scenic MPV at the Geneva motor show.
Inspired by the R-Space concept that was unveiled back at the 2011 instalment of the Swiss show, the new version is said to be all-new and based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF architecture that also underpins cars like the X-Trial SUV.
Claimed to blend a mini people-mover with an SUV, all Scenics will come with large 20-inch wheels that fill the wheel arches but actually are far narrower with taller sidewalls that any other current tyre available on the market.
The narrower 195/55 R20 tyre, co-developed by both Michelin and Continental, is also claimed to maximise ride comfort, offer unrivalled rolling resistance and class-leading aerodynamics, thanks to its narrow profile.
Inside, quality takes a huge leap forward with better materials. There’s also a portrait-mounted 8.7-inch R-Link 2 infotainment system from the recently launched Megane and a dash that curves around the driver.
A fractionally smaller seven-inch screen also sits behind the steering wheel. Range-topping vehicles also benefit from a large colour heads-up display.
Speaking of which, Renault says you sit far higher in the new Scenic to give the impression you’re driving an SUV.
Behind the front chairs are one-touch folding seats that automatically drop into the floor, while the front passenger seat can be folded flat into a table.
Safety has also been a priority for the fourth-generation Scenic, all versions will come with autonomous emergency city braking that comes with pedestrian protection that works up to 60km/h.
The auto-brake function can also work while the adaptive cruise control is set at speeds of up to 160km/h. There’s also fatigue detection, and a lane keep assist system that can steer you back into your lane at up to 160km/h if it feels you drifting.
Renault will also offer a hands-free parking aid on the Scenic.
When the Scenic goes on sale in Europe it will be available with two petrol engines and six diesels, one of which, the diesel dCi 110 engine will come with what Renault’s calling ‘Hybrid Assist’, a facility that adds a 48V battery to power an electric motor supplementing the diesel engine to cut fuel use.
Despite being available in right-hand drive markets like the UK the Scenic has already been ruled out for Australia by a Renault spokesman at the show.
It’s thought lack of demand was the chief reason. People movers sell in small numbers locally, unlike similarly-packaged SUVs.
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