Renault Scenic Vision lays out family car’s future

After a three-month teaser campaign, the covers have finally come off the 2022 Renault Scenic Vision concept that reveals a bold, angular exterior design and a new-age hydrogen fuel-cell electric powertrain for the compact family wagon.

According to Renault, 70 per cent of the materials used to build the Renault Scenic Vision concept are recycled, while 95 per cent are recyclable, including elements of the zero-emissions powertrain.

Measuring 4490mm long, 1900mm wide and 1590mm tall, the Scenic Vision’s SUV-like exterior is dominated by sharp angles, prominent creases and flush surfaces.

Slim LED headlights and tail-lights are found at either end, offset at the front by triangular LED daytime running and fog lights.

The 21-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels are especially eye-catching given they’re finished in the same chameleon purple colour as the body, not to mention their active aero intakes which close above 10km/h.

While epic and futuristic-looking, a production car directly inspired by the Scenic Vision is slated for a 2024 release.

The H2-Tech “hybrid electric and hydrogen powertrain” is a major talking point.

Housed within an all-new zero-emissions architecture designed specifically to accommodate the new powertrain, the system uses a 160kW electrically excited synchronous motor, 40kWh lithium-ion battery and a 16kW fuel-cell.

The electric motor drives the rear wheels and is located at the rear axle behind the fuel-cell, which is fed by the front-mounted hydrogen tank. As usual for a dedicated BEV, the battery is stashed between the axles.

Renault says that once Europe’s network of hydrogen refuelling stations is dense enough, the Scenic will be able to cover 800km non-stop. Refuelling is also expected to take no more than five minutes.

Inside, Renault’s latest concept has a minimalist interior centred around a Tesla-style steering yolk and five small digital readouts; another five are scattered throughout the cabin.

Frameless suicide doors up the sense of occasion when entering the cabin, while both the seats and dashboard adjust to suit to driver’s proportions in conjunction with a facial recognition system.

The interior is finished in white and silver trim and upholstery to emphasise the sense of space along with the panoramic glass roof.

The Renault Scenic Vision also showcases the French car-maker’s next chapter of active safety tech, including Safety Coach and Safety Score systems which guide and provide feedback to the driver while identifying possible risks.

The so-called Safe Guardian suite of driver aids is also designed to step in to avoid a collision or regain control and ultimately bring the vehicle to a halt if required.

Renault claims tech like this, especially the Safety Coach, will help reduce the number of incidents by 30 per cent.

“The Scenic Vision embodies the brand’s sustainable development commitments and encapsulates them in a single vehicle,” the company said.

“Its intelligent design and manufacture incorporate methods that the Renault Group and its brands will use to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050.”

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