Twenty years after inventing the world’s first compact MPV with the Scenic - which has since sold 5 million units of which 22,000 have been sold in Ireland since 1996 - Renault has completely overhauled its offering in the segment with the fourth generation of the model, writes Trish Whelan.
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, the New Scenic five-seater, and New Grand Scenic seven-seater receive 20-inch wheels as standard across the range which is unique in its segment.
Both have a distinctive MPV body shape that is 20mm wider than the Scenic III, along with higher ground clearance, a longer wheelbase and wider tracks at both front and rear. A panoramic glass roof is available depending on trim level while aluminium roof rails are standard.
Both versions are available with an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen which is another segment-first, Multisense technology which enables the driver to alter the driving setup and cabin ambience and One-Touch folding rear seats, controllable from the boot or dash via the R-Link system which make it easy and quick to fold rear seats flat to carry larger items. The car has the biggest storage capacity and boot space in its class at 572 litres - the Grand Scenic has 596 litres with five seats in use.
New Scenic has some high-end technologies and safety features drawn from the segment above, like Automatic Electronic Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and automatic high/low beam.
A range of efficient petrol and diesel engines is available from launch, with emissions as low as 100g/km. The petrol is the Energy TCe 115; diesels are the Energy dCi 110 also with 130hp and 160hp. Claimed fuel consumption is from 3.9L/100kms to 6.1 L/100kms and annual road tax is from €180-€280.
The five-seater has an RRP of €26,000-€34,900; the seven-seater is from €28,400-€41,700.
New Scenic has been awarded Euro NCAP’s highest score of five stars.
Both versions are available to order at Renault Ireland’s 28 dealerships.
