Test drive Renault Scenic / Grand Scenic: Full repair
Scenic appeared on car markets exactly 20 years ago. During this time, its original shape (with which it actually plowed the furrow for compact minivans) was changed twice, and this has convinced nearly five million customers. So, now we are talking about the fourth generation, which in design does not differ from the latest Renault models. This may be confusing for some, as the similarities with some of the brothers are really significant, but on the other hand, the Scenic will be loved by many. The slightly wider and taller two-tone body and 20-inch wheels elegantly filling the space under the fenders certainly contribute to the good looks. Sure, the data will cause itchy skin for many, but Renault says the price of wheels and tires will be on the same level as 16- and 17-inch wheels. As a result, Renault hopes that the new product will impress all previous Scenic buyers (who are supposedly considered very loyal) and at the same time attract new ones.
It is clear that a beautiful design is not enough to attract a buyer, because the interior is more important for many. Seats are given out that are very similar to those of the larger and more expensive Espace. At least two in the front, and the rear did not choose three separate seats due to lack of space (in width). Thus, the bench is divided in a ratio of 40:60, and in the same ratio it is movable in the longitudinal direction. As a result, knee space or boot space is simply ordered, which can be elegantly increased as the rear seat backrests fold down simply by pressing a button in the boot or even via the center display in the dashboard.
The sensors are already known, so they are fully digital and highly visible, and there is also a well-known vertical screen on the center console where the R-Link 2 system offers a wide range of functions, but sometimes it is quirky and slow. Speaking of the interior, we must not ignore the fact that the new Scenic offers up to 63 liters of usable storage space and drawers. Four are hidden in the underbody of the car, huge (and cooled) in front of the front passenger, even more in the center console, which is also longitudinally movable.
The new Scenic (and at the same time the Grand Scenic) will only be available with one gasoline and two diesel engines, but all engines will be available in different (already known) versions. The six-speed manual transmission will be connected in series with the base ones, while diesel engines will also be able to choose from a six-speed or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In the new Scenic, Renault now offers a hybrid powertrain. It consists of a diesel engine, a 10 kilowatt electric motor and a 48 volt battery. Electric driving alone is not possible, as the electric motor only helps, especially with an immediate torque of 15 Newton meters. Even in practice, the operation of the electric motor is not felt, and the system saves up to 10 percent of fuel and harmful emissions. But a Scenic hybrid that shouldn't be too affordable until it's available in Slovenia.
And the trip? Despite doubts about the 20-inch wheels, the Scenic rides surprisingly well. The chassis is well balanced and by no means too rigid. It also swallows bumps well, but Slovenian roads will still show the real picture. The situation is different with the large Grand Scenic, which does not hide its size and weight. Therefore, it should be borne in mind that the Scenic will easily satisfy even dynamic drivers, and the larger Scenic will suit the calm fathers of the family.
As befits a new car, Scenica has not spared the security system. It is the only vehicle in its class equipped with Active Brake Assist as standard with pedestrian recognition, which is definitely a big plus. Radar cruise control will also be available, which now operates at speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour, but still only from 50 kilometers per hour and beyond. This means that it cannot be used in the city, but at the same time it does not stop the car itself. Among other things, customers will be able to think of a color projection screen (sadly smaller, at the top of the dashboard), a rearview camera, traffic sign and vehicle recognition systems in the blind spot and a lane departure reminder and Bose sound.
The new Scenic will hit Slovenian roads in December, while its longer sibling Grand Scenic will hit the roads in January next year. Therefore, there are no official prices yet, but according to rumors, the basic version will cost about 16.000 euros.
Text by Sebastian Plevnyak, photo: Sebastian Plevnyak, factory
