New Renault Scénic setting new standards

2009 Renault Scénic

In the wake of New Grand Scénic, Renault is poised to release New Scénic later this month. As the pioneer and bestselling model of its class for more than a decade, Scénic has long been Europe's favourite compact MPV, with total sales reaching 3.3 million units since its launch in 1996. New Scénic builds on the strengths that helped forge the success of the model's first two generations to deliver even more cabin space and greater comfort for all occupants, as well as handling performance comparable with that of a saloon car. It has also benefited from the extensive experience of Renault's Douai (France) factory which was also responsible for the production of the first two generation Scénics.

Saloon carinspired looks

• An even roomier cabin and a compact design, featuring taut lines, sportier frontend looks, a plunging roofline and 'boomerang'shaped rear lights,
  
• A Germanic feel: robust looks, rounded wings, wide front and rear tracks, better materials and high build quality.

A welcoming, practical interior

• A bright cabin with a broader field of vision thanks to the more rearward positioning of the windscreen pillars (horizontal angle of vision extended by eight per cent, vertical angle of vision increased by 15 per cent),
  
• The best kneeroom (235mm) for second row occupants of any compact MPV, allowing four 1.85mtall adults to travel in comfort,
  
• A saloon carlike driving position (floor raised by 15mm, plus a more verticalposition for the steeringwheel),
  
• Classleading adjustment travel for both the driver's seat (70mm vertical and 240mm fore/aft) and steering wheel (50mm reach adjustment, and 5mm height adjustment),
  
• The principal driver aids (parking brake assist, cruise control/speed limiter switch, etc.) all housed on the centre console,
  
• Extensive stowage (86 litres) throughout the cabin: four underfloor compartments, four underseat drawers, six map pockets, two aviationstyle tables, an 11litre glovebox and nine litres of stowage in the sliding centre console,
  
• Boot volume up 10 per cent to between 522 and 555dm3 compared with Scénic II(equivalent to an additional cabin bag).

Useful technologies

• Customizable, colour TFT (Thin Film Transistor) dashboardmounted screen which automatically displays the necessary drivingrelated information as and when required,
  
• The new integrated Carminat TomTom^® navigation system, jointly developed in exclusive association with TomTom, for just €490,
  
• An audible parking proximity sensor combined with a reversing camera,
  
• Highend 3D Sound by Arkamys^® audio system with sound spatialization,
  
• ‘Plug & Music’ connectivity to play music stored on digital music players or USB keys.

Saloon car quality handling

• New Scénic features the same horned subframe front suspension arrangement as New Mégane, as well as a closedprofile rear beam for enhanced, saloon carquality bodyroll control and steering precision,
  
• A new, more precise electric power steering system for greater driving pleasure.

Performance engines

• Five petrol engines, including the new TCe 130,
  
• Seven diesel engines, three of which emit less than 140g of CO₂/km,
  
• Four versions of New Scénic qualify for the Renault eco² signature, a hallmark for the brand's affordable vehicles which also respect the environment throughout their lifecycle.

Quality and safety

• New Scénic shares its genes with the rest of the Mégane range: robust and a high standard of quality, including a new laser welding technology for brazing the roof to the body sides,
  
• Exemplary safety in keeping with that of New Mégane which received the best EuroNCAP crash test score ever.

Lower running costs

• Prices are either lower than, or equal to, those of the equivalent previous versions for an enhanced performance/equipment package (TFT screen, horned front subframe, reversing camera and Carminat TomTom^® navigation),
  
• Top level reliability and quality of the same standard as Laguna III which has itself achieved a top three rating in its class,
  
• Everyday running costs cut by between 20 and 30 per cent: oil change intervals extended to every 30,000km/two years instead of 30,000km/every year previously (except dCi 85 versions), maintenancefree air conditioning and an air filter which is twice as durable (to be changed every 60,000km/four years instead of every 30,000km/two years in the case of dCi versions),
  
• Warranty extensions between 10 and 20 per cent cheaper.

Images : 2009 Renault Scénic

[Source : RENAULT]