Following Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch, Scénic II is the third vehicle to be unveiled in the X84 programme. With this successor to the benchmark Scénic, Renault takes another step ahead of the competition by combining the versatility and spaciousness of an MPV with the driving pleasure of a saloon.
Its compact and dynamic design endow it with a distinctive personality that stands out from the general run of compact MPV models. Scénic II benefits from technical innovations developed by Renault for higher-range models, such as the automatic parking brake, as well as from the company's expertise in passive safety. To be sold initially in five-seat form, Scénic II will in a few months' time become the only compact MPV in the segment to offer a special seven-seat version, in the same way as Espace in the top-range segment. Innovative, compact and dynamic design.
The one-box design and the "hatchback-style" rear treatment, contained within an overall length of only 4.25 metres – 8cm longer than Scénic – suggest new levels of driving pleasure. The special care devoted to standard of finish, and the regularity and width of shut-lines, give Scénic II the appearance of a robust vehicle shaped from a single block. By carrying across the taut lines of Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch, Scénic II displays a modern and expressive style.
The use of a front face in tune with the Renault visual identity, and the distinctive treatment of the rear window, signal its membership of the Renault range. The vehicle offers all the features of a grand tourer: wide track, long wheelbase, and reduced overhangs.
Warm and welcoming, the cabin interior is equipped with a typically MPV dashboard with a centrally-mounted instrument panel. This makes it visible to all occupants and helps to better share information. The materials used for upholstery and finish reflect Renault's drive for perceived quality, notably the generous use of slush on the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Finally, the "Touch Design" treatment of the Scénic II controls renders their operation more intuitive and more pleasant.
Scénic II continues the principle of the "à la carte" car introduced with Mégane II, allowing the customer to combine an overall colour and trim scheme (Authentique, Expression, Dynamique or Privilège) with an equipment level (Pack, Confort or Luxe) and a powertrain.
The best of the MPV Pioneer of the MPV, Renault brings to Scénic II all its expertise in order to achieve maximum interior space. Thanks to the horizontal form of its roof line, Scénic II gains 26mm of headroom in the front, placing it among the best in the class. In addition, elbow room is increased by 23mm. With high priority given to back seat space, Scénic II offers knee room of 226mm, which remains the largest in the market.
With a windscreen area of 1.40 sq. metres, unequalled in the segment, Scénic II provides an even more remarkable panoramic view.
Scénic II naturally retains all the versatility offered on Scénic and adds new functions. The main new feature is the mounting of the gearchange and, for the Confort and Luxe equipment levels, the automatic parking brake in the dashboard for optimum ergonomics and interior space layout.
The floor space thus freed allows the installation of a new sliding central stowage feature. Electrically unlatched, it slides from the dashboard to the back seats for easier sharing between front and rear occupants. In addition, the front passenger seat can now be folded to form a flat, hard-surfaced table. This enables the back seat passengers to enjoy better visibility, while also making it easy to load very long objects.
Exploiting the advances achieved in Mégane II, Scénic II enjoys high levels of acoustic and thermal comfort. The control of wind noise and engine noise means that Scénic II has excellent sound-deadening. Thanks to the higher-capacity heating and air conditioning components from Mégane II, thermal comfort in Scénic II matches the best levels.
When it comes to travelling pleasure, the cabin interior provides benchmark interior lightness thanks to a panoramic sunroof with an area of 1.61 sq. metres – unique in the segment. At the same time, the fitting of roller sunblinds in the rear doors and an interior communication mirror help to make travelling more sociable. The Renault Card works to the same operating principles as in Mégane II.
Driving to saloon standards
The extended driving position and more vertical steering wheel enhance driving comfort. The gear lever, and the controls behind the steering wheel with their reduced movements, also contribute to "saloon-style" driving pleasure. In other respects, the driver benefits from the dominating position and superior visibility provided by an MPV, since the eye-height from the road remains the same as in Scénic.
As a world premiere in the compact MPV segment, Scénic II introduces three technical innovations: the bi-xenon headlamps first seen in Espace IV, the automatic parking brake, and the fuel filler flap with built-in cap. For additional comfort, the model also benefits from parking sensors. Finally, Scénic II offers two navigation systems: Carminat Guidance and Carminat Advanced Navigation System, with colour cartography on wide format screens built into the dashboard.
Scénic II uses the front and rear suspension of Mégane II and enjoys the same benefits of precision and roadholding to achieve well controlled dynamic comfort. The use of large-diameter anti-roll bars, and the width of track, ensures exemplary control of roll angles. Little affected by quality of road surface, when accelerating or braking, Scénic II exhibits exemplary stability. The variable-assist electric steering is quick and precise yet without being excessively reactive.
Scénic II provides a wide choice of powertrains which make it easy yet dynamic to drive. The petrol engine range comprises the 98bhp 1.4 16V, the 115bhp 1.6 16V, and the 136bhp 2.0 16V, while the diesel range includes the 80bhp 1.5 dCi, the 100bhp 1.5 dCi and the 120bhp 1.9 dCi whose maximum torque is increased to 300Nm. The range of five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes and the flick-shift proactive automatic transmission is taken from Mégane II with changes in gearing to adapt to the needs of Scénic II.
For greater peace of mind, Scénic II provides active safety of the highest order. It is the first MPV in the C segment to be equipped with new-generation ESP including understeer control, and it carries over the tyre pressure monitoring system and the Pax System run-flat tyres introduced by its predecessor. The specification is completed by ABS and Emergency Brake Assist.
Excellence in passive safety
The structure of Scénic II includes many strengthened zones with programmed deformation. The restraint mechanisms of the third-generation
Renault System for Restraint and Protection, with three-point safety belts for all seats, guarantee close coupling to the seats and ideal protection for all occupants.
Source: Renault
