What's all this about?
A people carrier that is great to look at, has massive wheels and a diesel-electric version. Sounds unusual, right? Welcome to the world of the all-new Renault Scenic.
Didn't we see this MPV the other day?
We did, although now we have more details. Such as all versions of the Scenic will sit on big but thin 20-inch alloys. Wearing 195/55 R20 rubber, these have been designed to preserve the Scenic's 'design studio looks' while not ruining the ride. Further external nuggets relate to the fact the Scenic is bigger in every measurement than its predecessor, while two-tone variants will be available in some markets and with some trims.
Is it clever inside?
Yes indeed. Renault will bless the Scenic with a full colour head-up display, a driver-centric dashboard, the R-Link 2 infotainment system with an 8.7-inch multimedia touchscreen, a 'class-leading' boot (572 litres with the seats up) and a sliding centre console that allows for clever configurations of the environment within.
Do we know the engine choices yet?
There are six diesels and two petrol engines, known as Energy dCi or Energy TCe accordingly. The diesels range from 95- to 160hp and have a choice of manual or Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) automatics, in either six- or seven-speed guises. The Energy TCe lumps, of either 115- or 130hp, will only ever be paired to the six-speed manual transmission. And there's a mild hybrid.
Is there?
Yes, the Energy dCi 110 can be fitted with Hybrid Assist: featuring a six-speed manual, this sees a 48-volt battery power an electric motor to supplement the diesel's work and reduce fuel economy/CO2 emissions. Because this is a mild system, at no point will the Scenic be able to run in zero-emissions, electric-only silent mode. The hybridised Scenic should arrive before 2016 is out.
Anything else for the Renault?
Multi-Sense technology is Renault-speak for adjustable driving parameters, while all-wheel steering 4Control will be offered in some format on the Scenic, following its confirmation for the Megane Sport Tourer.
Matt Robinson - 1 Mar 2016