Renault's Scénic and Grand Scénic ranges are receiving a facelift for 2012 and the French firm has just released details of what we can expect from the compact MPVs. The big news, aside from the new front ends complete with standard LED daytime running lights, is the introduction of more fuel-efficient engines with a trio of new powerplants added to the line-up.
On the diesel end of things the 1.5 dCi 110 and 1.6 dCi 130 will be joined by Stop & Start models. These offer lower CO
2 emissions and better fuel economy yet higher torque than the non Stop & Start equipped engines. The larger of the two is said to be 20 per cent more efficient than the 1.9 dCi 130 it replaces.
From spring 2012, the five- and seven-seat versions of Scénic will also be the first Renaults to receive the brand new 1.2 TCe 115 petrol engine. Offering low emissions of 135g/km and fuel economy of 49.6mpg the new engine will supersede the 1.6 VVT 110 that is being phased out.
Joining the engines is a host of new technologies like Hill Start Assist and the new Visio System that incorporates a lane departure warning system and an automatic headlight function that dips the main beams when it senses an oncoming car. These technologies will join the Bose audio and Carminat TomTom navigation systems that are carried in the current Scénic and Grand Scénic ranges.
UK order books are set to open for the new cars on 1st February 2012, ahead of first deliveries in March with further details on pricing and specification being released closer to launch.
Paul Healy - 6 Dec 2011