Renault has revamped its MPV cum peoplemover, the Scenic. Now dubbed Scenic Phase II, the Megane-based range includes a new Grand Scenic seven-seater (pictured) and now boasts Electronic Stability Program (ESP) across the line-up.
The makeover sees the already handsome five-door get subtle styling tweaks inside and out.
Up front there's a new new grille with a characteristic pronounced 'V' in keeping with the Phase II Megane range. The front and rear bumpers have also been reprofiled with wider-set foglamps and larger air intakes. There are new headlamps and at the rear LED lamps are featured for the first time.
Inside there are new trims and "detailed enhancements" as well as better soundproofing.
Like the Megane II, the Scenic also benefits from recalibrated electric power steering. Unchanged are the versatile seating configuration with a trio of individual sliding seats in the second row.
The new Grand Scenic arrives at $39,990 with an extra 230mm of extra length (50mm into the wheelbase and 180mm extra rear overhang) and a third row of two seats. (Note: by way of contrast an image of standard Scenic has been included in our slide show) These fold and stow in the floor in an operation that Renault describes as "pleasantly easy" and able to be "carried out with one hand and in a single movement."
Access to the third row is gained by tilting one of the individual side second-row seats. The sliding second row allows the amount of legroom between the 'cheap seats' to be varied.
According to Renault, the seven-seat Grand Scenic still provides around 200 litres of luggage space. In five-seat trim the volume increase threefold. Maximum load length, with the front passenger seat backrest folded down, Regie claims, is 2750mm.
The Grand Scenic is only available in Dynamique specification with automatic transmission and includes the additional features of 17-inch alloys and rear park sensors as standard over the five-seat Scenic Dynamique.
"The new Grand Scenic is a very innovative product and opens up an entirely new market segment for us," says Renault Australia boss, Rudi Koenig.
"The Grand Scenic provides a European solution to the daily hassles young families face. It's economical, fun to be in and very, very safe," he said.
Indeed, Renault is trumpeting the standard fitment of ESP to the Scenic range which already boasts a five-star EuroNCAP crash rating.
The new Scenic range comprises the Grand Scenic Dynamique and two five-seat variants in Experssion and Dynamique trim levels.
All models are powered by the same 2.0-litre variable-valve-timed, four-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine. The engine's maximum torque of 191Nm is delivered at 3750rpm with a claimed 90 per cent on offer from 2000 revs. Max power is 98kW at 5500rpm.
Renault says turbodiesel engine variants will follow later in 2007.
The five-door $33,990 Scenic Expression is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox and standard features include ESP with understeer control, dual front, side and curtain airbags, cruise control (with speed limiter), automatic headlamps and wipers, automatic park brake, electric mirrors and windows and 16-inch steel wheels.
Meantime, the $36,490 Dynamique five-seater gets Renault's four speed 'pro-active' (read: auto) transmission and features an upgraded audio system with a six-disc in-dash stacker, enhanced interior trim, 16-inch alloys, body-coloured side protection moldings and bumpers and extra chrome.
Renault Phase II Scenic pricing
- Five-seat Expression -- $33,990
- Five-seat Dynamique -- $36,490
- Seven-seat Grand Scenic Dynamique -- $39,990