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Renault adds va-va-voom to Scenic

<b>SEXY, AT LEAST FROM THE FRONT:</b> Renault’s new Scenic is a stunning MPV, at least from the front, and has the space and practicality to take on any mommy van rival.
<b>SEXY, AT LEAST FROM THE FRONT:</b> Renault’s new Scenic is a stunning MPV, at least from the front, and has the space and practicality to take on any mommy van rival.
Hot off the launch of the Megane RS Trophy 265 in Knysna, Renault’s next products to arrive on our shores are more timid but no less important.

The French automaker launches two people movers in South Africa - the facelifted Scenic/Grand Scenic range and Koleos SUV.

The Scenic dates back to 1996 and in 16 years, four generations and almost 3.9 million units later, it remains a class leader.

SEXY MPV?

The Scenic has been a hugely popular MPV for the brand and in 2012 receives design tweaks and a new diesel engine.
The Scénic 1.6 Expression will retail for R259 900 while its larger sibling, the Grand Scénic 1.6 dCi Dynamique, sells for R324 900. The new flagship Grand Scénic 2.0 dCi Auto Bose retails for R379 900.

The Scenic range design tweaks are a new front end with daytime LEDs. The Scenic has improved detailing around the foglights and sports a protruding lower lip below the grille. The Grand Scenic has a “blade” across the lower sections of the grille. The rear has been left untouched saved for a subtle touch-up on the tail lights.

The flagship Bose models distinguished by black 17-inch alloy wheels, black door mirrors and Bose badges on the sides. The Bose model also has Xenon headlights.

The Scenic range sports new 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels and is also available in two new colours. Overall the models look striking and will definitely turn heads, provided they’re looking at it head-on. 

DIESEL POWER

The Scenic is powered by a new 1.6 dCi engine, which replaces the 1.9 dCi, capable of 96 kW at 4000 r/min and 320Nm available from 1750rpm (20Nm more than the 1.9 dCi.   The new diesel unit is also 20% more fuel efficient than the 1.9 dCi with a claimed fuel consumption of 4.4-litres/100km and a Co2 emissions rating of 114g/km.  The engine is mated to a six-speed manual.

The new engine provides a sprightly and spirited ride despite the size of the vehicle it’s housed in. We look forward to seeing the 1.6 dCi in other Renault products such as the Megane or Clio.

BOSE EDITION

The Flagship Grand Scenic Bose Edition is powered by a 2.0 dCi capable of 110kW at 4000rpm and 360Nm at 2000. The engine is mated to refined six-speed auto with fuel consumption rated at 7.0-litres and emissions at 184 g of CO2/km.
The familiar 1.6-litre petrol engine (83 kW/151 Nm) remains available in the five-seat Scénic Expression. 

CREATURE COMFORTS

The Scénic is equipped with a customisable full colour display unit featuring TomTom Live navigation. The new model sports include cruise control, park distance sensors (front and rear), and auto headlights and windscreen wipers.

The Dynamique specification includes everything the Expression level provides, but adds a card for keyless unlocking and start-up, dual-zone climate control, heated power front seats and a leather steering wheel. A sunroof can be ordered as an option for the Grand Scénic.

The range-topping Grand Scenic Bose has a tyre pressure monitor, while the parking sensors are complemented by a rear view camera. As the name suggests, the Bose audio system is one of its defining features and the model has eight speakers, a subwoofer and a digital amplifier.

The new Scénic and Grand Scénic has a redesigned multimedia system which incorporates Bluetooth, USB and mini-jack connectivity across all specification levels.

MORE FROM RENAULT

Renault has a Co2 reduction strategy for the next five years beginning with its 1.6 dCi engine. The French automaker is currently the only manufacturer to have an entire range of electric vehicle such as the Twizy, headed for SA later in 2012.

We can also expect the Zoe to debut later in 2012 at the Paris auto show as well as the Fluence ZE and Kangoo ZE. The only hitch in their battery vehicle plans in SA is our government’s reluctance to support electric vehicles, most notably with the axing of the Joule.

Renault plans to release four new engines, 66kW, 85kW and 90kW, between 2012 -13. The new engines won’t be added to the Scenic range.

PRICES
Renault Scénic 1.6 Expression - R259 900
Renault Grand Scénic 1.6 dCi Dynamique - R324 900
Renault Grand Scénic 2.0 dCi Bose - R379 900

 
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