Photos: Clean lines dominate the design of the fifth generation Renault Scenic, which is based on the same platform as the Megane E-Tec electric. Under the bonnet is a 170 or 220 bhp electric motor.
In terms of interior space, Renault created a sensation in 1996 with the Mégane Scénic, the world's first mid-size roomy car. Clever innovations in terms of space and comfort made it a hit with car buyers. Almost three decades later, the Scenic has evolved into a spacious electric family car.
Photo : Above the Scenic's name in the latest font is of course Renault's fresh logo.
The new Scenic combines Renault's expertise in use of space and in electric propulsion. Its selection as 2024 Car of the Year is proof that it works well.
The Scenic is definitely not an SUV, although the designers have done their best to give the car SUV characteristics. Just look at the contrasting rims around the wheels. Study the dimensions and you will soon realise that the fifth generation Scenic is nothing more and nothing less than a five-door hatchback with the space to live up to its name.
The front shows the new design lay out that Renault is applying to more and more models. The shape of the logo is used in a playful way, with stylistic elements flowing into each other. This gives the impression that the car still has a traditional grille, but this is no longer the case.
It is becoming increasingly common for car manufacturers to use more colour on the road. Renault's signature Flame Red (Rouge Flamme) is the standard colour for the new Scenic.
Photo: The generously sized seats offer good support. Luggage space is what you would expect from a large car.
The newcomer has a lot in common with the Megane. But on a slightly larger scale. The car is longer (4.47 metres) and wider (1.86 metres). Optimal aerodynamics contribute to the low fuel consumption, as this model proves with a value of 0.30.
The Megane's large battery is standard from the entry level Scenic. We are talking about the 60 kWh battery located in the double floor directly under the interior. It feeds a 170 bhp magneto-less electric motor that accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds. Renault claims a range of 430 kilometres according to the current European WLTP standard.
Electric motors are easy to tune, so Renault offers a second option: 220 bhp, acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a range of 625 kilometres. In terms of fuel consumption, both are at a similar level: 16.3 kWh/100 km for the 170 hp and 16.8 for the 220 hp. These figures were very close when the car was first launched.
There is waste energy, especially in an electric car. That is why the Scenic has four levels of regenerative braking. The driver can choose how much energy is recovered.
Photo: The interior of this Iconic trim level is characterised by light upholstery fabrics.
The battery provides a weight difference of 160 kg. Remarkable is the ideal 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear wheels, partly due to the central placement of the battery.
A car like the Scenic needs more than just good performance and range. Smooth charging on long journeys is also important. Depending on the version, 130 to 150 kW can be charged. Renault promises an average charging rate of 110 kW from 20 to 80%. Of course, lower speeds (up to 22 kW) can also be charged at home, at work or at a public charging station.
An autonomy simulator can be used both in the car and via an app. It plans long journeys with the necessary stops. The app is self-learning and gets better and better.
For a car of this size, the Scenic has a modest turning circle of 10.9 metres. The number of turns of the steering wheel is also modest, 2.34, just like in the Megane. All this makes the car very manoeuvrable.
Driving aids and safety systems are all the rage these days. We're talking about so-called ADAS systems, of which the Scenic has thirty on board. For example, the car brakes automatically if a collision is imminent, cameras look 360 degrees around the car and traffic signs are read. A programmable button on the left-hand side of the dashboard can be used to turn off a range of alerts. This prevents the car from giving all sorts of unnecessary, distracting signals. In town or in an area with a lot of speed cameras this can be very useful.
Renault has already introduced a quick connection system on the Megane that allows firefighters to completely fill the battery with water to prevent worse damage and extinguish a fire within five to ten minutes (Firemen Access). Next to this connection is a switch (SD switch) that allows the entire high-voltage system to be switched off. On the windscreen of the Scenic there is a QR code (Safety Code) that can be scanned with a smartphone. This gives them all the available safety information at a glance.
Interior space plays a key role in all generations of the Scenic. The new Scenic has modest front and rear overhangs, which means that interior space has been optimised. Both front and rear headroom are generous and rear legroom is designed with today's growing generation of teenagers in mind. Headroom and legroom are substantial, giving plenty of room to move around in the back. The floor is also completely flat. Of course, the seat can be partially folded down. This increases luggage space from 545 litres to 1,670 litres. Underneath the load floor is an extra-deep stowage compartment for charging cables or seldom-used items. The practical features do not stop there. The Scenic can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1,100kg.
Photo: The familiar Rouge Flamme paint is standard on the new Scenic. On the left, the 19-inch alloy wheels of the Techno trim level.
The rear seat has a special feature. The centre armrest folds out. This not only includes cup holders, but also a fold-out support for a mobile phone or tablet. Combined with USB-C connections, of course. In the rear, passengers benefit most from the optional Solarbay roof. This is a glass roof that can be dimmed at the touch of a button. There are four different modes, which can be selected at the front with a button in the roof console. Voice control is also available. This significantly reduces solar radiation and heat build-up. The Solarbay roof also reduces weight compared to a conventional glass roof with sunshade.
During the journey, all passengers enjoy the silence of the powertrain. Exterior and rolling noises are also reduced to a minimum. This is partly due to optimised insulation between the floor and the battery, which reduces the transmission of vibrations. And for those who like sound, the sounds that emanate from outside the car to warn pedestrians were composed by renowned French musician Jean Michel Jarre. He was also involved in tuning the audio system's timbre.
Renault is fully committed to recycling. Both by using recycled materials and by choosing easily recyclable materials for the car's construction. This is reflected in the fact that 90 per cent of the car's materials are recyclable, while only 24 per cent of the car itself is recycled.