Ahead of its UK launch next February, Renault has released initial
details for the freshly revitalised Scénic and Grand Scénic models for
2012, including sharper designs, the brand debut of two impressive
downsized engines and numerous equipment enhancements.
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Scenic 2012 – contemporary lines
with a sharper look
Since its summer launch in 2009, the fluid lines and generous interior
dimensions of the two-model Scénic line-up have continued to attract a
wide range of buyers. Just over two years on, Renault has sought to
build on the appeal of Europe’s best-selling compact MPV, with a series
of exterior upgrades. Among them are a revised front end which is both
modern and status enhancing, while its new rear lights add a
particularly dynamic touch. |
The changes continue with the fitment
of LED daytime running lights, gloss black features and chrome details
(at the front, plus tailgate strip and side moulding strip), plus a new
range of wheel trims and alloy wheels. Grand Scénic’s more contemporary
front end provides a more imposing look. Two new body colours will also
be available, Azzurro Blue and Damask Red.
New downsized engines for
greater performance and fuel efficiency
Renault’s work on driving down emissions, combined with ever-improving
fuel economy and performance through smaller cubic capacity engine
innovation has borne more fruit. Following the trend begun by the petrol
1.4 TCe 130 and 1.5 dCi 110, and most recently the arrival of the 1.6
dCi 130, the world’s most powerful and frugal diesel engine of its size,
Scenic welcomes two new engines. The first, 1.5 dCi 110 Stop & Start, is
an enhanced version of the French marque’s core diesel engine.
Benefitting from several clever technologies derived from Formula 1
(Stop & Start, brake energy regeneration), it combines record low CO2
emissions of 105 grams per kilometre (reduced by 23g/km), and a 12 per
cent saving in fuel consumption (up 11.3 mpg to 68.9), yet higher torque
(260Nm at 1,750rpm; a gain of 20Nm) compared with the existing 1.5 dCi
110.
From spring 2012, the five- and seven-seater
versions of Scénic will also be the first Renaults to receive the brand
new 1.2 TCe 115 petrol engine. Due to gradually replace the 1.6 VVT 110,
it offers low CO2 emissions (135g/km), 190Nm of torque (up
39Nm) and fuel consumption improved by a fifth, up 11.4 mpg to 49.6.
Joining them will be the highly
acclaimed 1.6 dCi 130 Stop & Start, which itself boasts 20% better fuel
consumption than its former 1.9 dCi 130 stablemate, together with
greater performance and even lower emissions.
Thanks to these engines, Scénic and
Grand Scénic will each play an important part in achieving Renault’s
target to become Europe’s number one manufacturer with regard to the CO2
emissions of its range, without detracting from performance. They also
highlight that the French brand’s proven powertrain excellence is still
clearly evident as its relentless electric vehicle rollout begins in
earnest.
Affordable technologies -
improved comfort and a more reassuring ride
Enhanced everyday safety, making life for drivers as hassle-free as
possible and maximising wellbeing for those on board continue to be
priorities for Renault. Scénic and Grand Scénic will be the first
Renault models to feature the Visio System by Renault which assists the
driver’s vigilance and night-time vision thanks to two key functions.
This latest innovation by the French brand combines a lane departure
warning system (a camera detects if the drivers strays out of lane and
triggers an audible signal) and an automatic headlight function (the
same camera detects the lights of nearby vehicles and/or the presence of
street lighting to automatically switch from dipped to main beam, and
vice versa).
Driving and travelling comfort have
been further enhanced by the addition of new features which come as
standard equipment. As its name suggests, Hill Start Assist prevents the
vehicle from rolling backwards when pulling away on a slope, while
motorway-mode indicators warn other motorists when the driver is about
to change lanes by flashing three times following a simple flick of the
indicator stalk.
The 2012 versions of Scénic and Grand
Scénic also carry over technologies that have helped forge the model’s
success to date, from the tailor-engineered sound of the Bose® audio
system to Carminat TomTom® navigation and associated LIVE services (HD
Traffic, etc.).
Renault Scénic and Grand Scénic:
Europe’s number one compact MPV
Scénic and Grand Scénic, are manufactured in Douai, in northern France,
where they benefit from the most exacting production standards to
guarantee the highest level of quality. Together, they top their segment
in Europe, with sales in excess of 400,000 examples since the launch of
the current generation at the end of 2009. Just shy of 3.9 million
Scénics have found homes since it took the market by storm in 1996.
Further details on Scenic 2012 range
pricing and specification will be released closer to launch. UK order
books are set to open on 1st February 2012, ahead of first deliveries in
March.
