Following a successful national pre-release preview, Renault’s all-new five-seat Scenic II has arrived in Australia.

Boasting a sensational new design with capacious interior, multiple seating and storage options and expressive exterior styling, the all-new Scenic II offers families and space-conscious commuters an innovative driving alternative.

With a recommended retail price from $29,990*, the Scénic II range includes three specification variants ranging from the entry-level Authentique, mid-spec Expression and range-topping Dynamique.

All three variants are powered by a responsive and efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine matched to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed pro-active automatic.

Like the entire Renault passenger vehicle range, the Scénic II offers a comprehensive range of standard features, including cruise control, power front windows, in-dash CD player with fingertip radio controls and Renault’s flexible rear-seating system.

And true to Renault’s benchmark safety standards, the Scénic II also receives an extensive array of safety features including dual front and side airbags, curtain airbags and front and rear seatbelt pretensioners. In addition to these important passive safety features the Scénic II also has standard ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist.

Confirming the vehicle’s safety record, Scénic II was awarded a maximum five-star rating by the independent organization Euro NCAP in Europe in November 2003.

With a score of 34.12 points out of 37 1, Scénic II is one of the safest vehicles for occupant protection in the compact MPV class.

With over 2 million units produced to the end of 2002, Scénic, voted European Car of the Year 1997, has emphatically made its mark on the Mégane line.

Renault Australia’s managing director, Rudi Koenig, highlighted the Scénic’s role in creating the compact MPV class with the first model released in 1996.

“Renault has a history of developing new and challenging models which offer customers both practical and stylish solutions and the Scénic II offers added versatility and roominess with the driving pleasure of a traditional sedan,” said Mr Koenig.

Recommended retail pricing

Scénic II Authentique	Manual $29,990	Auto $32,190
Scénic II Expression	Manual $31,490	Auto $33,690
Scénic II Dynamique	Manual $35,490	Auto $37,690

Optional extras

Panoramic sunroof	$1,990 (only available on Dynamique model)
Metallic paint	$650

*Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs

Design

Scénic II’s design blends intelligent MPV styling with a hatchback-inspired rear treatment. The special care devoted to the standard of finish gives the Scénic II a more stylish appearance. Carrying across the taut lines of the Mégane II Hatch and Sport Hatch, Scénic II displays a modern and expressive style. The use of a front face in tune with Renault’s visual identity, and the distinctive treatment of the rear window, signal its membership of the Renault range. The vehicle offers all the features of a grand tourer: wider track, longer wheelbase, and shorter overhangs.

Warm and welcoming, the cabin interior is equipped with a typical MPV dashboard with a centrally mounted instrument panel. The materials used for upholstery and finish reflect Renault’s drive for improved quality, notably the generous use of soft feel plastics on the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Finally, the “Touch Design” treatment of the Scénic II controls renders their operation more intuitive.

Pioneer of the MPV, Renault brings to Scénic II all its expertise to achieve maximum interior space. Thanks to the horizontal form of its roof-line, Scénic II gains 26mm of headroom in the front, placing it among the best in class. In addition, elbowroom is increased by 23mm. With high priority given to back-seat space, Scénic II offers kneeroom of 226mm.

Scénic II naturally retains all the versatility offered on the original Scénic and adds new functions. The main new features are the fascia-mounted gear change and automatic parking brake (available on Expression and Dynamique), for optimum ergonomics and interior layout. The floor space freed allows the installation of a new sliding centre console storage feature. Electrically unlatched, it slides from the dashboard to the back seats for easier sharing between front and rear occupants. In addition, the front passenger seat can now be folded to form a flat, hard-surfaced table (available on Expression and Dynamique). This enables the back-seat passengers to enjoy better visibility, while also making it easy to load long objects. In a further development, the three back seats, when set into their vertical storage position, latch into position automatically without the need for bungee-straps. Scénic II also offers an opening rear tailgate window on the Dynamique model.

History

With over 2 million units produced at the end of 2002, Scénic, voted European Car of the Year 1997, has made its mark on the Mégane line. The first compact MPV in the segment, Scénic immediately succeeded in attracting a wide audience looking for interior space and greater versatility.

Building on the key advantages of its predecessor, Scénic II goes even further in blending the intelligence of an MPV with the ride and handling of a saloon. It offers exceptional freedom of traveling comfort and benchmark standards of dynamic behaviour.

As though shaped from a single block, Scénic II gives an impression of robust, compact styling, reflecting the special care devoted to build quality. The regularity and width of shut-lines and the overall fit and finish of the body panels reinforce this point.

Storage

The innovative design of Scénic II underscores Renault’s determination to further develop MPV fundamentals, in particular storage space. A total volume of 91 litres makes Scénic II the segment benchmark and storage space is divided between the front (44 litres) and the rear (32 litres). The compact, centrally-mounted air conditioning and the double floor have also contributed to these advances. At the front, there is a 17-litre cooled glovebox. The two 3.5-litre hatches beneath the front floor are an exclusive feature in the segment. Finally, the drawers beneath the front seats each contain 5.5 litres and the sliding centre console storage compartment 15 litres. In the back, the passengers have two 11-litre under-floor hatches and two easily accessible 3-litre drawers under the seats. The removable ashtray can be slotted into the canholders of the door bins or on the sliding centre console storage compartment.

The luggage compartment features a fully streamlined design. The vertical walls incorporate a closed 7-litre storage space and allow the rear shelf to be installed in three different positions (low, middle or high). Renault has chosen to give priority to back-seat space for daily use, while offering the possibility of sliding the back seats forward to increase the luggage space. This accommodates 480 litres with the seats in their forward position and 430 litres in their aft position, compared with 410 litres in Scénic.

Comfort

When it comes to travelling pleasure, the cabin interior provides excellent natural interior lighting thanks to an optional panoramic sunroof (only available on Dynamique) with an area of 1.61 square metres. At the same time, the fitting of roller sunblinds (standard on Expression and Dynamique models) in the rear doors and an interior communication mirror (not fitted with sunroof) help to make travelling more sociable. The Renault Card (keyless ignition system) works to the same operating principles as in Mégane II.

The extended driving position and more vertical steering wheel enhance driving comfort. The gear lever, and the short-stroke controls behind the steering wheel, also contribute to “sedan-style” driving pleasure.

Exploiting the advances achieved in Mégane II, Scénic II enjoys high levels of acoustic and thermal comfort. The control of wind noise and engine noise is noticeable in the Scénic II thanks to excellent sound-deadening.

Scénic II, whose system components have been increased in size, provides top thermal comfort features, as in Mégane II. Renault has conducted major research into the ergonomics of the air conditioning interface to make the technology very discreet inside the cabin.

The thermal comfort is equally good in front and rear, thanks to a distribution system which feeds air to each passenger at foot level. A vehicle for international markets, Scénic II meets the most demanding customer requirements in all areas.

Scénic II benefits from the advances in acoustic comfort achieved by Mégane II and the all-new platform. The treatment of noise was taken into account from the design stage and the Scénic II underbody was studied with the aim of attaining the highest level of acoustic behaviour.

As in Mégane II, the front and rear suspensions are especially effective in the treatment of road noise. Thanks to its filtered sub-frame, Scénic II combines freedom from vibration with precise location. The mounting housings on the powertrains have been strengthened and a reaction link has been added on the right-hand side of the transmission. The adoption of cable-type gearchange mechanisms filters out the propagation of vibration.

A 5mm-thick damping windscreen, consisting of a layer of absorbent resin between two sheets of polyvinyl butyral, is fitted. This windscreen considerably improves acoustic comfort in all frequency ranges. This technology is compatible with the thermal treatment of the heat-reflective windscreen.

Interior space and functionality

With an overall length of 4.25 metres (80mm longer than Scénic), Scénic II is an authentic grand tourer. Its maximum wheelbase – 60mm longer than Mégane II and 105mm longer than Scénic – and shorter overhangs contribute to the compact appearance of the vehicle. Its stance on the road suggests agility and safety thanks to its wide tracks (70mm wider at the front and 60mm wider at the back compared with Scénic) and large-diameter flush-fitting wheels, pushed outwards to the four corners of the vehicle. The vehicle’s curved rear window, extends into a boot along lines inspired by Mégane II, signals Scenic II’s membership of the Renault range.

The cabin is modern and discreet. Scénic II boasts a typically MPV passenger compartment which is spacious, welcoming, light and airy. Its dashboard differs from that of Mégane II and features simple lines. It is visible to all occupants and at either end, two ventilation air inlets shaped like water drops, are positioned. At its centre, the air conditioning controls, the radio, the card slot and the Start/Stop button are more accessible to driver and front passenger. The gear lever installation ensures optimum driving ergonomics.

To the right of the steering wheel, the automatic parking brake (available on Expression and Dynamique) is mounted on the fascia. Bringing the controls closer to the driver’s hand benefits interior layout and convenience of use. The floor space freed between the driver and front passenger is considerable. According to equipment level, it accommodates a sliding centre console storage compartment.

Introduced in Mégane II, the “Touch Design” treatment of the controls is taken even further. Scénic II is provided with new short-stroke controls beneath the steering wheel. Their operation is more intuitive and pleasant to touch thanks to differentiation by diameter and notches. A second button on the end of the wiper control allows the information on the trip computer to be repeated.

Scénic II creates a feeling of space and freedom of movement. Its flat roof results in a gain of 26mm in front headroom when compared with Scénic, placing it among the best in the class. In addition, front elbowroom has increased by 22mm.

Scénic II is light and airy with an open, welcoming cabin. The windscreen has a surface area of 1.40 square metres and the extremely slender pillars open up a remarkable panoramic view. Scénic II benefits from 17 sources of lighting at night, including four which illuminate the floor storage drawers when opened.

Another link between front and rear, the interior communication mirror facilitates exchanges between driver and passengers. It is housed in the roof console and clearly distinguishes between “external rear vision” and “travelling” information, notably thanks to its convex surface. It promotes better communication with the back-seat passengers, especially children, without having to adjust the rear-view mirror.

The driver’s seat is height-adjustable and both front seats are equipped with airliner-type tables built into the backrests. In its folded position, the front passenger seat optimizes the forward visibility of the backseat passengers. In addition, it forms a flat, hard-surfaced table which allows the loading of 2.5m-long objects, thanks to the adaptability of the rear of the vehicle.

In the second row, the three independent seats are attached to slides and their backrests can be inclined to more than 35°. Their length of 220mm allows the luggage volume to be altered, or the kneeroom increased to improve the comfort of back-seat passengers. The kneeroom can be varied between 106mm and 226mm. The centre rear seat has been made smaller to give priority to the comfort of the two side seats. The two rear side seats can be re-centred and then benefit from an additional 100mm of rearward adjustment for the comfort of passengers. In Scénic II, the three back seats fold forward into a table configuration and then latch automatically with no need for retaining straps. Weighing 15.5 kilograms the rears seats can be easily removed, freeing a floor length of 1.45m.

The welcoming nature and dynamic filtration of the seats boost seating comfort. The close-contact front headrests, adjustable for height, guarantee both safety and comfort. The headrests in Scénic II incorporate an adjustment system which makes lifting easy, encouraging users to adjust them to a safe position. They can also be easily lowered via a lever.

Engine

Scénic II’s 98 kilowatt 2.0 16V engine is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or the flick-shift proactive automatic transmission is taken from Mégane II with changes in gearing to adapt to the needs of Scénic II.

The engine is equipped with a drive-by wire accelerator linkage to a motorized throttle valve, for more precise control of the engine and improved driving pleasure. The engine incorporates on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems to guarantee the correct operation of their emission control systems over time.

The 2.0 16V engine is equipped with variable inlet valve timing (VVT) for the benefit of driving pleasure and lower fuel consumption. The manual and automatic transmission in Scénic II have been developed to exploit the full potential of the engine. To optimize ease of operation, the entire Scénic II range uses hydraulically operated clutches which ensure excellent filtration and operating effort that remains constant over time.

The new six-speed ND0 manual gearbox of Nissan origin is both compact – due to its low height – and lightweight (47.5kg). Its shift quality was carefully studied to achieve very high levels of precision and ease of operation. Movements along and across the gate are short, which results in greater precision and better accuracy.

Scénic II is also offered with an optional four-speed Proactive automatic transmission (DP0) which is equipped with a flick-shift selector mode.

Suspension

Scénic II uses the front and rear suspension of Mégane II and enjoys the same benefits of precision and roadholding to achieve well-controlled dynamic comfort. The use of large-diameter anti-roll bars and wide tracks ensures good control of roll angles. Scénic II exhibits excellent stability, little affected by quality of road surface, when accelerating or braking. The variable-assist electric power steering is quick and precise without being over-responsive.

The suspension system has been developed to offer both stability and high levels of vibration and noise insulation. The front suspension uses MacPherson strut geometry with a rectangular lower arm mounted on a filtered sub-frame which also contributes to the containment of transmitted vibration.

The rear suspension consists of a torsion beam with programmed deflection, together with coil springs. The twisting crossbeam incorporates an anti-roll bar for perfect control of roll angles. The suspension attachment points are strongly externalized and ideally placed just ahead of and within the wheel axis, ensuring rigorous accuracy of location.

Brakes

The four brake discs are of large diameter (300mm ventilated at the front and 270mm at the rear) and considerable thickness (24mm at the front and 10mm at the rear).

Scénic II is equipped with latest-generation Bosch 8.0 ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist, to make the deceleration potential of the vehicle fully available. If emergency braking is applied, Scénic II is equipped as standard with automatic four-way hazard light operation.

As a world first in the compact MPV segment, Scénic II comes with an automatic parking brake (standard on Expression and Dynamique models). It is applied automatically whenever the ignition is switched off. Controlled by a computer, the application of whatever effort is needed to hold the vehicle according to the gradient is completely transparent to the driver. After engine starting, the brake is automatically released whenever the torque required to move forward is applied to the driven wheels. If necessary, in particular when stopping on a slope without switching off, a control flap mounted on the dashboard provides all the functions of a conventional handbrake.

Steering

Scénic II is equipped as standard with variable-assist electric power steering whereby the level of assistance varies according to speed, without any interruption when passing from one level to another. With 16 specific laws defined as a function of the vehicle characteristics (load on the front wheels, type of engine and tyre size) it adapts to different driving conditions. For improved comfort and driving pleasure, the power steering is equipped with active self-centering of the steering wheel in urban driving.

The turning circle diameter of 10.7m between kerbs combined with a high level of power assistance makes Scénic II’s steering extremely pleasant.

Safety

The structure of Scénic II includes many strengthened zones with programmed deformation. The restraint mechanisms of the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection, with three-point safety belts for all seats, guarantee close coupling to the seats and ideal protection for all occupants. The Scénic II safety system includes six airbags including two adaptive frontal airbags.

For greater peace of mind, all Scénic II models come standard with ABS and emergency brake assist.

The linchpin of active safety, road holding, is one of Scénic II's many strong points. The new platform and new chassis engineering guarantee that stability and handling are little affected by the type of road surface, side winds or even during braking and acceleration. Considerable work has been carried out on filtration and the transmission of information from the road surface. With increased suspension travel (damper movements of 84mm at the front and 96mm at the rear, compared with 58mm and 64mm respectively in Scénic) and adapted damper settings, Scénic II provides ride comfort combining rigorous control with flexibility. The large-diameter anti-roll bars also provide Scénic II with precise location and dynamic behaviour which remains neutral and predictable.

Passive safety is a strategic objective and key field of expertise at Renault. Scénic II was the subject of a highly demanding design specification in passive safety, based on accidentology research carried out by the joint Renault/PSA Peugeot-Citroën Laboratory of Accidentology, Biomechanics and Study of Human Behaviour LAB. The all-new structure of Scénic II has been designed to absorb energy in an impact while maintaining the cabin as a survival cell to protect occupants from the intrusion of any mechanical components. Thanks to the use of new steels and other materials, Scénic II can absorb and dissipate large amounts of kinetic energy. Its front, rear and side sections are highly efficient programmed deformation zones.

In the upper part of the structure, the forces pass through the reinforced sides of the scuttle, the windscreen pillars and the door beams. At medium level, the loads are carried through the detachable front cross-member positioned behind the bumper, the front longeron stabilised by the longeron elbow, the lengthwise base and cross-member of the bulkhead. The front zone load distribution arrangements are completed by a path through the lower section, formed among other parts by a mini-subframe, short longerons and cross-member beneath the radiator. This lower path is an additional asset when it comes to vehicle-to-vehicle crash compatibility.

In addition, controlling the way in which components and assemblies within the engine compartment move results in maximum compaction of the front end, without intrusion into the cabin. This overall control of deformation reduces the deceleration suffered by the occupants, as well as the risk of injuries which can be caused by an uncontrolled intrusion.

Renault has sought a perfect balance between the absorption ability of the structure and the restraint systems. Scénic II is equipped with the third-generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection, which combines adaptive twin-volume airbags with adaptive safety belts, 400daN dual load limiters and twin pretensioners for the front seats. Finally, Scénic II provides two side chest airbags built into the front seats for the front passengers, and two curtain airbags to protect the heads of both front and rear passengers, whether they are adults or children.

In addition, padding zones have been installed to protect the lower limbs. Sufficient space has been left around the pedals to avoid any injury. Also noteworthy is the deformable magnesium armature of the steering wheel, which combines with a collapsible steering column to dissipate part of the energy in the event of an impact. The brake pedal also collapses to compensate for any rearward movement of the bulkhead during major deformations.

The use of high-performance steels has boosted the strength of the front seat frames. The two close-contact front head restraints protect the neck in the event of rear impact and offer extra comfort. The back-seat passengers benefit from the same treatment with three integrated rear head restraints and three-point safety belts. In order to avoid submarining and abdominal injuries, the belt buckle attachment points have been stiffened and their stalks shortened. The three back seats are equipped with inertia-reel safety belts with thoracic load limiters set at 600daN, and pyrotechnic pretensioners for the two side seats. The backrests of the back seats include strengthened armatures to guard against luggage intrusion.

Additional features

Scénic II is equipped with a wiper system with parallel wiper operation using extended reach. This ensures very good clearance, extending the radius of sweep into a zone which is generally inaccessible by conventional parallel wipers. Adapted to the dimensions of the windscreen, it allows the rain sensor (fitted on Expression and Dynamique models) to be installed higher up, leaving the field of vision completely unobstructed. The rain sensor automatically controls wiper operation according to the amount of water on the windscreen.

The cruise control and speed limiter allows the driver to maintain the vehicle at a constant speed or to programme maximum speed. The cruise control function is for use mainly on motorways and main roads. The speed-limiter function is most often used in urban traffic. It allows the driver to accelerate or decelerate normally below the limiting speed which has been selected. In both cases, the selected speed is displayed on the dashboard and can be changed at any time the driver wishes, using buttons on the steering wheel.

As in Mégane II, the remote-control Renault Key Card system allows access to the vehicle by pressing a button on the card. This also allows direct access to the luggage compartment without unlocking any of the doors. Engine ignition requires a push on the START button while simultaneously depressing the brake or clutch pedal, having first inserted the card into the slot.

To avoid the inconvenience of removing the fuel filler cap (risk of loss, spillage or smell), Scénic II is equipped with a fuel filler flap with built-in cap. This system allows filling to be carried out simply by opening the flap and inserting the nozzle into the filler neck.

Optional sunroof

The sunroof’s two flush panels in the roof, the forward one opening and the rear one fixed, are made from 4mm-thick Vénus 40 self-tinted glass, providing the best tradeoff between interior brightness and the filtration of infra-red radiation. The one-touch switch allows four programmed opening positions: hinged, one-third, two-thirds and total. Together with its opaque blind, the sunroof retains an acoustic and thermal quality close to that of a normal roof.