“The Scénic is a great alternative to the traditional Australian family car,” says Renault Managing Director, Rudi Koenig. “The new diesel-powered Scénic delivers a unique combination of innovative design, interior space and outstanding fuel economy.”

New Scénic dCi
The launch of the diesel Scénic sees the introduction of one new model into the Scénic line-up – the auto-only Scénic Expression dCi. The turbo-charged 1.9 litre diesel engine is fitted with a common-rail fuel injection system and produces 250 Nm of torque at 1,600 rpm a maximum power output of 96 kW at 4,250 rpm.

This compares to the 2.0 litre petrol engine which produces 191 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm and 98 kW at 5,500 rpm. Whilst the outright power numbers are relatively similar, the diesel powered Scénic produces 30% more torque than its petrol-powered sibling at less than half the revolutions (1,600 rpm vs. 3,750 rpm). The low rev torque provides an excellent combination of low-rev responsiveness and fuel efficiency.

Based upon an ADR 81/01 combined fuel consumption of 7.1 l/100km the Scenic dCi has a theoretical range of just under 850 km from its 60 litre fuel tank.

The Scenic dCi produces 188 g/km of CO2 as compared to the 205 g/km of the 2.0 petrol Scenic.

SCENIC MODEL LINE UP
The five seat Scénic is now available in three variants. The 2.0 petrol-powered Expression is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Scenic dCi is only available with a pro-active four-speed automatic transmission.

Standard Expression 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” trimmed steel wheels.

The five-seat Dynamique version is only available with a pro-active four speed transmission and features an upgraded audio system with a 6-CD in-dash stacker, enhanced interior trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift handle. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured side protection mouldings and bumpers and chrome surrounds on the front air intake are also standard.

The Grand Scénic Dynamique is only available with a pro-active four speed transmission and also gains 17” alloy wheels and rear proximity sensors.

Factory fitted options include a leather trimmed interior (Dynamique models only) and an electric panoramic sunroof (all models). Metallic paint is optional ($700.00).

INNOVATIVE AND STYLE - Inside and out
The Scénic dCi features the same comfort-enhancing innovations of the broader Scénic and Grand Scénic range.

The seat height has been designed to make access incredibly easy and results in a driving position that maximises vision and comfort.

The electronic parking brake frees up the interior space for a sliding centre console unit between front seats incorporating armrests, courtesy lights, accessory power point and cupholders and a 15 litre storage bin protected by a sliding cover.

Airline style trays, mounted on the rear of the front seats, and a roof mounted ‘child minder mirror’ add to the cabins family-friendly ambience. The three-individual rear seats slide independently to maximise occupant comfort.

SAFETY STANDARD – Prevent, Correct and Protect
The Scénic dCi is an ongoing example of Renault’s excellence in safety.

Prevent
To enable the driver to concentrate on the road and minimise unnecessary distractions all Scénics are fitted with a long list of convenient features. These include a centrally mounted instrument panel, automatic headlights and wipers and satellite audio controls. The cruise control system also has an in-built speed-limiter function.

Correct
ESP with understeer control is standard. This system uses the engine management system to reduce torque and modifies the braking with a view to improving stability and bringing the car back onto the ideal trajectory, while the understeer control acts on one or more wheels. This feature is combined with ASR traction control, which intervenes when starting or when accelerating in conditions of low grip, and engine torque overrun regulation (MSR), which prevents the driven wheels from locking when the driver lifts his or her foot from the throttle pedal or when slowing on slippery road surfaces.

The latest generation 8.0 Bosch ABS, complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist ensures the maximum use is made of the car’s braking power. Under heavy braking, the hazard warning lights are automatically activated.

Protect
The standard of passive safety is also remarkable, the five-seat Scénic was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating in 2003. (NB - The Grand Scénic has not been tested by EuroNCAP but has been designed to the same stringent criteri) Scénic’s passive safety features are the result of Renault’s third-generation System for Restraint and Protection. Examples include: seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters, dual front, side and curtain airbags as standard equipment on all models.

The Scénic is designed to ensure maximum protection in all the situations recorded by Renault’s accident research programme and the car comes with Renault’s third generation System for Restraint and Protection (SRP III) which guarantees optimal protection for occupants wherever they are sitting. The car’s body shell, which is in the front line when it comes to ensuring the protection of its occupants, is designed to absorb energy, while the cabin itself forms a survival cell to protect occupants from the intrusion of mechanical components or body parts.

The Growing Renault Diesel Range

Light Commercial Vehicles

Kangoo (1.5 diesel/1.6 Petrol) – The Kangoo was introduced in August, 2004, available in a five-speed manual or optional automatic transmission with a 1.6 litre petrol engine. A 1.5 litre diesel-powered model, fitted with a five-speed manual transmission, was added to the line-up this month.

Trafic – Introduced in March, 2004 the Trafic was updated in May, 2007 and is now fitted with a variant of the 2.0 dCi that forms the backbone of Renault Australia’s diesel strategy. The Trafic comes with a six-speed manual transmission and will offer an optional “Quickshift” (robotised manual) transmission from March, 2008.

Master – The Master range is available in 4 models, including a versatile cab-chassis, and is powered by a powerful and economical 2.5 dCi engine.

Passenger Cars

Laguna dCi – The diesel-powered Laguna was the first member of the passenger-diesel range. Fitted with a 2.2 dCi engine and 5-speed automatic transmission it was introduced in November 2006. An all-new Laguna will be introduced in mid-2008.

Megane Sedan dCi – Fitted with a 1.9 litre dCi engine, the Megane Sedan diesel range starts at $27,990 (RRP) and offers the best value-for-money of any European sedan on the Australian market. It is available in manual (6-speed) or automatic (4-speed) variants and was launched in August 2007.

Scenic dCi – The latest member of the Renault dCi range is also fitted with a 1.9 litre dCi engine and comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

To Come…

All-new Laguna Hatch & Estate – Due for release in June 2008 the New Laguna combines refinement, performance and outstanding fuel economy. The New Laguna will be fitted with Renault’s 2.0 dCi engine and matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.