Renault Scenic 2006 prices and specification announced

Renault has announced prices and specification for its new three-model Scénic 2006 range, including its latest offering, the five-seat Grand Scénic with its huge luggage capacity of 1,960 litres for customers who want the longer version of Scénic for the extra boot capacity and not to carry extra passengers.

New Scénic 2006 – most comprehensive compact MPV range in the market

The New Scénic 2006 range consists of 73 versions spread across the three models in Europe’s best-selling MPV, as the new five-seater Grand Scénic joins the fray with the original five-seater Scénic and seven-seater Grand Scénic. As before, four trim levels are available with New Scénic: Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilège.

Greater style, inside and out

New Scénic's exterior design is a direct evolution of that of Scénic II, while its lines have been modernised by a number of styling changes.

The front sports a new grille with a characteristic pronounced "V" in keeping with that featured on all recently introduced Renaults. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and the lower bumper air intake is wider and the foglamps have been relocated further toward the outside of the car.

The new, more modern headlamp design is enhanced by an elliptical halogen module while the rear lights employ light emitting diodes (LEDs) on all versions.

The alterations to specific trim levels reflect those made in its sister model, New Mégane 2006, including body-coloured door mirrors and door handles on Authentique, ‘Flint’ bumper and side rubbing strips from Expression upwards, while chrome surrounds appear on the controls, handles and vents of Dynamique models. Five new metallic paint colours also debut in the new range: Extreme Blue, Ice Blue, Java Green, Topaz Grey and Midnight Blue.

With its airy feel and spacious cabin, Scénic has always been a nice place to be and the 2006 model range is no exception, with great strides made in terms of interior quality. Notably, the new soft-touch dashboard materials echo the upmarket feel as seen on New Clio and Laguna, while passengers can enjoy an even quieter environment than before thanks to enhanced soundproofing of the cabin, engine and drivetrain.

New options for tailor-made comfort, style and technology

In addition to the high levels of standard equipment on Scénic, several new options are available to ensure even greater comfort and style.

Renault is at the forefront of car safety, from both an active and passive safety perspective, so it comes as no surprise that two of the first new options will help owners in this regard.

The first, ‘Sleep Safe’ headrests, as seen on Espace, help to keep young children upright and in their seatbelt should they fell asleep and also cushion the head in a side impact, reducing the chances of neck injury. They will also be of benefit given the new *UK child safety legislation which comes into force on 18th September, particularly when combined with a bolster seat. The second, Bluetooth Hands-free kit, provides not just simpler ease-of-use for the driver but also enables them to keep their attention on the road while driving.

Taking into account today’s increasingly digital age, New Scénic 2006 will be available with a top-of-the-range stereo system, 60W RDS-radio with CD-MP3 (also available with dash-mounted six CD multi-changer and six speakers), plus an audio connection box which permits MP3 player and USB connectivity for music on the move.

Comfort and style have not been forgotten either, with integral metallic paint on all exterior trim and bumpers available alongside extra tinted windows, fixed panoramic sunroof with sunblind and front passenger seat height adjustment.

New flagship 2.0 dCi 150hp engine and two diesel automatics

Aside from the refreshed exterior and interior styling, arguably the most important change in the new Scénic 2006 range is the engine and transmission line-up.

Seven engines are available, with four diesels and three petrols, ranging in power from 86 up to the new 150hp 2.0 dCi. The latter, which is already proving its worth in Mégane, Laguna and Espace, offers a fine blend of effortless and smooth performance with low fuel consumption. This new flagship powerplant offers 340Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm, plus a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds in Scénic.

The new 2.0 dCi 150 engine can be specified with six-speed automatic transmission and joins the new 1.9 dCi 130 FAP (particulate filter) Auto, giving Scénic its first-ever diesel automatics.

Comprehensive equipment levels and value-for-money

Core equipment on the entry-level Authentique model includes: ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Brake Assist, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, electric front windows with ‘one touch’ control, ‘intelligent’ windscreen wipers and trip computer.

The next model up, Expression, sees the following additions: 60W single-CD radio with fingertip remote control, air conditioning with pollen filter and cooled glovebox, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, ‘Child minder’ mirror, front and rear electric windows and folding front passenger seat with integrated table.

The mid-range best-seller, Dynamique, benefits from: 16” alloy wheels, alarm and leather steering wheel and gearknob.

The luxury version, Privilège, completes the range, adding: 60W single-CD RDS radio with underseat mounted six CD multi-changer and six speakers, electrochrome rear view mirror, Hands Free Renault Card with electrically folding door mirrors, part leather trim and sliding centre storage unit.

Full pricing for the new Scénic 2006 range is attached to this release. Notably, prices for New Scénic and seven-seat Grand Scénic are unchanged, starting from £13,915 and £15,415, while the new five-seat Grand Scénic costs £250 less than the seven-seat version, with the entry-level Authentique 1.6 VVT 111 costing £15,165.