Renault announces initial details for 2012 Scenic range
Ahead of its UK launch next February, Renault has released initial details for the freshly revitalised Scenic and Grand Scenic models for 2012, including sharper designs, the brand debut of two impressive downsized engines and numerous equipment enhancements.
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 Scenic 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 Scenic’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 Scenic 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, Scenic and Grand Scenic 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. Scenic and Grand Scenic 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 Scenic and Grand Scenic 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 Scenic and Grand Scenic: Europe’s number one compact MPV
Scenic and Grand Scenic, 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 Secnics 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.
Details about the rest of the Renault range, can be found at renault.co.uk, Renault TV on Sky Guide 883 and Freesat 651, or by following on twitter @renault_uk.
