Renault Scénic

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Renault Scénic

Manufacturer:	Renault
Production:	1996—present
Class:	Compact MPV
Body style:	5-door MPV
Layout:	FF layout
Trim levels:	Expression Dynamique Privilege
Similar:	Citroën Xsara Picasso Fiat Multipla Ford Focus C-MAX Kia Carens Mazda5 Opel/Vauxhall Zafira SEAT Altea

2001 Renault Scénic RX4 in England

The Renault Scénic is a compact MPV produced by the French automaker Renault, the first to be labelled as such in Europe. It is based of the chassis of the Mégane small family car. It became European Car of the Year on its launch in late 1996.

1 First generation (1996-present)
- 1.1 Phase 2 (1999)
- 1.2 Scénic RX4
2 Scénic II (2003-present)
- 2.1 Phase 2 (2006)
3 External links

[edit] First generation (1996-present)

Underneath, the Scénic was mechanically identical to the Mégane hatchback (itself based on the older R19). The 1.4 L, 1.6 L "Energy", 1.8 L "F-type" petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines were shared with the hatchback range. The Scénic was aimed at those who wanted all the practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle, but could not accommodate the larger size and higher price of the likes of Renault's own Espace. Renault underestimated the sales impact that the Scénic would have — originally predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day, production at the company's Douai plant would eventually peak at nearly 2500 cars a day just to cope with demand. With the Scénic, Renault had created a whole new market segment — the compact MPV, and the concept was quickly imitated by other manufacturers.

[edit] Phase 2 (1999)

Along with the Mégane hatchback, the Scénic underwent a minor frontal restyle in 1999 and the newer 16-valve engines introduced. From the time of this restyle, it became officially known as the Renault Scénic, although a small "Mégane" badge still appeared on the rear door signifying the car's origin. This model is still built in Brazil with flexible fuel engines.

[edit] Scénic RX4

Renault developed a four-wheel drive derivative of the original Scénic, the Scénic RX4. Featuring an electronically controlled viscous centre differential designed by Austrian specialists Steyr Daimler Puch, it offered part-time, on demand 4WD. Renault also fully re-engineered the rear suspension and strengthened the front. The redesigned rear suspension occupied the space required for the spare wheel well and led to the spare wheel being placed on the rear hatch. The RX4 rode higher with increased suspension travel and larger wheels. While these changes provided a rugged chassis, the RX4 was held back by a single range transmission and an engine, the 2.0 litre from the Mégane, with limited low-end torque. Production of the RX4 ceased in 2003, and no replacement is expected.

[edit] Scénic II (2003-present)

Shortly after the launch of the Mégane II, an all-new Scénic was launched. There is also a seven-seater Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage area.

As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser and an automatic parking brake on certain trim levels. It integrates LEDs on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised "Mégane" logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car's origin.

Scénics includes folding front passenger seat with integrated table, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 'Child minder' mirror and front and rear electric windows.

[edit] Phase 2 (2006)

Like the Megane a few months earlier, Scenic II underwent a mild facelift in the latter half of 2006. The redesigned areas included a slightly more pronounced grille section, larger diamond badge, the addition of a "RENAULT" word badge on the bootlid and new wheel designs and interior trim. As with Megane, an optional upgrade enabled all the exterior body mouldings to be painted to match the bodywork.

[edit] External links

	Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Renault Scenic

<- Previous	Renault car timeline, 1980s-present - [edit]
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
City car														Twingo														Twingo II
Supermini						Super 5					Clio I								Clio II							Clio III
Small family car			9 / 11						19							Mégane I								Mégane II
Large family car	18						21								Laguna I						Laguna II								Laguna III
Executive car				25									Safrane									Vel Satis

Leisure activity vehicle															Kangoo
Mini MPV																									Modus
Compact MPV																	Scénic I						Scénic II
Large MPV					Espace I							Espace II						Espace III					Espace IV
																						Avantime
Coupé	Fuego
Roadster																Spider