ROAD TEST REPORT By Bob Hudson MIAME August Vehicle Evaluation Engineer MEMBER SERVICES NRMA Member Services June 2001 RENAULT SCENIC 2.0 Litre Manual RX4 and 2WD Privilege Wagons BEST WORST Versatility of interior layout Capacity of luggage areas and range of storage compartments Well equipped (safety and convenience features) The compact, yet surprisingly roomy, Renault Scenic “monospace’ five-door wagon is an important component of the marque’s relaunch in Australia, given that it is expected to account for the bulk of sales. The Scenic comes in 2WD form, or with 4WD (the RX4), and is currently selling alongside the Megane Cabriolet and the Clio Renault Sport. Later this year, the Scenic will be joined by Renault Laguna sedans and hatchbacks, with a range of commercial models due in 2002. Base model of the Scenic range is the Expression and it comes with a 1.6 litre engine and manual transmission only. Its price is $25,878. Next up the range is the 2.0 litre Dynamique and it costs $27,878 in manual form or $29,878 for the automatic. The Privilege tops the 2WD Scenic line-up at $28,778 in manual form or $30,778 for the auto. Two RX4 models are available; the Expression at $31,150 and the Privilege for $33,250. Both have the 2.0 litre engine and manual transmission only. Standard equipment lists are comprehensive across the Scenic range. Even the base Expression models come with six airbags (dual front, two front side bags and two head/chest side curtain airbags), seat belt pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters, plus anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution. An engine immobiliser is also standard. Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and exterior mirrors, a trip computer and satellite audio controls on the steering wheel. The three individual rear seats can be adjusted for position, folded, or removed altogether. The Dynamique adds climate control air conditioning, alloy road wheels, partial leather trim, a leather-bound steering wheel, front arm rests and an in-dash CD player. Privilege versions gain upgraded alloy wheels, a rear sunshade, a central rear arm rest and an illuminated vanity mirror. There are two option packs available for the Dynamique and the Privilege; one offers twin sunroofs and roof rails for $2,000, the other includes full leather trim as well and costs $4,250. Metallic paint costs an extra $450 on Call Automotive Technical Services on 1300 655 443, should you require additional information on this vehicle, on other makes, or for general advice on automotive matters. FEATURES Driving position, and pedal and control layout Some kickback through steering on bumpy corners (particularly the RX4 model) all versions. Cruise control is neither standard, nor offered as an option Tall cars are very much the ‘in thing’ these days and the Scenic is an excellent example of just how much space can be provided in a vehicle that’s actually shorter in overall length than (for example), a Mazda 323 Astina. Inside the Scenic, there’s good space for five adults, plus a generous area for their luggage. About the only limitation concerning passenger space is that the centre rear seat is rather narrow. The Scenic’s interior also boasts an almost unmatched versatility in terms of its adaptability to suit various passenger and cargo loads. For example, each of the three individual rear seats can be slid forwards and backwards, folded flat, or removed altogether to create maximum load space. The rear parcel shelf can be adjusted to four different heights and the Dynamique and Privilege versions have an opening rear window. Owners will need to remember where they’ve placed smaller items in the cabin as there are around twenty separate compartments scattered throughout the vehicle. These include pull-out drawers under the front seats, a chilled drinks locker in the centre console, compartments under the rear footwell and under the rear seats, two gloveboxes, plus the usual assortment of door and seat pockets, and rear compartment side bins. When it came to designing the RX4 version, there was insufficient room to store its larger spare wheel and tyre under the rear floor and so it’s mounted externally on the tailgate, which swings outwards and not upwards, as for the 2WD models. Though the seats themselves are generally quite comfortable, there are some aspects of the seating positions that may not suit all people. For example, the front seats are set high off the floor (even in their lowest height setting) and while this is good for driving vision, it may not suit some drivers. I found the forward-located manual gear positions (such as reverse, first and third) a stretch to select. The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable but with no reach adjustment, it’s also a stretch if you want to grip it above the centre line.
The 2.0 litre variable valve timing engine that powers all Scenic models except the 2WD Expression (it has the 1.6 litre engine), produces above-average power and torque for its size, and mid-range acceleration in the manual 2WD Privilege tested was quite lively. However the gearing is such that not too many highway hills are taken in fifth or fourth gears and smooth starts from rest require more engine revolutions than you’d normally expect to use.
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