Renault unveil the new Scénic
The 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March saw Renault take the wraps off the All-New Scénic, a striking, compact MPV with pioneering proportions and, in an unprecedented move, 20-inch wheels as the standard fitment across the range. It is now the turn of the new Grand Scénic to break cover and extend the Scénic line-up.
The All-New Grand Scénic, a family vehicle par excellence, comes with either five or seven seats and features a fresh approach in term of its design, including:
- Chrome or Metal Grey accessories, sculpted forms and body sides, and a distinctive belt line towards the rear which combine to produce a fluid, elegant silhouette.
- For the first time in the segment, 20-inch wheels are standard, while a two-tone livery and harmonious interior trim underline the model’s modern personality.
Cabin modularity and travelling comfort – which are two strengths that have helped to forge the Scénic’s reputation – have been thought through to ensure that the needs of families are met even more closely.
A One Touch Folding Seat function allows the rear seats to be folded automatically to obtain a flat floor and facilitate loading.
Meanwhile, the new Grand Scénic is 24cm longer than the new Scénic and consequently boasts extra boot space and carrying capacity compared with its sibling: 718dm3 VDA (five-seat version) for an extra 222dm3 VDA compared with the new Scénic.
The new Grand Scénic comes with a comprehensive suite of driver aids too, including Active Emergency Braking (AEBS) with Pedestrian Detection as standard equipment for the first time in the segment.
The list continues with technologies from the next segment up, such as Multisense experience, a R-Link 2 multimedia tablet complete with a large 8.7-inch display and a full-colour head-up display. Last but by no means least, the fourth generation of the model can be specified with Renault’s Hybrid Assist electrified diesel engine (not applicable for Ireland)
The All-New Scénic and All-New Grand Scénic (five or seven seats) will be available for sale before the end of the year.
The final Ireland model-line up, version specifications and pricing will be communicated nearer to the on sale date later in 2016. The Mazda RX-VISION was a star of the show when the Japanese carmaker’s award-winning rotary sports car concept made a special appearance on the shores of Lake Como at the 2016 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Cernobbio.
Participants and visitors to the exclusive classic and vintage car event, which also showcases selected prototypes, were visibly impressed by the car.
Accompanying the Mazda over the weekend were Ikuo Maeda, the company’s global head of design, and Kevin Rice, its European design director.
In addition to concepts from companies including Aston Martin, Bugatti and Pininfarina, the RX-VISION joined some 60 vintage cars in a festive atmosphere at the Villa Erba, a 19th century architectural jewel.
‘ This is one of the most prestigious automobile events in the world. It’s a great and unique honour to be invited to show our car, and I’m delighted that Mr. Maeda was able to join us,’ said Rice.
The RX-VISION won Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year at the 31st Festival Automobile International in Paris in January after being unveiled to the world last November at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It’s the latest interpretation of Mazda’s KODO – Soul of Motion design philosophy, which has earned the carmaker numerous accolades over the past five years for various concept and production models.
Paying tribute to the long and unique tradition of rotary-powered sports cars at Mazda, from the Cosmo 110S to the popular RX-series of production models, the RX-VISION hints at how the future could look with the sleekest and most supercar-like rendition of KODO yet.
Mazda fashioned the ground-hugging figure with an eye to a next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, whose compact packaging makes such a low bonnet possible.