When the Renault Scenic was launched over 25 years in the past, it was a sensation. It grew to become an icon instantaneously. It was the primary of a brand new class of vehicles — the small household automobile, a mini MPV primarily based on a traditional sedan underpinning. Later, the time period “crossover” got here into vogue. Inside a number of years, almost each model had a replica of the Scenic on the street; typically laborious to differentiate from the unique.
The launch was on the identical time I began working as a self-employed software program engineer. I noticed my first Renault Scenic within the parking zone of my first job. A number of weeks later, there have been three of them. After one other few weeks, mine was quantity 5 or 6 in that not very massive parking zone. Nevertheless it was a location hiring software program engineers as quick because the market may present them. The euro conversion and the millennium bug had been on the horizon.
I drove three of them on quick lease contracts, however once I determined to purchase one, the brand new mannequin had a 5-spoke steering wheel. It damage my arms and it was not match for drives of over half an hour. Mounting a greater steering wheel would price 20% additional. In the long run, I purchased a Citroen Evasion and loved that automobile for 18 years.
Now the Renault Scenic Icon has returned as a totally electrical automobile. It’s in its 5th era. Gross sales will begin early in 2024 and deliveries a bit later. That is the successor to the Zoe the market has been ready for. The Twingo ZE has no vary and may’t cost, the Mégane ZE is a driver’s automobile and lacks longer vary, however the Scenic is a high-usability automobile for vacationers. In all probability just like the Zoe, the best in its class.

Renault Scenic aspect
Normal Vary
- 125 kW motor
- 60 kWh battery
- Torque: 280 Nm
- Max DC cost: 130 kW
- Vary: >420 km (WLTP)
- Acceleration (standstill to 100 km/h): 9.3 sec
- Max pace: 150 km/h
Excessive Vary
- 160 kW motor
- 87 kWh battery
- Torque: 300 Nm
- Max DC cost: 150 kW
- Vary: >620 km (WLTP)
- Acceleration (standstill to 100 km/h): 8.4 sec
- Max pace: 170 km/h
Dimension & Weight
- Size: 4,470 mm
- Width: 1,864 mm
- Peak: 1,571 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,785 mm
- Entrance overhang: 842 mm
- Rear overhang: 842 mm
- Weight: 1842 kg (87 kWh model)
- Boot quantity: 545 litres
With a battery of 87 kWh and a 620 km mixed WLTP vary, it’s the household automobile Renault clients have been ready for. Even when touring with all seats occupied and an excessive amount of baggage on the Autobahn, you solely have to cost when it’s a must to cease for a loo break and to stretch your legs. So long as there are sufficient charging stations at common intervals alongside the highways, you’ll be able to plan your charging when it’s worthwhile to cease for regular causes. Nonetheless, with the present availability of freeway charging choices in lots of nations, one is not going to have that freedom on most journeys. Relating to the long run, the EU is mandating a naked minimal, whereas most routes may have a a number of of the required infrastructure within the not-so-distant future.
At a automobile present, all one can do is sit in the back and front, whereas different fans additionally soar out and in of the automobile. On the primary day after the press occasion, even that was not potential, because it was additionally unimaginable to take footage. There have been too many competing journalists attempting to get an impression, a photograph, and a narrative. So, early the following day, instantly after the opening of the present, the primary order of enterprise was the Renault Scenic.
The designers did their factor with the headlights and back lights and with the area vacated by the radiator vents. The wheels had been too massive to be sensible (19”or 20”). There have been different necessary design language particulars that you may discover together with your eyes. Regretfully, the designers didn’t carry again the long-lasting home windows of the first-generation Scenic, nor a reference to the recognizable form — the sort of efforts they put into recreating that older, virtually forgotten icon, the R5, that’s being introduced again as a successor to the Twingo and Zoe. From the surface, the Scenic appears good, however much like a dozen mini MPVs/SUVs/CUVs.
The Dwelling Area
On the within, it’s extra of what one expects from a Scenic. It is extremely comfy, a cellular sitting room. There are many well-thought-out little particulars and devices, just like the pill/smartphone holders within the central armrest of the again seats. Many features are managed by voice instructions, which might be a consequence of utilizing the Google automotive swimsuit.
A number of years in the past, my Renault Zoe route planner was higher than the smartphone Google app Android Auto. However Google has absolutely made extra progress in software program improvement than Renault. Apart from the route planner, there are over 50 different apps on the central console.
There’s a good steadiness between the touchscreen configurations and operational tactile controls. The spartan abandonment of most bodily controls isn’t for me. I wish to hold my eyes on the street and assert management solely primarily based on muscle reminiscence and contact. Even voice instructions are usually not comfy.
For actual appreciation and judging of the automobile, after all, it will take a number of weeks of driving the Scenic. Then you already know what’s nice and the place there may be room for enchancment.
There are greater than 30 ADAS features, most of which it’s best to by no means discover. They’re for emergencies, however the lane maintaining, cruise management, and blind spot warning features are value testing. They will make a giant distinction in driving relaxed and safely. There’s additionally a secure driving coach. This is usually a bonus for drivers who’ve obtained their license not too long ago, or for individuals who have acquired sloppy driving habits. But, it may be very annoying for drivers who’ve developed a secure however non-standard driving type. That is one thing I actually like to check myself.
For the welcome tune and the pedestrian warning sounds, the musician/composer Jean-Michel Jarre was employed. He was a sub-culture pop idol within the late hippy period. He was well-known for spectacular open air performances with tens of millions of attendants.
To assist the round economic system, 24% of the mass of the automobile is product of recycled supplies. When it’s on the finish of its helpful life, over 90% of the automobile may be recycled. There isn’t a leather-based nor chrome used wherever within the automobile. So far as vehicles may be eco-friendly, this one is.
The massive sunroof doesn’t have a center assist on the location of the b-pillar, creating a really spacious cabin. The solar display screen is integrated within the glass by means of LCD know-how. When much less mild or extra privateness is required, the liquid crystals flip to put flat and block the sunshine. And additionally it is voice managed.
The upholstery of the seats and the end on the doorways and dashboard is mild in tone. I hate vehicles which are like the within of a darkish cave. It makes me really feel claustrophobic. Apart from the now commonplace cupholders and USB sockets, there are good gimmicks to carry telephones and tablets to be used by the passengers. For consolation, there are heated seats and a heated steering wheel. There’s even the choice for a therapeutic massage within the entrance seats. I preferred it once I was drained from strolling the showroom flooring.
The Harman Kardon sound system might be superb. It has many audio system and was optimized by Jean-Michel Jarre. I will be unable to inform — like many individuals of my age, my ears are usually not what they was. It will be good if I may configure the identical correction as is in my listening to aids. Value wanting into.
Renault has made a 30-page leaflet [PDF] for individuals who wish to know much more about this surprise on wheels. However don’t anticipate too many info — it’s extra a storytelling by the advertising and marketing division than a technical specification or a list of all of the choices. Gross sales will start in early 2024 in most European nations. Anticipate the specs, trim ranges, choices, and costs to be printed by that point. Deliveries are anticipated to begin within the second quarter.
I can’t wait to strive it out.
Written in collaboration with Jolanda Vinkhuyzen.
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