► First pics of new Grand Scenic
► Choice of seven seats or five
► 24cm longer than regular Scenic
We’ve already had a good look at the new 2016 Renault Scenic MPV at the Geneva motor show. Now here’s our first look at its enlarged stablemate, the new Renault Grand Scenic.
What makes the Grand Scenic grander than the regular Scenic?
More seats, that’s what. The Grand Scenic is available with seven seats to the Scenic’s five, although the Grand can be had as a five-seater too.
It’s grander in dimensions too, being 24cm longer than the standard Scenic and packing a boot that offers an additional 63 litres of storage space.
The rear seats can fold themselves away automatically via a tap of the touchscreen or a button press in the boot, creating a flat floor.
There’s 13 litres of storage in the centre console, which itself can slide forwards to create a saloon car-style dashboard shape, or rearwards to free up space between driver and passengers.
Does it get the same massive wheels as the standard Scenic?
It does. Like the Scenic, 20in wheels are standard across the range. This is part of the design team’s endeavour to make the Scenic stand out against its rivals and make small MPVs desirable again. Fewer people are buying compact people carriers these days as consumers flock to fashionable crossovers and SUVs in increasing numbers.
Despite the gargantuan rims, the Scenic’s tyres feature comparatively tall sidewalls so Renault promises ride comfort won’t be spoiled.
Also jazzing up the exterior is the option of a two-tone livery, with contrasting colours for the roof, A-pillars and mirrors against the body.
Inside, there’s an on-trend portrait-oriented touchscreen with tablet-style pinch-’n’-zoom controls as part of Renault’s latest R-Link 2 software, and a colour head-up display
What engines does the new Renault Grand Scenic get?
Five diesels, two petrols, depending on market.
Diesel engines:
- Energy dCi 110, manual six-speed gearbox
- dCi 110 Hybrid Assist, manual six-speed gearbox
- Energy dCi 110 EDC, seven-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission
- Energy dCi 130, six-speed manual gearbox
- Energy dCi 160 EDC, six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission
Petrol engines:
- Energy TCe 115, six-speed manual gearbox
- Energy TCe 130, six-speed manual gearbox
The most interesting powertrain option is the ‘Hybrid Assist’ model, combining a diesel dCi 110 engine with an electric generator, a 48V battery and an energy recovery system.
Anything else?
A whole load of safety stuff, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection as standard across the range – something Renault states is a first for a compact MPV. Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist are also available, as is an automatic parking system.
The new Renault Grand Scenic goes on sale later in 2016. UK prices are yet to be confirmed.
Read more Renault reviews