2016 Renault Grand Scenic revealed – room for seven

Renault has taken the wraps off the new fourth-generation Grand Scenic, a few months after it revealed the five-seat Scenic at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Here, the MPV, which is built on the Common Module Family (CMF C/D) is capable of seating up to seven passengers, or five depending on preference.

Compared to the outgoing Grand Scenic III, the new model is longer by 75 mm (4,630 mm), taller by 15 mm (1,660 mm), wider by 20 mm (1,860 mm) and sits higher off the ground by 30 mm (160 mm). The larger dimensions also allow for a longer wheelbase of 2,800 mm (up by 35 mm).

From an aesthetic standpoint, the new car gets many of the design cues from the regular Scenic, which itself is inspired by the R-Space concept. This includes the steeply-raked windscreen, low roof line, sculpted body panels, LED Pure Vision headlamps and 3D-effect rear lights.

Even the 20-inch wheels are standard across the range here, wrapped with 195/55R20 tyres. Other highlights include a fixed, panoramic glass roof, aluminium roof bars and a Metal Grey diffuser for the rear bumper skirt. Customers can also specify a two-tone livery, while the launch colour – Vison Brown – is model-specific.

Though at first glance it may appear similar, the Grand Scenic does receive revised tail lamps, a result of the stretched body. Placed alongside the Scenic, the Grand is 224 mm longer and has a 66 mm advantage when it comes to wheelbase. The height and width differential is largely negligible single digits.

The similarities in design extend towards the cabin as well, with the Scenic’s familiar layout largely retained on the Grand, although storage space has been bumped up by 40 litres from the previous model to 718 litres on the five-seat version.

More storage space is accessible via the 60:40-split folding second row seats. On the seven-seat version, the design of the folding third row seats is similar to that on the new Espace. Another useful feature here is the One Touch Folding Seats function, allowing the rear seats to fold flat automatically at push of a button on the R-Link 2 display or the controls in the boot.

Speaking of the R-Link 2, the infotainment system serves as the main connectivity hub for the Grand Scenic, and is linked to the MPV’s Multi-Sense technology with several driving modes. A Bose surround sound system is also offered here as well, as is a full-colour heads-up display.

A series of ‘Easy Life’ fitments also help to meet the practicality demands of all occupants as well. First up, the sliding centre console provides not just 13 litres of stowage, but also useful peripherals like USB ports, a 12 V power supply and inputs for the multimedia system.

Elsewhere, the Easy Life drawer offers 11.5 litres of storage, and comes lit and chilled. An electronic sensor automatically locks the drawer when the vehicle is parked. Easy Life folding tables meanwhile, is capable of accommodating tablets of different sizes.

Safety-wise, the Grand Scenic now comes with Active Emergency Braking (AEBS) with Pedestrian Detection as standard – similar to the Scenic. Other safety kit include Lane Keeping Assist and fatigue detection warning. Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Safe Distance Warning (SDW), Traffic Sign Recognition with Over Speed Prevention (TSR with OSP) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) are also part of the car’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Engine options are the same as the regular five-seat Scenic, with diesels forming the majority of the range (Energy dCi 110, 130, 160), and producing up to 158bhp. Among the diesel options will be a Hybrid Assist diesel model (dCi 110), which is mated to a six-speed manual.

Said gearbox is mated to the dCi 130 and 110, along with both petrol offerings – Energy TCe 115 and 130. The remaining diesel engines will either get a six- or seven-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission instead. According to Renault, the Grand Scenic (five or seven seats) will go on sale before the end of 2016.

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