Life as we all know is difficult enough with the amount of choices and decisions we make on a daily basis.
So imagine the scenario, you are about to change your car and you want something that will enable the whole family to be moved in comfort and a degree of style.
You have done your homework, you have narrowed the choices down and you think a Renault Scenic may be the car for you.
You visit your Renault garage and say: “I’m interested in a Scenic”, and the salesman says “Yes sir, are you looking for a Scenic, a Grand Scenic, or a Grand Scenic 7″.
He will then ask which of the 73 derivatives of this particular model are you interested in?
That is no mistake, there are 73 options available, so be prepared to spend a weekend at your dealership in your attempt to purchase the vehicle.
Without a doubt Renault’s Scenic has been a very, very, popular car. It looks stylish, it still has that slightly smack-bottom look of the earlier Megane which startled the motoring public but which I think we have all accepted and it is part of its quirky design.
The new Scenic is an incredibly flexible vehicle; the interior can be modified so that people can find ideal comfort, load carrying capacity or passenger capacity.
To narrow things down there are three different body sizes and four trim levels. There is the Authentique, which is in effect the entry level, then an Expression, a Dynamic and the top of the range is the Privilege.
The new Scenic differs from its earlier sibling by quite pleasant styling changes of which there have been quite a few. The front sports a new grille with the characteristically pronounced V giving it the corporate Renault look.
Front and rear bumpers have been redesigned and the lower bumper air intake is wider. In addition the fog lamps have been relocated further towards the outside of the car. The headlamps have been modified and the rear lamps now employ light emitting diodes LEDs on all versions.
Dependent on which particular derivative you take, body colour co-ordinated door mirrors and door handles are incorporated, chrome surrounds appear on controls, handles and vents on Dynamic models. In addition Renault has introduced five new vibrant metallic paint colours and there really are some quite stunning colours to choose from.
The Scenic has always had an airy feel and spaciousness to its cabin and it really is a nice place to be. The new range is no exception. Renault has really made huge strides recently in terms of interior quality and they have gone like other manufacturers for the soft touchy feel of dashboard materials.
Continuing a feel of taking the vehicle interiors upmarket, a quieter environment will now be experienced by occupants and this is thanks to enhanced sound proofing of the engine, cabin and of course the drive train mechanism.
The new Scenic has moved forward into the digital age and a top of the range stereo system with 60 watts of sound with a CD and a MP3 option is fitted. A six CD multi-changer with six speakers is available as an option.
One of the biggest features of the new model is the new engine and transmission line-up. A new two-litre 150 bhp diesel and two diesel automatics are now available and for me we are moving closer to motoring nirvana, a diesel with an automatic box always ticks the right boxes for me.
Seven engines are available, four diesels, and three petrol, ranging in power from 86 bhp up to the previously mentioned 150 bhp two-litre diesel. This later engine is already proving its worth in the Megane, Laguna, and Espace and I have to admit after being in possession of my Scenic equipped with this engine for a week, it really was a delightful companion.
It had ample power at all times, quite a high amount of torque at a mere 2,000 revs and a 0 - 60 of 9.4 seconds show that this engine is one to be considered if a Scenic is to be on your purchase list.
The level of equipment is quite high and gives value for money. The entry-level Authentique model includes ABS with an EBD system; it has brake assist in addition. It has electrically operated and heated door mirrors, electric front windows with a one touch control, and intelligent windscreen wipers. It also has a trip computer.
Stepping up to an Expression introduces the single CD radio, air conditioning and cooled glove box. Automatic headlight and windscreen wipers are also incorporated.
You need to buy a Dynamic if alloy wheels are on your shopping list. The top specification Privilege completes the range and this introduces a six CD multi-changer with six speakers.
It has the hands free Renault card which I do like. It allows you to keep the ignition type key in your pocket or handbag and as you approach the vehicle you just touch the door handle and they automatically open.
The pricing structure is difficult; with so many derivatives it is just easier to say that the new Scenic varies between £13,915 and £21,415. The Grand Scenic five-seater varies between £15,165 and £22,165 and the Grand Scenic with the seven-seat option varies between £15,415 and £22,415.
Insurance groups vary between four and 10E and the CO2 emissions also vary.
By Bob Hickman
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