Renault GRAND SCENIC RANGE
In A Bid To Provide MPV-Style Versatility In Every Section Of The Market,
Renault Have Unveiled The Grand Scenic. Andy Enright Reports
In unveiling the Grand Scenic, Renault have opened up a new front in the battle for the MPV customers pound. As the first manufacturer to offer a
mini-MPV in two different lengths, it aims to offer something for everybody. From cheap and cheerful Kangoo through Scenic, Grand Scenic, Espace and Grand Espace, Renault aim to cover every base. In offering seven seats compared to the regular Scenics five, the Grand Scenic gives the Scenic sub-brand a distinct advantage against cars like the
Ford Focus C-MAX as well as the host of mini-MPVs that only just manage to squeeze in seven seats.
The
Vauxhall Zafira may have started the trend for seven-
seat mini MPVs with its ingenious Flex7 seating system, but there have been a host of imitators following in its wake. Some have been good but the majority have been very poor, offering a vestigial pair of seats at the back with dreadful access. Having the kids muddy feet clambering all over the upholstery is never ideal but these are the compromises many of these vehicles impose. Renault decided early on in the planning cycle of the Scenic brand that the job wasnt worth doing at all unless it was tackled properly.
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Looking at the back of a Scenic theres little doubt that the French company could have adopted a similar tactic and wedged in a pair of flimsy dicky seats but instead theyve used an entirely different chassis that has also doubled up for models like the Megane Sport Saloon. This platform sharing philosophy helps to defray the costs in developing the new models but also means that with an extra 23cm in length, the Grand Scenic is a good deal bigger than many of the early full-sized MPVs we fondly remember. Whats more, at 4.49 metres in length, its a mere 13cm shorter than something contemporary like a
Volkswagen Sharan or
Ford Galaxy.
Much of that additional length has come about by extending the rear overhang by 18cm. The minimal 5cm grafted into the wheelbase means that the Grand Scenic doesnt look particularly different to its more compact sibling. This is entirely intentional, as
Renault didnt want to ruin the Scenics
smart lines by merely creating a crude superstretch version. The two additional rear seats are neat items but suffer the usual problem of the
seat squabs being very low to the floor.
The flipside of this if youll excuse the pun is that they can be folded in one motion completely flat into a void beneath the floor. This means that the Grand Scenic can operate as a five seat vehicle with a cavernous luggage area which refutes the usual MPV complaint that once loaded with a meaningful complement of passengers, theres nowhere for the luggage to go. It also means that the Grand Scenic can be easily configured as a five, six or seven seat vehicle, the rearmost seats folding away individually with a one handed movement. With a carpet covering them in their recessed position, few would even realise they were there.
"Being a family-oriented vehicle, the Grand Scenic comes laden with safety features"
Access to the rear pair of seats is reasonably good, the Grand Scenic featuring jacks beneath the second row of seats to hold them in their folded position to ensure safe tilting. Because the second row of seats are separated individually, two passengers can still remain in them while the third is tilted to effect an entry. Legroom in the back is fairly good and two adults can be accommodated if the occupants in the second row arent of basketball star dimensions. All this multifarious adjustability may give rise to a few arguments between the kids but think of it like this.
If they can hold their own in the Grand Scenic, theyll be demons by the time they start flying long haul! When configured in seven seat mode, the Grand Scenic still contrives to offer the largest luggage space in its class with a purposeful 200 litres capacity. Flip the back pair of seats earthwards and youll have between 550 to 605 litres available, depending on how far the second row of seats are slid back. With the second row of seats removed, theres a vast 1920 litres of room almost enough for a London estate agent to call it a studio flat. If you fold the front passenger seat down, the Grand Espace can accommodate items up to 2.
75 metres long ideal for weekend trips to the DIY superstore. As well as the seating facility, Renault plough all the benefits of nearly twenty years of MPV expertise into the Grand Scenic with a whole host of family friendly features that reflect real world situations. The rear window opens on some models for easier loading in cramped situations and theres a full 104-litres of space in assorted cubbies, lockers and boxes. These include a three-litre storage compartment for left-side passengers and two big eight-litre bins behind the rear wheel arches.
The Grand Scenic cabin is designed with airiness in mind and the huge 1.4sq/m windscreen is bested by the monster 1.61sq/m panoramic sunroof. A bigger rear three-quarter window makes low speed manoeuvring a doddle and the wide-angle interior mirror allows you to keep an eye on what projectile is coming Daddys way next.
With all this glass area, the Grand Scenic can get very hot very quickly, but an excellent air conditioning system is fitted, as are roller sunblinds incorporated into the rear doors. Being a family-oriented vehicle, its crucial that the Grand Scenic comes laden with safety features and it doesnt disappoint. Latest generation anti-lock brakes backed up by emergency brake assist are standard as is a sophisticated Electronic Stability Control program with Understeer Control. Traction Control is also available, as is a system that control engine torque on the overrun.
A tyre pressure monitoring system, three point seat belts on all seven seats and no fewer than six airbags make the Grand Scenic an extremely safe place to be. The Scenic gained a full five stars on the Euro NCAP crash test and its reasonable to assume the Grand will follow suit. Is it a safe place to invest your money? Its difficult to see any other
mini-MPV getting close
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Renault Grand Scenic range
PRICES: £14,613£19,113 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-8
CO2 EMISSIONS: [1.9dCi] 154g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.9dCi] Max Speed 117mph / 0-60mph 12.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9dCi] (combined) 48.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags / seatbelt pre-tensioners / ABS with emergency brake assist
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4490/2087/1621mm
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