THEY'VE done it again!
Renault set the market alight with the original Scenic and now the French company has re-invented the segment with the Scenic II.
Drawing heavily on its development of the first Scenic, which created the European MPV market, Renault has added its current design themes and come up with a striking, individual model which does so much in a small package.
Outwardly a Megane on botox, the new Scenic is a significant step up from the first model and at the same time sets a new benchmark in the category.
In typical Renault tradition, the Scenic comes with an enormous choice of models with petrol or diesel engines and a family of trim levels at prices from under £13,000 to almost £18,000.
The test car 2.0 Privilége is expected to be one of the most popular at a little over £17,000. It gets alloys, air conditioning and CD player in addition to the full airbags, powered front windows and mirrors on the standard list.
The 2.0 litre engine is a quick starter, pulls well and is both smooth and quiet at any speed. It is well matched to the six-speed gearbox and combines lively acceleration with very relaxed motorway performance and overall economy.
Underfoot, the brakes have excellent balance and strong power, but I think the electric parking brake is not necessarily as straightforward as it might be. The steering too is a little vague but the turning circle is tight and the system does not suffer from vibration or kick-back.
Secondary controls most commonly needed are close to hand or fingers and the simple instruments sit directly in front of the driver. A central console carries the in-car info-tainment system including satellite navigation, but the screen is on the small side.
The air conditioning system is straightforward and works well, supported by the powered windows and a very big sunroof. Oddments space is plentiful with compartments in just about every nook and cranny and the boot is also a reasonable size, quickly increasing when the back seats are folded.
Access to the cabin is easy and the seats are a marked improvement over the small set in the previous version. They offer greater support, wider settings and more versatility with an easy fold arrangement. Currently a five seater, a long wheelbase seven seat Scenic is due next spring.
Visibility is excellent in all directions, with good lights and wipers as well. Once under way, noise levels are low, the most noticeable being some mild road rumble. Ride comfort is very good indeed and body roll seems well controlled for an MPV with no sporting pretensions.
In fact, it holds on well through tight turns and has no vices to worry about but a very neutral character.
Performance through the gears is respectable and the two litre power unit holds the motorway limit without a problem while returning a reasonable figure between refills.
The really impressive feature of the new Scenic 2.0 Privilége is the way it fulfills many roles with few compromises but always delivers a good comfortable ride in an easy going manner.
FAST FACTS
Renault Scenic 2.0 Privilége
Price: £17,050
Mechanical: 134bhp, 1998cc 4-cyl petrol engine, driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds
Fuel: 35mpg
Insurance Group: Eight
CO2 emissions: 192gkm
BiK rating: 22pc
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles, 3 years paint; 12 years anti-rust