Renault is making up for the UK not receiving the new Espace by preparing a sexier new Scenic MPV, and we’ve spotted it out on the road for the first time. It’ll be revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and go on sale later next year.
Earlier this month, Auto Express exclusively revealed details on the upcoming Scenic and Grand Scenic, which the firm told us will “make parents fall in love again”.
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These first spy shots show that the new car will have a similar design language to the Kadjar crossover and new Megane. Like the latest raft of Renault models there is a large shapely grill which dominates the front of the car, featuring the now-familiar oversized Renault diamond badge.
You can make out a curvy front end, similar to that of the Kadjar rather than following the sharp-edged design of the new Espace. The windscreen is steeply raked with a vast glasshouse surrounding the cabin and providing a traditional MPV visibility boost. Thin A-pillars and glass quarterlights are reminiscent of the Citroen C4 Picasso, set to be the car's arch rival.
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The side profile is less SUV-like than the not-for-UK Espace, but butcher than the bulbous current model. The rear of the car appears to be a combination of the Kadjar’s wraparound rear screen, with a large boot opening. We expect the Grand Scenic however to be more Espace-like in design, with an upright profile allowing for seven useable seats.
The cabin of the Scenic is likely to feature Renault’s new portrait touchscreen infotainment system as seen in the Megane, with a head-up display also expected. Like the Megane, the firm promises a more upmarket feel and contemporary design.
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The engine range will be borrowed straight from the Megane it shares its platform with, which means four (and possibly even three) cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Both the Scenic and Grand Scenic will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor show in March next year. At launch, prices are expected to be similar to those of the current model, starting from around £19,500.
What do you think of Renault's current design language? Let us know in the comments...