Renault’s family car revolution is nearly complete. The Kadjar crossover is now on sale and the next-generation Megane is just around the corner – so attention turns to the all-new Scenic MPV, due later in 2016. It’s set to launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and our exclusive image shows its more stylish, dynamic design.
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At September’s Frankfurt show, design boss Laurens van den Acker told Auto Express the Scenic formula needed to be refined to “make parents fall in love again”, using a “sensuous and voluptuous” design. And it’s clear from these spy shots and our image that the design has progressed into a curvier shape and less upright profile.
This camouflaged prototype is French-registered, but was spotted in Maidstone, Kent, by an Auto Express reader, revealing a more squat, almost sportier look and rising shoulder line. The chunkier lower half takes influence from the ever-growing crossover market, while the front end features the same oversized badge and pulled-back headlamps as the Kadjar.
The rear appears to share the stretched tail-lights from the Megane, too. Van den Acker said it’s all part of creating a family identity across the range to “make sure that Renaults are recognised in all markets”.
The thin A-pillars and glasshouse area are very similar to those found on the Scenic-rivalling Citroen C4 Picasso, and are designed to boost visibility. But the windscreen is steeply raked, giving the Scenic a lower roofline. The body itself is expected to be longer and wider, yet lower than before, too – as it is on the Megane.
Van den Acker revealed that there will be more external differences between the five-seat Scenic and seven-seat Grand Scenic. The Scenic, which is based on the same platform as the new Megane, will sit between Renault’s Captur and Kadjar SUVs in terms of overall size and pricing, with the Grand Scenic positioned alongside the company’s upcoming seven-seat flagship SUV. And the Grand will be more upright and practical to fill the void left by the Espace, which is no longer sold in the UK market.
Inside, we can expect much of the dashboard architecture to be shared with the new Megane. That means a large tablet-style portrait touchscreen will control most functions, while a colour head-up display should feature on higher-spec cars.
Improving interior quality is expected to be a priority – as it is in the Megane – with Renault chasing the Volkswagen Touran for fit and finish and durability. We’re also likely to see more practical touches and extra storage solutions inside, but the biggest change will be an increase in overall space.
The wider body should allow a roomier and more flexible seating layout, while the Grand Scenic will offer more head and legroom in the third row. Boot space should also increase in the five and seven-seaters.
Powertrains are expected to be shared pretty much wholesale with the Megane, so we will see a range of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines from launch, with the possibility of a mild hybrid version soon after. Efficiency will be high on the agenda for all models, with an entry-level diesel slashing CO2 emissions below the 100g/km barrier.
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