Review: New Renault Grand Scenic (From Crewe Guardian)

Review: New Renault Grand Scenic

11:15am Monday 30th April 2012 in Motors By Catherine Lawler

The second generation Renault Grand Scenic has had a bit of a facelift this year.

It now has a sleeker front grille, LED running lights underneath and smarter gloss black and chrome detailing.

There are four engines on offer in the new model (two petrol and two diesel), which has more interior space, style and performance than ever.

There is more room for everyone on board too, together with 40 handy stowage points around the cabin, provid-ing 83 litres of storage space, including underfloor compartments, under-seat drawers, six seatback map pockets, a glovebox and a nine-litre sliding centre console.

The boot has a particularly practical design, with a carrying capacity of 702 litres.

High standard equipment levels include Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation, a radio CD with fingertip remote control, an auto parking brake, air conditioning, cruise control, a speed limiter and an aux input connection for portable music players.

There’s also a wide range of equipment options, including a sliding centre console storage unit and rear parking camera with front parking sensors.

Further options include 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose nine-speaker sound system, climate control, an electric panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. The climate system also features an air quality sensor, which combines with a filter to prevent dust/pollen particles and contaminants enter-ing the car. It also senses toxicity, automatically switching to recirculating air when it detects hazardous particles, which is great for asthma sufferers and those with respiratory problems.

Other great features include a hands-free keycard for locking/unlocking and starting up, automatic dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and an automatic parking brake.

Safety equipment includes a highly rigid body shell, six airbags, large disc brakes all-round, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ASR traction control and CSV understeer control.

The front-end design of the Grand Scenic profits from features designed to protect pedestrians in a collision.

Improved suspension and a new electric power steering system also contribute to saloon car-like handling, and extensive work on damping has led to an improved absorption of uneven road surfaces.

Most people tend to use a seven-seater as a five-seater with generous boot space – only using the extra two seats when there’s a car full of people. So if your priorities are space and exceptional economy, the Renault Grand Scenic has everything you need and more.

FACTFILE

Car: Renault Grand Scenic 1.5 dCi

On the road: £21,625

0-62mph: 13.5 seconds

Top speed: 112mph

Fuel: 68.9mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 105g/km