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Wand altered every thing besides the identify” is the slogan Renault was designed in your All-new, all-electric Scenic modeland, for higher or worse, that is a reasonably correct evaluation.
The outdated Scenic, initially the Megane Scenic of the Nineties, was an oval folks provider or “multi-purpose automobile”. This new Scenic is a barely bigger rectilinear affair, styled extra like a SUVas is the style (a bit complicated, Renault nonetheless makes one Megane, now electricconstructed on the identical platform because the Scenic, however barely shorter).
Outdated Scenics had a spread of petrol and, sure, diesel engines (as oddly sooty as which will sound now), and the most recent Scenic has a selection of long-range or short-range batteries. The outdated Scenic was, properly, a bit brittle and liable to corrosion; and we’ll must see how this mannequin copes with the ravages of time. First impressions counsel it must be extra sturdy than its predecessors.
So sure, a break with the previous, and the Scenic takes its place alongside a flurry of latest Renault fashions occupying roughly the identical form of market area, some absolutely electrical, some hybrid, most with unfamiliar names – Arkana, Southern, Rafale and shortly, Symbiosis. I believe I most well-liked it when Renaults have been numbered – 4, 5, 12, 16, 20… it was much less of a feat of reminiscence.
There are literally fairly a number of variants of the Scenic itself; the most cost effective have a 60kWh battery mated to 168bhp, and the dearer variations have a a lot bigger 87kWh pack and a 215bhp motor. Each are front-wheel drive and out there in three trim ranges – Techno, Esprit Alpine and the opulently outfitted Iconic.
Nearly inevitably my press automotive was the highest mannequin, full with some spectacular 20-inch alloy wheels and one thing referred to as a “solarbay opacifying panoramic sunroof”. This can be a actual speaking level for the Scenic driver. It doesn’t open, however in contrast to a traditional glass roof, it doesn’t have a sliding sunshade – as an alternative, with the flick of a change, you may modify its transparency (or opacity) and it’s a reasonably magical little trick.
The opposite novelty is what Renault has actually registered as its “ingenious armrest” within the again units, a Swiss Military knife-like object that unfolds to disclose a storage cubby, two USB ports, cup holders, plus a smartphone/pill holder. Very sensible.
The cabin is mostly completed in high-quality supplies, together with some gentle leather-based seat and sprint coverings. The touchscreens are crisp and clear, and the bespoke Google Maps satellite tv for pc navigation system (you need not use your cellphone) is sensible, as is the head-up show and voice recognition system for the radio and sat-nav (which additionally operates the variable glass sunroof).
THE SPECIFICATION
Renault Scenic Iconic
Value: £46,745 (as examined, the vary begins at £37,495)
Propulsion: Single electrical motor, powered by 87 kWh battery
Energy (hp): 220
Prime velocity (mph): 105
0-60 (seconds): 7.9
Economic system (Wh/mile): 286
Vary (miles): about 290
CO2 emissions: 0
The Iconic model with its close to 300-mile vary (in fairly beneficial situations) and gear ranges on par with something this aspect of the super-luxury section is pushing £50,000, however you should not be too begrudge the fee. By the way, maybe as a result of it is so new there aren’t the identical deep reductions you may discover on another BEVs, however you need to search for round 10 per cent off the listing value.
Regardless of being a brand new entrant, it’s not essentially the most environment friendly in its class, and all of us want to begin interested by that extra within the electrical age. Individuals are inclined to get hung up on whole vary, which is essential, nevertheless it doesn’t let you know something about effectivity. It’s a bit like shopping for a gas-powered automotive simply because it has an enormous gas tank.
The Scenic will eat about 286 kilowatt-hours of battery energy per mile traveled, which is marginally worse than rivals just like the Tesla Mannequin 2 or a Kia EV6however it’s superior to a Peugeot E-3008 or Ford Mustang Mach-E.
I haven’t stated a lot about how the Scenic drives as a result of it’s not all that memorable, and given its scope that’s not an issue. Like all BEVs, the electrical motor offers greater than sufficient urgency from relaxation and is all the time quiet, even with the artificial “compound” hum Jean-Michel Jarrenothing much less.
It is a good-looking and fairly imposing automotive, with its daring Renault diamond patterns on the grille, nevertheless it’s smaller than it seems to be and nearly usable in city situations.
Just like the older Scenics, I would name it extra of a commuter automotive, with loads of room. It is simply not a multi-purpose automobile with all the journey promise that that now-extinct sort of automotive used to have.
That is the one factor, that versatility, that I would not have modified if I have been answerable for designing the brand new Scenic. However you may’t have every thing, even with a automotive that calls itself “iconic.”
