Renault Grand Scenic

Renault Grand Scenic

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One platform – seven variations. That’s what Renault has done with its latest Megane platform which first appeared in July 2002 in Europe. Over 14 months, the company has been rolling out different bodystyles culminating with the Grand Scenic as the final one (for now?).

 


The 7-seater Grand Scenic actually sits on an extended platform, making Renault the first manufacturer to have two lengths in the compact MPV segment (following the example of the Espace). By lengthening the wheelbase by just 50 mm and the overhang by 180 mm, the Grand Scenic’s overall length extends to 4490 mm to allow for a third row of seating and still have good cargo space.

The model was planned as part of the Scenic II program and thus has a common cabin ambience as the other variants, albeit with extra space. The Grand Scénic retains the adaptability of Scénic II, except for the re-centering of the second-row seats, and is equipped with two additional independent seats in a third row, individually folding beneath the floor. These allow the five-seat layout to be instantly converted into one with six or seven seats.

Thanks to the additional wheelbase length added between the doors and the rear wheels, access to the third seat row is gained simply by tilting one of the side seats in the second row. As in Espace IV, a fold-away mechanism for the rear attachment makes for easier
access and jacks are installed beneath the second-row seats to hold them in their folded position and ensure safe tilting.

The three separate seats allow access to the third row without all the second-row occupants needing to leave the vehicle. When the second-row seats, mounted on slides, are in the forward position, two adults of average size can be comfortably accommodated in the rear of the vehicle.

The Grand Scénic cabin is exceptionally light and airy, with a windscreen area of 1.40 square metres and a panoramic sunroof with an area of 1.61 square metres. It is also equipped with roller sunblinds in the rear doors and an interior communication mirror (good for keeping an eye on the kids!).

In order to allow easier access to the luggage compartment without opening the rear hatch, the Grand Scénic and Scénic II are also equipped with an opening tailgate window (certain versions only).

The Grand Scénic has most of the storage space provided in the Scénic II, with the exception of the drawers beneath the second-row seats, which have been removed to make foot space for the third-row passengers. Storage volume within Grand Scénic totals 104 litres (versus 91 litres in other variants), thanks to a closed 3-litre storage compartment for the left-side passengers, and two special 8-litre bins behind the rear wheel arches.

Petrol engine options range from a 83 kW/115 bhp 1.6-litre unit to a new, powerful 120 kW/165 bhp 16-valve turbocharged engine which also generates an impressive 270 Nm at 3250 rpm. Two diesel engines of 1.5 litres and 1.9 litres are also available, these having commonrail fuel delivery systems.

For transmissions, manual gearboxes can be ordered with five or six speeds and those who prefer auto-shifting can opt for the Proactive transmission which offers the best of both worlds.

It is not known if TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd, the Tan Chong subsidiary which has taken over distribution and marketing of Renault passenger cars, will bring the Grand Scenic in (it will only go on sale in early 2004 in Europe) although the company officially launched the new Megane at the motorshow last month. For the time being, it will concentrate on the Kangoo which will be locally assembled from the middle of next year.

 



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