The original Renault Scenic was a notable trend-setter, but rivals like the Citroen C4 Picasso have knocked the current car down the pecking order. Alongside that, MPV sales are slowly dwindling as buyers favour crossovers and SUVs.
Step forward this bold new crossover-inspired design, for a car that chief designer Laurens van den Acker hopes will make parents “fall in love again” – as they did with the ground-breaking original all the way back in 1996.
Renault is continuing its latest family car revolution – started with the Kadjar SUV, new Megane hatch and forthcoming large SUV – with a thoroughly re-thought take on the people carrier. The brand has clearly taken inspiration from its Kadjar giving the car a crossover look thanks to bigger wheels and an elevated stance.
But it’s all an illusion. The standard-fit 20-inch wheels trick your mind into thinking Renault has pumped up the suspension and given the Scenic a raised ride height. But the roof is actually lower than before, while the windscreen has been raked forward by 100mm to give a sleeker, more desirable design. It’s a technique used on the not-for-UK Renault Espace, and one that has seen strong sales in mainland Europe.
It will of course continue to be one of the safest cars on sale, with the Scenic marking introducing three new safety systems to the Renault range. Lane Keeping Assist, Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Tiredness Detection all feature on the MPV-cum-crossover.
The now-familiar oversized badge gives the car the latest Renault family face, while there’s also a lower roofline, longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang than on the previous model. The wheels have been pushed right into the corners of the car, too, for a sportier appearance.
This all adds up to a car that’s less MPV and more family-focused SUV-crossover. Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker has said: “It is a sexier and more modern take on the MPV, which carries over the outstanding modularity that has been paramount to the success of the model’s three previous generations.
