Diesel power for Scenic
19 June 2008
Renault’s compact MPV (multi purpose vehicle), the Scenic, has been rationalised with the introduction of a 1.9 litre
diesel variant with a four speed automatic transmission.
The well equipped Scenic 1.9 dCi Auto retains all the unique Renault design features which make it so versatile to use,
while adding the greater economy and lower emissions provided by a diesel engine.
Until now the Scenic has only been available in New Zealand with petrol motors.
“The Scenic is an ideal car for the active Kiwi life style,” said Wallis Dumper, the Managing Director of Motorcorp
Distributors, the New Zealand distributor of Renault cars.
“Whether it’s running kids to and from school or after school activities or sport, or loading up for a weekend away with
all the gear we like to take away on holiday, the Scenic’s versatility is a real bonus.”
“Now we have the greater economy and lower emissions of the diesel model, it makes the Scenic more relevant to everyday
use.”
The diesel motor produces 96 kWs and has a maximum torque or pulling power of 250 Nm at a lowly 1600 rpm, making it
ideal for trundling around traffic choked city streets on the school drop-off and pick-up run or cruising on the
highway. It is a common rail turbo diesel meeting Euro four emission regulations and having an overall fuel consumption
of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 188 grams per kilometre.
Available only with the four speed automatic, the Scenic diesel sells for $44,990. It is also aimed at recreational
users who carry large amounts of gear and who are looking for more economical transport and lower operating costs than
petrol engined equivalents.
The fuel filler flap has a built in cap, while the neck of the filler has an anti-splash feature.
Like all Renaults sold in New Zealand, the Scenic has a European 5 star NCAP crash test rating.
Standard passive safety features include six airbags, four pre-tensioned seat belts with load limiters on the front seat
belts. There are anti-intrusion beams in the doors; combined with honey combed padding and a survival passenger cell
with front and rear crumple zones. All head restraints are adjustable.
There is also a strong active safety package to help avoid accidents with an electronic stability programme (ESP)
incorporating understeer control. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) includes electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
and emergency brake assist (BA).
Scenic’s appeal lies in its functional multi use capability. The front passenger seat can be folded flat to provide a
table top, while the three individual rear seats can be removed separately to provide a multitude of different cargo
capacity combinations.
There are four under seat storage drawers and under floor storage areas. A sliding front centre storage console includes
armrests. With all five seats in use the rear luggage area can still be varied from 430 to 480 litres. The rear window
can be opened separately from the full hatchback. With the three rear seats removed, the Scenic can carry up to 1840
litres of cargo.
The Scenic diesel is ideal for carrying bikes, ski equipment, fishing or hunting gear, golf clubs or just about any
other type of sports gear.
Other convenience features include automatic climate control air conditioning with a chilled glove box, audio controls
on the soft touch steering wheel, lumbar and height adjustment of the driver’s seat which combined with the height and
reach adjustable steering column can be set up for drivers of all sizes and shapes.
There is tinted glass, rear side window sun blinds, a trip computer, electronic parking brake and practical cloth
upholstery. With large windows, there are panoramic views all round.
A comprehensive standard specification includes remote central locking and engine immobiliser, the keyless Renault card
and an anti-intruder automatic locking system.
The electric windows have an anti-pinch facility and there are electric child locks on the rear doors.
Light sensitive automatic headlights and rain sensitive automatic wipers are standard, together with a “smart” rear
wiper. The one box, hatchback design comes with body coloured bumpers and door mirrors and chromed door handles. The
mirrors are foldable and heated.
Front fog lamps are standard, together with rear parking sensors and 16 inch alloy wheels. The Scenic is a compact 4264
mm long, with a wheel at each corner 2685 mm long wheelbase and reduced over hangs. The 1506 mm track provides sure
footed handling for a vehicle 1620 mm high. Anti-roll bar diameters have been increased over the previous model Scenic
to provide more body control.
The Scenic has MacPherson strut front and a torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs, similar to that used on the
Megane. There is variable electric power assisted steering.
With a kerb weight of 1430 kgs, the Scenic can tow a 1300 kgs braked trailer. It comes with a 3 years or 100,000
kilometres warranty and 3 year road side assistance. There is a 6 year anti corrosion warranty.
ENDS