Renault Scenic E-Tech v Symbioz v Rafale

Known as the Espace's little brother when it was a humble MPV, the all-new Renault Scenic has morphed into an all-electric crossover because we live in the new normal where crossovers dominate new car sales like superhero movies.

2024 Renault Scenic

Here it is, the all-new, all-electric, fifth-generation Renault Scenic. It's no longer the Scenic the world knows because it's now officially a crossover SUV that uses the same E-TECH all-electric powertrain from the Megane. It starts at 35,990 Euros plus additional costs, cheaper than its main rival, the Peugeot e-2008.

2024 Renault Scenic

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Scenic mimics the design from the Scenic Vision Concept two years ago, giving sharpness to this crossover people carrier. Its dimensions are 4.47m long, 1.86m wide, and 1.57m high, which promises to be more spacious than its predecessor despite being smaller in width and height.

2024 Renault Scenic interior

The all-new Scenic dons the familiar Renault dashboard that today's models have, meaning you will be greeted by the all-familiar 12.3-inch horizontal screen joined by the L-shaped 12-inch vertical touchscreen that controls the infotainment, climate control, and the MULTI-SENSE. It's powered by Google Android Auto just so you know. Concerning sustainability, the Scenic's interior is crafted from 90% of recyclable materials.

As a five-seater, the all-new Scenic allows passengers to turn the middle seat from the second row into an armrest with two cup holders. Ideal for VIP work if you're into that. Regarding boot space, the Scenic V can carry up to 545 liters, with the rear seats present up to 1,670 liters of boot space and the passenger seats folded.

2024 Renault Scenic

The all-electric E-TECH powertrain features a 60kWH standard range or an 87kWh high-range battery pack. The latter produces a high-performance 220PS of power and 300Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in less than eight seconds and is about ten kph slower than a standard Japanese car or a present-day Volvo. As for driving range, it's good for up to 625km on one full charge.

Asked about the driving experience, even with the MULTI-SENSE set to Sport Mode, the all-new Scenic feels regular to drive. Not an exciting experience as expected on an electric crossover but thanks to its CMF-EV platform and its electric drivetrain, it's about as comfortable as sleeping in a bed in a three-star hotel. Of course, being a new normal crossover, the Scenic features Safety Coach which assesses driving behavior and habits to provide tailored advice on driving style and ADAS use. Bossy, eh?

There you have it. The all-new Renault Scenic E-TECH made us forget about the Scenics of yesteryears because from now on, this is one we should stick to our heads. Sadly, it's not going to be easy because as today's customers are showing lukewarm interest in electric cars, they are better off with a crossover that looks just like it, except for every single detail.

2025 Renault Symbioz

2025 Renault Symbioz

This is the first-ever Renault Symbioz and don't let its name fool you. It may bear the name of a funky 2017 concept car but, in reality, it's just another hybrid crossover made to tackle the likes of the Peugeot 2008. Priced at 33,400 Euros plus additional costs, it's slightly more expensive than the 2008.

2025 Renault Symbioz interior

Although the Symbioz bears the same front face as today's Scenic, the rear and side view look like it came from today's Kia Sportage. Same Renault gadgetry aside, the spacing of the Symbioz is smaller than the Scenic because it's capable of carrying up to 1455 liters of boot space. Still, it can carry up to five people. No problem.

2025 Renault Symbioz

Front-wheel-drive only as expected, just like the Scenic, the Symbioz is powered by the same 1.6L E-TECH 145 hybrid powertrain as the Arkana. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, it has a 0-100kph time of 10.6 seconds, slower than the Scenic, and it has the same top speed as the Scenic E-Tech. 170kph to be exact.

Sure, it still packs the nagging Safety Coach that tells your driving style as well as ADAS recommendations but because it uses the same platform as today's Clio, it's less bulky to drive than the Scenic. Mind you, this is straightforward compared to this...

2025 Renault Rafale

The 45,000 Euro Renault Rafale. Named after a multirole jet used by the French Navy, it's the exact opposite of its namesake. Despite the irony, this is the Top Gun of the Renault SUV lineup.

2025 Renault Rafale

2025 Renault Rafale interior

Despite being a coupe crossover just like its main rival, the Peugeot 408, the Rafale is the most spacious of the Renault crossovers with up to 1910 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded down. It still packs the usual Renault tech such as the OpenR Link, Safety Coach, and others, but because it has AI-powered capabilities, the Rafale is another one of the production cars that plunged into the dark side of AI connectivity.

In addition to the 1.2L Turbo E-TECH Hybrid powertrain with 200PS of power output mated to a 6-speed AT with 4.7L/100km of fuel economy, the Rafale features the 300PS 1.2L Turbo PHEV powertrain where the combination of the petrol engine and the electric motor powering all four wheels, making it the only 4WD in the Renault SUV lineup. Armed with the 6-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds and has the top speed of a standard Japanese car or a present-day Volvo. Fuel economy is around 0.5L/100km and running on electricity only, it can go up to 105km.

Coupled with MULTI-SENSE and the Megane-derived 4CONTROL system, the Rafale is about as close as enjoyable as the now-defunct Renaultsport Megane. Close but no baguette. The same goes for the 4x4 PHEV variant but good while feeling under the weather.

Three Renault crossovers of 2024 bear such ironies. The Scenic of today has nothing to do with the Scenics of the past, the Symbioz has nothing to do with the concept car namesake, and the Rafale is not as cool as its fighter jet namesake. Differences aside, these crossovers made such a statement and in the end, it's the Rafale that stands out not because...well, you get the idea. Case closed.

Photo: Renault

Renault Scenic IV

2016 marks the 20th anniversary of the Renault Scenic MPV and for its fourth-generation, the all-new Renault Scenic, in five-seater and seven-seater Grand Scenic variants, promises to be a family friendly multipurpose vehicle fit for all sorts of national lampoons across Europe, be it a road trip to Spain, the Cheddar Gorge, Swiss Alps, any destination would the family want to go as long as this MPV's ready to accommodate the whole family.

2017 Renault Scenic

2017 Renault Grand Scenic

First, let's take a closer look on the design and for this fourth-generation model, the new Scenic draws inspiration from 2011's R-Space concept while incorporating Renault's new signature design that traces back to the Espace, the Talisman, and of course, the latest Renault Megane it was based upon. While the design is basically an improvement compared to the previous model, the new Scenic still retains its MPV character inside out, meaning even it exciting looks, it's still a dad's car for dads who had a wife and kids loaded to their hectic schedules without all the free days for himself.

2017 Renault Grand Scenic interior

2017 Renault Scenic interior

Because of Renault's new design language, the new Scenic now became a victim to Renault's uniform interior design that the Espace, Talisman, and the Megane now had. Step inside and you can never tell the difference from the other cars because this is Renault's future, whether you like it or not, and it's going to succumb like what happened to the BMW interiors of the past bringing that same interior look over and over again until the 7-Series changed all that. On the upside, you have some lots of thingamajigs you can toy around, especially that touchscreen on the dashboard that tells what you are doing right now.

Whether you are in a five-seater Scenic or in a family-friendly seven-seater Grand Scenic, it's great to know that the interior still has the same practicality as the previous Scenic models but with a bit more unfinished businesses. Whether if you're going for a family picnic or a night out with your mates, the new interior really packs some comfort and convenience for both driver and passenger alike. There's even lots of compartment to store your stuff elsewhere, too. After twenty years of focusing more on practicality, the new Scenic really knows how to accommodate very well with the trends of today and who can blame but the customers who really demand more for this two-decade-long MPV in the European market.

2017 Renault Grand Scenic

2017 Renault Scenic

Checking under the hood, the Scenic and the Grand Scenic comes with different choice of petrol or diesel engines to choose from. In the normal five-seater Scenic, the most powerful variant is obviously either a 1.2L turbocharged petrol or a 1.6L diesel engine each producing 130PS of power while the most fuel efficient is the Energy dCi 110 engine with 3.9L/100km of fuel consumption. In the seven-seater Grand Scenic, meanwhile, the most powerful is the 1.6L dCi engine with 160PS of power while mated with a double-clutch gearbox. Well, you get the idea but if you're driving one in Paris, those diesel variants will soon be banned from entering the French capital for environmental reasons we don't really understand.

While it uses the same new platform as the new Megane, the Scenic feels more relaxed and more civilized for a people carrier but for enjoyment, it's pretty much average and you can't feel the fun factor when you drive it on the open road with the family. It maybe good to drive on the streets but out on the open, it's a tad regular car with a regular taste that is way beyond normal standards.

Safety wise, the new Scenic comes with an array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that will keep them safe on the road such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Safe Distance Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition with Over Speed Prevention, Blind Spot Warning, reversing camera, automatic dipped and main beam headlights, Easy Park Assist, and so much more in store for the new model.

The price? The new Scenic starts at 24,000 Euros while the Grand Scenic starts at 25,300 Euros, making these a reasonable value for money, although cars like the Kia Carens can undercut these two in terms of pricing, but don't get too rough on this one because while it lacks enjoyment on the open road, the new Scenic still offers some practicality, some tech, and good driving feel on the street fit for a family mover. The Scenic has been around with the European families for two decades and the latest version will surely want to do something to get it written to the history of Renault's iconic MPV.

Photo: Renault

Renault Scenic XMOD

2013 Renault Scenic XMOD

Remember the RX4?

Well, back in 2000, Renault made a toughened version of the Scenic family mover called the RX4 which comes with the part-time, on demand 4WD system which works very well without all the drama. It's a good car though, especially the rear seats can be removed for added space. Some people say, they like this one better than the present-day Koleos because it's Korean and it's rubbish.

So what's it all about this present-day Scenic XMOD?

Well, like the old RX4, the XMOD is a crossover type of Scenic for those who want to go Adventure Time (no, not the one you'd expect from) on the great outdoors. On the outside, it looks like a recently facelifted Scenic but the XMOD features an enhanced ride height, new bumpers, sill guards, new alloy wheels and roof bars to make the XMOD look like it's ready for adventures in the Alps.

But...

Despite being a crossover, the XMOD is available only in front-wheel drive, same as the Clio-based Captur crossover, which is also FWD you know. However, Renault added something specifically to the XMOD such as this; the all-new Extended Grip system. This new system provides the confidence of a 4WD car in a FWD crossover people carrier and when set to EXPERT MODE, it takes care of the braking system, while leaving the driver in full control of the engine torque. When you set it in ROAD MODE, it provides conventional traction control settings and automatically reconnects at speeds of 40kph. Lastly, on LOOSE GROUND MODE, it optimises braking control and engine torque control as a function of available grip. That sounds interesting but even with this Extended Grip system, I'm afraid that going to be as redundat to drive as the Captur due to the lack of 4WD. As for the ride however, that's creepy in so many levels. It may not be as fun to drive as a 4WD minivan and I'd expect to have the same feeling as having your kids saying...um...how do you say "Are We There Yet?" in French? Never mind but if you have kids on your next road trip to Dune of Pyla or at the Mont Saint-Michel, your best bet is to buy some SeatPets elsewhere and put it on the seatbelts of the rear seat so your kids will stay comfy on your trip. Just saying...

Engine Choices?

Let's see... There are two petrol engines (Energy TCe 130, Energy TCe 115) and three diesel engines (Energy dCi 110, Energy dCi 130, dCi 110) available on the XMOD. Most models do have a 6-speed manual while the one with the dCi 110 comes with an optional double clutch transmission which sounds a bit fine but the one with the dCi 110 mated with a manual promises a 4L/100km of combined fuel economy, which sounds perfect for the long journeys and practical for road use.

What's it like to be inside?

2013 Renault Scenic XMOD interior

Well, it's not half bad to be inside the XMOD. It's even more spacious than the regular Scenic because the boot is now up to 555 litres in capacity, it has the new R-Link infotainment first applied on the new Clio, seating for five people, and joy of joys, it has a premium Bose stereo which is a favorite for those who had Bose Edition models in the past.

Price List?

2013 Renault Scenic XMOD

Zen dCi 110 - 27,250 Euros
Zen Energy dCi 110 eco² - 27,950 Euros
Zen dCi 110 EDC - 28,750 Euros
Zen Energy TCe 115 - 26,450 Euros
Bose Energy dCi 130 - 31,700 Euros
Bose Energy dCi 110 eco² - 30,900 Euros
Bose dCi 110 EDC - 31,700 Euros
Bose Energy TCe 130 - 28,800 Euros

Available Colors?

Available colors for the XMOD are Beige Dune, Bleu majorelle, Gris Cassiopee, Gris Platine, Jaune Automne, Rouge Grenat, Teinte Fictive, Blanc Nacre, Noir Etoile, and Blanc Glacier.

Renault Scenic Collection 2012

2012 Renault Scenic

2012 Renault Grand Scenic

For the 2012 model year, both the Renault Scenic (5-seater) and the Renault Grand Scenic (7-seater) receive subtle upgrades. For that, you should expect new front lamps, new front bumper, new rear view design, two new Renault Energy dCi engines and get this, the limited edition BOSE Edition becomes a regular variant for the 2012MY Scenic and 2012MY Grand Scenic.

What's more, the interior has been tweaked with a beige trim on the Expression and Privilege versions and dark charcoal trim for the Privilege versions.

At least that's not raving mad...

Available this January 2012!

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/12/renault-facelifts-scenic-mpv-range-on.html 

Renault Scenic -Third Generation-

With this minivan's full model change, ever since the previous two generations, and the new set of features ready for family fun and excitement, the new Renault Scenic never brings the word "disgrace" to this car's vocabulary, and evolved for perfection.

There are two kinds of Scenics to choose from, depending from the driver’s tastes:

5-seater Scenic



or the 7-seater Grand Scenic



With the Scenic carries five adults, and the Grand Scenic fits seven people, there is no surprising that these two Scenics developed as the practical multipurpose passenger vehicle developed by the French automobile manufacturer, Renault. From the exterior, the Scenic still carries Renault's new design flow used from the latest Laguna, Twingo, Megane, and the Clio minor change, but on the other hand, the 5-seater Scenic and the 7-seater Grand Scenic have different identities that allow minivan customers to identify which are which.




With different exterior identities, the Scenic and the Grand Scenic shares the same interior faces, despite the seating is different for the both of them, from the optional navigation system, audio system seating arrangements, climate control, and many pockets to place, it is the motivation of the French minivan that provides the essence for the whole family.




With such motivation, the Scenic and the Grand Scenic motivates MPV connoisseurs with the finest technology. From the instrumental panel, Megane-based suspension, power steering, a choice of gasoline (1.6-litre turbo control efficiency engine, 1.6-litre LPG engine, or 1.6-litre 16-valve engine), or diesel engines with DPF as an option, and the host of safety features, including rear view monitor, the Scenic is truly a remarkable helper in all those situations.

ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?
Even as a 5-seater Scenic, or the 7-seater Grand Scenic, your road trips would never been more motivated by such features targeted for individuals who wanted to make road trips more fun, more safe, and more enjoyable for everyone. As targeted among European families, the Scenic is their perfect companion if long weekend vacations or even gimmicks all day occur. I assure that both the Scenic and the Grand Scenic would be perfect not as a carrier for people, but also the perfect MPV for the masses.