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.