Test drive by Renault Scenic 2003 - 2009 Minivan

Renault Scenic II 2.0

He was far from the first compact single -raised - similar Japanese models appeared much earlier. But it was the French car that was able to reach the hearts of customers and since then not only became a sales hit, but also made this market segment by the subject of general hobby and manufacturers and buyers. After the excitement demand for Scenic, the sales of the compactwenes of the segment with increased by 7.5 times, and now in this class, half of the total sales accounts for a single -volume body! In addition, the frantic success of Scenic provoked real crowds in the compactwan class. Today, almost every car manufacturer producing the SEGREME CHOLLECTIONS is simply obliged to offer a single crew, and sometimes from this body they begin to present the entire range of the new model - sedans, hatchbacks and coupe can wait! The initiator of this perturbation in the automotive market deservedly received the main European prize of the year of the year immediately after the debut at the end of 1996, 2.1 million copies of Scenic I were dispersed in six and a half years, which is more than half of the release of models of the entire Megane family, we recall, recall, recall, recall that Five more types of bodies! Finally, Scenic aroused interest in compactives from Russian buyers who have hitherto preferred three -bobbed sedaches. The French model became the first minivan, the volume of sales of which in Russia began to be measured hundreds and thousands, and the all -wheel drive version of the RX4 (see No. 4, 2000) was especially fashionable at one time.
 
Traditionally, the 5-seater SCENIC of the new generation was decided not to equip two additional chairs in the luggage compartment. The French were quite reasonably reasoning that 5- and 7-seater compactwalls are interested in customers of different categories: one almost never needed additional seats, while others, on the contrary, are constantly in demand, and therefore these customers are deprived of the opportunity to use the trunk. So a separate Grand Scenic model (see No. 11, 2003) will soon reach the stage - a version of the base Scenic version of the base, which has a worthy trunk with seven full -fledged seats. Now we are talking about a standard short -packing version.
 
As befits, the new car has become more than its predecessor. The length increased by 80 mm, the track - by 70 mm, but the most impressive increase at the wheelbase is 105 mm. According to this indicator (2685 mm), Scenic has become one of the leaders in the class, but at the same time the total overall length of the car is one of the smallest, which is important in the city. Of course, the salon became noticeably more spacious. In addition, glazing area (6.88 sq. M) increased significantly. According to this indicator, Scenic is approaching full -sized single -combatants, and the area of \u200b\u200bits windshield (1.45 sq. M) is generally record for compactives. In addition, it is possible to order a glass roof as an option (its length is 1.61 m), thanks to which the salon literally floods daylight. By the way, in the dark, passengers can use as many as 17 sources of electric light on board. The salon seems extremely spacious, although millimeters indicate that many competitors are slightly wider and higher. Laconic interior style without any heavy excesses also contributes to the maximum feeling of freedom. And if there can be something subjective in the perception of the visual room, then great progress as finishing materials is reality. Excessive elastic plastic, stylish aluminum panels, emphasized solid reinforcement elements (handles, air ducts, toggle switches), first -class upholstery fabrics. Remember, five to seven years ago, not every business silk could boast of such expensive materials and the quality of the assembly. The interior of the premium class has now learned to do all manufacturers, even on the most massive models ... According to tradition, Scenic is characterized by an abundance of large and small compartments for storing all sorts of things. In total, there are 14 messages with a total volume of 91 liters. All three rear seats are now the same in width (the predecessor of the seat in the middle was narrower), but still not interchangeable. They have become a little easier (each weighs 15.5 kg), the procedure for their removal/installation is easier and less fraught with finger injuries. Although, of course, like on any minivan, the installation of the rear seats is not the most pleasant activity, skill is required here. The most positive emotions are caused by the steering wheel: in the previous model, it was located in a battleship, too horizontal. Now it is inclined by only 8, and in a driver’s place you can sit in the same position as in a regular car.
 
The team of chief designer Patrick Le Keman had to solve the problem of integrating the new Scenic into the general style of the Megane II gamma. The avant -garde appearance of the hatchback did not fit the family compactwane, moreover, he could scare away conservative buyers of such cars. As a result, the sharp and bold outlines of Megane II became more restrained and smoothed, but the semicircular gallery of the rear window is also present here, only in less shocking than on the hatchback. True, despite all the efforts to achieve as a friendly image of the novelty as possible, the appearance of Scenic II turned out to be swift and assertive. Minivan is also characterized by sports expression of the Megane II series!
 
When choosing a modification for the test, we did not resist the most powerful and luxurious version of Sport with a 2-liter 136-horsepower gasoline engine. But they immediately realized that the word sport here is not very appropriate. For a more or less acceptable dynamics, the engine requires high speeds, but at the top its strained rumble violates more comfort than adds sports emotions. The tangible deficiency of the torque at the lower and medium -speeds makes it intensively work as a lever of the gearbox, which is now located not on the floor, as before, but on a special pedestal under the central console. With a high landing characteristic of minivans, this is an optimal solution. However, the switching mechanism itself is a continuous disappointment: the moves are very long, the inclusions are fuzzy. And the gear relations are too stretched in the interests of economy, but in fact it only exacerbates the lack of traction of a not very temperamental motor. So rather, on the freeway, where you can turn on the VI gear, forget about the need to work with a lever and relax from the angry voice of the engine that is promoting to high revolutions!
 
Up to 170 km/h in the SCENIC salon, serene calm reigns, the level of comfort is wonderful. But after this line, the situation changes radically. The aerodynamic noises of a high body are gradually turning into a strong hum. The number 205 may even appear on a prolonged gas descent on an electronic speedometer, but the rumble and whistle of air flows get bored very quickly, and the vertical buildup of the body begins to annoy. No, this is not an Avtoban Eater, his cruising speed is not more than 150-160 km/h. With this movement mode, you can believe Renault’s statements that SCENIC has the lowest noise level among classmates ... By the way, about vertical swing: the amplitude of the car up and down immediately seemed very large, on irregularities it resembles the behavior of American minivans. And our assumptions received confirmation in a conversation with representatives of the company: to ensure comfort at maximum loading, SCENIC suspension moves were significantly increased (84 mm in front, 96 mm behind). This is approximately 40-50% more than in the predecessor and in the average passenger car. Now the car is completely indifferent to any pits, such a long -term suspension swallows them without even feeling. Note that thanks to the reproach stability stabilizers, huge suspension moves do not turn out to be significant rolls at all. In turns, the minivan leans even less than most models of this high category. But strong vertical fluctuations in the body are nevertheless alarming, especially when high -speed driving along the highway.
 
And what will happen when fast driving on winding roads? Have mercy, Scenic is not intended for this, so do not be zealous! ESP makes the process of sophisticated roads in a completely ordinary occupation. The system effectively suppresses insufficient rotation at the entrance to the turn at reasonable speed. But ESP does not tolerate too high, responding to it with intense braking and almost complete strangulation of the motor. Pressing the ESP OFF button allows you to aggravate the situation a little, but not to break free: the electronics only weakens its intervention, continuing active corrective actions. And the desire to pilot is immediately able to recapture the steering wheel: thanks to the electric power, it is, although very light, but uninformative. But the brakes are good: the intensity, stability of deceleration and endurance is excellent!
 
The car is primarily focused on safe driving, and not on virtuoso aerobatics: comfort at reasonable speeds and complete supervision in cases where the driver is trying to polyghty. Therefore, a 2-liter gasoline engine is not the best option. Without providing any sports dynamics, it is not too pleasant to operate, quite noisy, moreover, a 60-liter tank during speed driving is not enough even for ... 300 km of run. But a short acquaintance with a 1.9-liter 120-horsepower turbodiesel engine left a wonderful impression. Having warmed up, he became even less than a jumper than a gasoline engine, and in terms of dynamics is incomparably better. The torque of 300 Nm already at 2000 rpm guarantees excellent accelerations, and on the track compact, it develops the same 200 km/h, but faster and easier. At the same time, the consumption of diesel fuel is half as much! It is a pity that diesel versions will not be delivered to Russia, therefore, a 1.6-liter gasoline unit (115 hp), quite alive and economical, will be just right for the average minivan driver. Understanding that the 2-liter gasoline option does not correspond to sports ambitions, the company prepares the release of the hot compactwane GTI and will soon present Scenic 2.0T with a turbocharged 170-horsepower version of a 2-liter motor! The chassis settings and ESP top modifications promise to change so that the driver can more fully realize such a power potential.
 
Perhaps the main source of our doubts during the test was the underlying comparison of Scenic with ... an older brother - a full -size Renault Espace. The last generation of the car (see No. 2, 2003) is so superior to Scenic in all respects that seditious thoughts are involuntarily creeping. About, for example, that the most expensive Scenic with all luxury points costs 27 thousand euros, only a few thousand cheaper than the basic Espace, which, even in the simplest version, is still a higher class model. But for European buyers, such a factor as the dimensions of the minivan is often of key importance, and in terms of image of SCENIC minivans for young families, they look much more dynamic and fashionable, while large single -combatants, even such stylish ones as new Espace, are perceived by utilitarian vans , they are more willing to get older people.
 
Today in the segment of compact single -combat a wide selection. There are models that are much more practical and spacious (for example, Volkswagen Tou-Ran), better in handling and dynamics (Ford C-Max) or more stylish (Seat Alte). But all these cars that are created from the clean sheet so that the manufacturer has a model in this very promising niche, exist only in the first generation. And in Scenic II, the rich experience of all the beloved predecessor is clearly felt. He does not shine in any of the individual disciplines, but fulfills his task with rare professionalism. The car is harmonious and, completely not claiming the status of a superstar, still once again became a star product of the automobile market. Scenic has already won a special position for himself, he is still the starting point in his segment, the standard with which all new competitors are involuntarily compared. And even those buyers who, for various reasons, will nevertheless eventually prefer another minivan, begins with their searches with a test drive Renault Scenic II! So, it means that the conveyor in the French due is still working at full design capacity, releasing over 350 thousand new Scenic per year. The script is rewritten, but the full house is unchanged!
Some technical characteristics of Renault Scenic II 2.0
(manufacturer data)
Dimensions, mm 4259x1805x1620
Equipped mass, kg 1400
Base, mm 2685
Trunk volume (min/max), l 430/1840
Type of engine gasoline
4-cylinder 16-valve
Working volume, cubic meter. See 1998
Max. Power, L.S./rpm 136/5500
Max. moment, nm/rpm 191/3750
Mechanical transmission 6-speed
Tires 205/55 R17*
Front brakes/back disc ventilated/
disk
Max. Speed, km/h 195
Acceleration time 0-100 km, from 10.3
Tank volume, l 60
* During the test.
 
Ivan Vesnin
Photo by the author
 

Source: Avtopanorama magazine