Test drive by Renault Scenic 2003 - 2009 Minivan

Conquistador

Renault has been producing the current generation of Scenic since 2003. In 2006, the model underwent restyling. But in order to keep afloat for some time, fresh blood was needed. The new modification of Conquest revived the Scenic line.

 
The segment of compact minivans is now tough competition. The advantages of the layout with a high roof were gradually appreciated by almost all automakers, creating their family car on the basis of golf class. So, Ford has C-Max, VW Touran, Opel Zafira, and Toyota Corolla Verso. Even Mercedes came up with a B-class. The French are not asleep. We recently conducted the test of the new Citroen Picasso. Now in line and his compatriot Scenic Conquest. A car is intended for families who prefer outdoor activities.
 
How will it conquer (conquest (English) conquer, conquer) young hearts already middle -aged minivan? What did he do in order to please him? First of all, Scenic has found a Fashion today off -road surroundings. But, despite the increase in the clearance by 20 mm, this is just surroundings. Conquest, unlike the not -so -long Megane Scenic 4 x 4, is not so long -standing predecessor. But, apparently, the inscription Megane flaunts in his honor on the back doors. It seemed strange to us, because Scenic has almost 4 years as an independent model. Bamers are made of black unpainted plastic. From the same material they made original pads on wheeled arches and thresholds, as well as moldings on the sides of the doors. On the front there is a tablet for aluminum with the name of the modification. The roof rails, door handles and pallets under the bumpers are echoed to her the same shade.
 
Changes in the cabin are less significant, but noticeable due to the fact that everything is marked with bright orange color. The car has orange belts, the inside of the head restraints, a line of seats and a lever of the gearbox, logos on rugs and an original drawing on the central console. It seems to be nothing serious, but the interior is visible noticeably. Renault positions Conquest as three in one. In their opinion, in the city of Scenic is vague, like an ordinary hatchback. It is roomy, as befits MPV. In addition, it is a relative for SUV-investors thanks to the appearance of a la jeep. Let's try to figure out if this is really so. Let's start from the end. Naturally, Conquest is not an SUV. Nevertheless, the clearance of more allows you to climb into almost any borders in the city.
 
And if you nevertheless dared to move off the asphalt, then you can not be afraid that the bumpers or thresholds will be fired. In addition, Russian cars are equipped with an enhanced suspension and protection of the engine crankcase. Now let's talk about spaciousness. Everything is true here. For its external dimensions, Scenic has a huge space. The salon is designed for five, and everyone will be quite convenient. But because of this room, the driver and the front passenger have to sit in the battleship. Even in the lowest position of the chair, the legs are still very bent at the knees. But nothing, we’ll get used to it. The role of the central tunnel is played by a huge sliding boxing box.
 
There are few complaints about ergonomics. The most serious to the steering wheel switches. Their course is very small, and the effort when turning on the turn signals or wipers is difficult to hang correctly. And why is there no function of a single inclusion of brushes? But there are rain and light sensors. It is inconvenient to climb the buttons, the head of the heating seats. They are in the blind zone, between the side of the seat pillow and the door. Passengers do not suffer from behind, even if people are sitting in front of 185 cm tall. Each has its own separate chair. The average, of course, is already lateral, but a person of ordinary complexion will not be constrained. If desired, any of the rear seats can be folded or removed completely. It’s just that the chairs are lungs, the woman and the woman.
 
The trunk, as always in this class, is quite large 430 liters. And with a dismantled rear row, it is simply gigantic, reaches almost 2 cubic meters! Classic MPV. It remains to prove the agility of the hatchback. There is a small stretch. In terms of dimensions and Conquest, it is not inferior to ordinary hatchbacks, but in vain, of course, even surpasses them. But there are not enough speakers. Even 2 l of the motor and even with minimal loading cannot cheerfully disperse minivan. And a rather short 6-speed checkpoint does not help. The engine roars at high speeds, and a little sense. Turned out to twist it to the red zone: the effect is much less than the cries of a displeased power unit. In this case, it would be quite possible to get by an automaton, but they are not offered for Conquest. It seems to me in vain. Because Scenic is still a car clearly tuned to comfortable movement. The suspension also speaks of this. Its moves are increased compared to the standard version. This may help on light off -road (although hardly) will increase energy intensity, but the controllability on the asphalt will only worsen. That's not less, our hero stands confidently on the trajectory, though with tangible rolls. And the settings of the electric power implosure interfere with clear reduction. There is no necessary information on the steering wheel. Although generally not bad for a family car. Of course, there is no sport at all, but it is still capable of being a nimble Conquest. In conclusion, I would like to say that Renault Scenic Conquest, despite the off -road bells and whistles, is a city resident. His element is transporting family and children, shopping trips, leisurely traffic in the stream. On the highway, it is difficult for him to go more than 140150 km/h when loading, and overtaking should be considered in advance. Off -road he was ordered. I think that many people will like a mischievous appearance and orange fiche in the cabin. In addition, Conquest is almost like an ordinary Scenic.
 
Prices and configuration

For Renault Scenic Conquest, Russian dealers offer two engines: 1.6 liters (115 hp) and 2.0 l (130 hp) from the first of them are aggregated by a 5-speed mechanical gearbox, and with the second 6-speed . The equipment is one. It includes roof rails, folding mirrors painted in the color of the body, 16-inch alloy wheels Louxor, leather steering wheel and decoration of the leather gearbox, steering wheel, an on-board computer, automatic handbrake, fog lights, chip cards, climate control, climate control, climate control, climate control, climate control, climate control, climate control Rain and light sensors, heating the front seats, CD MP3 Audio system 4 x 15W, 6 airbags, AFU System for Emergency Inhibition. For surcharge, metallic, loud communication, navigation and alarm is possible. SCENIC Conquest C 1.6 liters with a motor 701 500 rubles, and with 2.0 l 784 950 rubles.
 
Dmitry Krotov
 
 
 

 
 

A source: Motor magazine [November 2007]