Test drive by Renault Scenic since 2009 minivan

Small sports

Second-generation Scenic has been standing on the conveyor for three years and is a leader in the CD segment. The competition is high there, and Renault decided to update one of its bestsellers.

 

To get acquainted with the SCENIC restyled family, we went to France. According to the trip program, the start of the test route was supposed to take place at the Mortefontain test training ground. It was thought that this is not without reason - only the French CDW is made in a fashionable sports vein today. Respondments, snakes and deep drifts, however,, as usual, turned out to be slightly different.

 

I admit, at a press conference on the start of the project, I almost dozed off - two hours of sleep affected before the flight. Meanwhile, the program of the event was scheduled in the morning. In particular, three routes for a test drive were proposed, laid along the environs of Paris, and several cars to choose from - from a five -seater short Scenic II to a well -equipped seven -seater modification with the Grand designation.

 

Despite the somnambulic state, I still took some sports information at a press conference. According to the creators, the notorious sports of the model provides a new design of the front part - with a modified bumper, as well as modernized front headlights and fog, which are combined in some modifications by a chrome strip. I agree, the appearance has become more interesting, fresh. But sports? Hardly

 

What else has changed in a car that managed to sell in an amount of more than a million pieces? For example, LEDs appeared in the rear lights. Scenic has acquired new wheels and caps. The machine can be ordered in five previously inaccessible body painting options.

 

However, it is much more important that now a compact van will be offered in three modifications. Grand Scenic can now be both seven- and five-seater. The latter is addressed to those who are important to the spaciousness of the salon and the large size of the luggage compartment. As for the salon, then everything is architectural here as before. But new, more wear -resistant materials were used. Audio Connection Box appeared in the glove box equipped with three connectors for connecting portable soundwriting devices. Now without problems you can connect to the iPod audio system or flash card. Management is simple - through steering wheel switches and the display of the music center.

 

And what about technical filling? It has changed minimally, in general we have the good old Scenis II. I started testing with a simple modification: a short version, a 1.6 liter gasoline engine, a mechanical gearbox.

 

Representatives of the company claim that the steering has been processed on restyled cars. Narrow winding French paths allow you to evaluate it without problems. The steering wheel equipped with an electric power is practically devoid of feedback in the parking lot. However, with an increase in speed, the situation is changing. The steering wheel, however, is still easy, but after the driver gets used to the car, it is already easy for him to find feedback. Therefore, turns can be attacking enough.

 

When moving in a straight string, zero is clear - at high speed, the machine behaves without nervousness. In general, if we approach the assessment of the running qualities with a mini-micro-Wenn measure, then Scenic looks worthy. However, its creators nevertheless hastened to define controllability as almost Hetchbekovskaya. The key word here is almost. A higher center of gravity, a sufficiently soft suspension and, as a result, large rolls, make you be careful when passing steep turns. Despite the fact that the roads in France are not a couple, ours managed to find a broken area and evaluate the behavior of the machine in conditions close to Russian. Scenic did not save. The chassis is confidently working out a broken relief, the car almost does not get off the course even in a bend. At the same time, the level of comfort remains at an acceptable level.

 

The possibilities of a small motor are only enough for the first three gears. When the speedometer arrow exceeds 120 km/h, the intensity of acceleration begins to fall, overtaking has to be performed with a margin. In the city, this is uncritical, but if the car is also purchased with the expectation of long trips, it is better to choose a two -liter version.

 

It is a pity that diesel modifications are not delivered to our market. The thought that had already filled his point once again came to my mind when I met a five -seater Grand Scenic equipped with a two -liter pipeline. Instead of mechanics, there was a new six -speed machine - the development of the Renault -Nissan alliance. This car looks and is perceived on the go as an adult. Due to the larger base, it is more confident on the road. An excellent moment turbodiesel perfectly pulls in the highest gears, and the machine quickly, smoothly and timely sorting through the transmission.

 

In general, the presented revolution of Renault Scenic II can be considered quite sufficient. A fit face, some local improvements - in a word, evolution. It remains to add that only the primordial Scenic II is available to Russians. The start of sales of restyled models is scheduled for next spring. The Renault representative also reported that the prices of the car should remain at the same level.

 

Renault Scenic II prices and configurations

Scenic II is sold with a 1.6 and 2 liter engine. Four configurations: Authentique (from $ 21549), Expression (from $ 22649), Privilege (from $ 23949), Latitude (from $ 23149). Authentique with a 1.6 -liter engine is equipped with a five -speed manual transmission, ABS, EBV, AFU, an electric power, an on -board computer, front windows, steel disks R15. The EXPRESSION has added headlight washer, light sensor, rain sensor, fog, electric mirrors and heating, as well as a chip card that controls the Central Executive Committee, the start of the engine and glass. Privilege appears air conditioning and r16 discs. Latitude has a panoramic roof, automatic parking brake, radio, cruise control, tinted roof, alarm.
 
 

 

Source: Motor magazine [November 2006]