New Scenic has different view on prices

Jun 22 2009 Chris Russon

FORGET scrappage incentives, Renault is taking prices for its new Scenic back to 2002 levels.

When it goes on sale on July 17 the new Scenic will be priced from £13,595 - just £200 more than it would have cost seven years ago.

The newcomer is the third generation of the car which started the compact people mover trend back in the 1990s and is some £2,000 cheaper than the current model.

The entry level 1.6-litre petrol engined Scenic VVT is throwing down the gauntlet to its rivals, undercutting the Ford C-Max and Vauxhall Zafira by significant margins.

Twenty eight different versions in five trim levels will be available with prices topping out at £22,295 for a two-litre diesel automatic in Privilege trim.

The Scenic is the fourth model based on Renault's new Megane and follows on from the hatchback, coupe and seven seat Grand Scenic which have gone on sale in the past few months.

Like its predecessors the five seat Scenic remains a practical family car with plenty of onboard storage space and foldaway picnic tables attached to the back of the front seats.

In all there are some 40 different cubby holes inside the car while the boot can handle 555 litres of cargo - the same as a small estate.

For added flexibility the rear seats can be folded to deliver 1,670 litres or removed completely to create 1,870 which is big enough for moving large items of furniture.

All versions are air conditioned and fitted with electronic stability controls for added safety.

Engines include Renault's low emission 1.5-litre diesel which is about to be uprated to develop 110bhp compared to its current 86 and 106bhp outputs.

The new engine will be available later in the year and will offer 55mpg average economy with CO2 emissions of 134g/km.

Although not quite as economical as the lower output versions it does have enough clout to give the new Scenic the needed extra performance with good consumption.

Two-litre diesels, a new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine and the tried and tested 1.6-litre petrol engine are also available in the line up.

A revised suspension set up and stiffer body construction has also improved the handling and comfort and the new Scenic is now a match for the C-Max when it comes to agility.

Inside it's as modern as they come with all but the entry level models having a TFT colour instrument panel stretching across the top of the facia.

Renault's new Carminat TomTom navigation system, which is a dashboard fitted set up, is also available as a £450 option. A rear view parking camera can be fitted while the headrests can now be folded to fit passengers' heads for extra comfort.

The parking system costs an extra £650 while a panoramic sunroof can be fitted for another £600.

Outside the Scenic's styling impresses with deep front air scoops akin to those fitted to the Megane Coupe and distinctive boomerang shaped rear light clusters.

It's smart, practical and fashionable and it needs to be with newcomers such as the Citroen C3 Picasso upping the ante for compact MPVs.