[ad_1]
This story by Jean-Francois Hubert/SB-Media for CarScope includes speculative renderings of the upcoming Renault Scenic, which is not affiliated with or endorsed by Renault.
The global dominance of SUVs almost wiped out compact MPVs from the market, but as our hopes for a new vision faded, Renault proved them wrong. In the year Unveiled last spring as a preview of the upcoming 2024 production model, the Scenic Vision concept breathed new life into the once iconic nameplate. So, we’ve gathered all the information we have about the fifth-generation Scenic, alongside a few rough renderings that might be the closest to reality.
SUV needs former compact MPV leader
With the current scene in the doldrums, which has failed to do much to fight SUVs in the sales department, the futuristic concept shows the way of the future with a different styling. For the first time since 1996, the Scenic abandons the traditional MPV image of its predecessors, opting for a true crossover stance.
Also Read: 2024 Citroen C3 Across With Larger Footprint in Mild Hybrid and EV Forms
Renault design chief Gilles Vidal says the styling of the Vision Skunk concept will evolve but is 90 percent production-ready. Among the non-production features are stunning LED graphics, frameless windows and self-closing doors. As for the sci-fi 21-inch wheels, those might become a reality as Renault’s design department proved its bravery in 2016 by giving the fourth-generation model its signature 20-inch wheels.
As you can see in the exclusive rendering made by our partners, the Scenic looks like an SUV. Despite the tonal details, the model is expected to contain several distinctive features. Two-tone paint, a faux grille that connects to the LED headlamps, a distinctive strip on the profile, a modern design on the Balmore intake and a subtle plastic wrap around the wheel arches create a subtle yet confident road presence.
Inside, the “OpenR” digital cockpit is expected to be shared with the Megane e-Tech and Austral, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a vertically oriented 12-inch touchscreen for Android-sourced infotainment. Like its predecessors, the new Scenic will have a renewed focus on practicality with plenty of storage compartments, a spacious cabin and family-friendly features. Unfortunately for larger families, there won’t be another generation of the three-row seven-seat Grand Scenic, but the standard five-seat Scenic will be available thanks to generous legroom and clever packing for rear passengers.
EV-only aids
The Vision Scenic concept is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that produces 21 hp (16 kW / 22 PS) and a 40 kW/h front-mounted electric motor that produces 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS). It introduced the H2-Tech powerplant to combine the engine. It offers a range of up to 800 km (497 miles) between charges. This unusual hybrid composition is not ready for production, Renault officials have admitted that the final model will get a more conventional electric power.
This means the fifth-generation Scenic will get an e-Tech nameplate as a member of Renault’s growing EV range. Predictably, the Megane will sit on the CMF-EV architecture that underpins the E-Tech and Nissan Aria. According to recent reports, the Scenic E-Tech will come in both FWD and AWD forms, with single or dual electric motors. Looking at its siblings, the FWD-only Renault Megane E-Tech goes up to 215 hp (160kW/218 PS) with a 60 kWh battery, while the Nissan Aria goes up to 389 hp (290 kW/394 PS) with a larger 90 kWh battery. The Scenic lineup is expected to combine elements from both the models.
So where does the impressive e-tech fit into the Renault range?
If the Scenic E-Tech retains the footprint of the concept, it will measure 4,490 mm (176.8 inches) in length. This figure puts it clearly above the Megane E-Tech, which is 4,199 mm (165.3 in) long, and slightly below the Hidden Austral. It will also be taller than the Megane, allowing for a more spacious interior.
As for rival EVs already on the market, the Scenic E-Tech will sit alongside the likes of the VW ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Although it’s the shorter of the two, it’ll be one of the most family-oriented offerings in the segment, living up to its name and history.
The market launch of the Renault Scenic E-Tech is planned for 2024, which means that prototypes of the production version with cams could see the light of day as early as next year. We will keep you updated on any news about the MPV that is slowly being transformed into an SUV.
[ad_2]
Source link
