Is the New Renault Scenic a Better Electric SUV?

TL;DR

The new Renault Scenic is an electric-only SUV designed for eco-friendliness and spaciousness, offering two battery options with ranges of 260 and 379 miles. It features a spacious cabin with a mix of materials, advanced driving aids, and a competitive price, but has some usability issues and inconsistent driving dynamics.

Transcript

this is the new Renault Scenic and it's a little bit like the TG VM that is France's bullet train they are both more eco-friendly than their predecessors well this one clearly is because it's now EV only there's no ice version of the scenic anymore also more of it is recyclable than ever before it's also more spacious than before but is it better t... Read More

Key Insights

• The new Renault Scenic is now an electric-only vehicle, with no internal combustion engine option, making it more eco-friendly and recyclable than its predecessors.
• The Scenic has transitioned from an MPV to a more SUV-like design, featuring a boxy shape and attractive rear-end aesthetics, despite some aerodynamic design quirks.
• Interior highlights include a large, portrait-style infotainment screen, separate climate controls, and a spacious cabin with mixed material quality, offering both soft-touch and hard plastics.
• The Scenic offers two battery options: a 60 kWh version with a 260-mile range and a 170 hp motor, and an 87 kWh version with a 379-mile range and a 217 hp motor.
• Practicality is emphasized with a spacious interior, flat floor, and large boot space, though some features like the rear seat folding mechanism and door handles have usability issues.
• The Scenic includes advanced driving aids like adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist and intelligent charging route planning, integrating weather and traffic conditions.
• Driving dynamics are mixed, with soft suspension for comfort but jittery behavior over small bumps, and inconsistent brake and steering feel.
• The Scenic is competitively priced for an electric vehicle, but its real-world range falls short of some competitors, though still offering decent mileage.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the key design changes in the new Renault Scenic?

The new Renault Scenic has transitioned from an MPV to a more SUV-like design, featuring a boxy shape and attractive rear-end aesthetics. It includes smart chrome surrounds, a full-length panoramic roof, and a futuristic grille with thin headlamps. These changes aim to modernize its appearance and enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

Q: How does the Renault Scenic's interior compare to its predecessors?

The Scenic's interior is more modern and tech-focused, featuring a large portrait-style infotainment screen and digital dials. It offers a mix of soft-touch materials and scratchy plastics, providing a balance between comfort and cost-efficiency. The cabin is spacious, with practical features like separate climate controls and ample storage options.

Q: What are the battery options and range for the new Renault Scenic?

The Renault Scenic offers two battery options: a 60 kWh version with a range of up to 260 miles and a single 170 hp motor, and an 87 kWh version with a range of up to 379 miles and a 217 hp motor. These options cater to different driving needs, balancing range and performance.

Q: How does the Renault Scenic perform in terms of practicality?

The Scenic excels in practicality, with a spacious interior, flat floor, and large boot space. It includes features like isofix points on the front passenger seat and intelligent storage solutions. However, some aspects, such as the rear seat folding mechanism and door handles, have usability issues that could impact convenience.

Q: What advanced driving aids are available in the Renault Scenic?

The Scenic includes adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist as standard, which works with the Google Maps satnav to optimize charging routes. It considers weather and traffic conditions to enhance driving efficiency and safety. These features aim to provide a more intuitive and stress-free driving experience.

Q: What are the driving dynamics of the Renault Scenic like?

The Scenic offers a comfortable ride with soft suspension, ideal for larger bumps. However, it exhibits jittery behavior over small imperfections, and the steering and brake feel can be inconsistent. These dynamics may affect the overall driving experience, particularly for those seeking a more responsive handling.

Q: How does the Renault Scenic's pricing compare to its competitors?

The Renault Scenic is competitively priced for an electric vehicle, with a starting price of £37,000, rising to £45,000 for the range-topping version. While its real-world range falls short of some competitors, it still offers decent mileage, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing affordability and practicality.

Q: What are the main drawbacks of the new Renault Scenic?

The main drawbacks include its real-world range, which is about 70% of the claimed distance, and the inconsistent feel of the steering and brakes. Additionally, some interior features, like the rear seat folding mechanism and the design of the door handles, present usability challenges that could affect user satisfaction.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Renault Scenic has evolved into an electric-only SUV, shedding its MPV roots for a more eco-friendly and recyclable design. It features two battery options, offering ranges of up to 260 and 379 miles, respectively, with single motors providing 170 and 217 horsepower.

• Inside, the Scenic boasts a large infotainment screen and a spacious cabin with a mix of soft-touch and hard plastic materials. Practicality is enhanced with ample interior space, though some features, like the rear seat folding mechanism, have usability issues.

• Driving the Scenic offers a comfortable ride with soft suspension, though it exhibits jittery behavior over small bumps. The vehicle includes advanced driving aids, but the steering and brake feel can be inconsistent. Despite these quirks, it remains competitively priced for an electric vehicle.