Lion claws into Scenic

Exclusiveimages in this week's mag reveal how the all-new model, badged 3008, is shaping up.

The people carrier is expected to be based on the same platform as sister firm Citroen’s C4 Picasso, and is likely to offer the option of seven seats. The current 307 family model has an SW estate variant with a third row of small chairs in the back, so it makes sense for the Renault Scenic rival to boast a full set of practical fold-flat seats.

As with its Citroen counterpart, the 3008 is set to get a large panoramic windscreen, while its flexible interior layout will also include a host of storage cubbyholes.

Exterior styling will be shared with Peugeot’s all-new 308 family hatchback, from which the compact MPV will also borrow its engines. That should see the turbocharged 1.6-litre unit – which the company has developed in conjunction with BMW – feature under the bonnet. This power­plant is already available with a range of different outputs in the 207 supermini, most notably in the new 175bhp GTi.

Elsewhere, Peugeot’s strong diesel engines will also be offered in the people carrier, ensuring buyers have a choice of economical units, too.

Customers could be in for a long wait, though, because the 3008 isn’t expected to appear in British showrooms until late 2008 at the earliest.