Renault Scenic

	A revised rear, together with bolder body panel creases, helps to create a more upmarket feel

They're taking the Scenic route at Renault! Hot on the heels of the all-new Laguna, these exclusive pictures show how the firm’s next-generation compact MPV will look.

As you can see, the practical family model will get a sleek new profile. The smart appearance is designed to keep the third-generation Scenic ahead of the competition and is a direct response to stylish rivals such as the Citroen C4 Picasso.

In a bid to attract buyers, Renault has looked towards its Laguna Coupé concept, unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, for inspiration. The Scenic’s stylish front end bears a striking resemblance to the sporty model.
A large Renault badge dominates the smooth bonnet, and is flanked by flush-fitting headlamps. These give way to tall body sides, designed to maximise interior space, which feature a shapely shoulder line that blends into the curvaceous wheelarches.

At the back, it’s goodbye to the distinct rump made famous by the current Mégane and Scenic, in favour of a cleaner look. A revised rear, together with bolder body panel creases, helps to create a more upmarket feel.

This theme continues inside, where the cabin will feature higher quality materials than ever before, including the latest soft-touch plastics.

The next-generation Scenic will be even more practical, too, with clever fold-flat seats providing a flexible cabin layout. Features such as under-floor storage lockers, which would provide a secure cubby space, plus airline-style picnic tables for passengers in the back, are also expected to appear. Aluminium roof bars boost practicality even further.

High-spec models should also have a host of luxurious extras. These will include a full-length panoramic glass roof, Renault’s trademark keyless entry system and directional headlamps.

A broad engine line-up is on the cards, with a wide choice of both petrol and diesel units available. And the French company looks set to continue its strategy of offering a two-model line-up for the range.

A Grand version with a longer wheelbase, seven seats and a bigger boot will again be sold alongside the regular five-seater. But buyers face a bit of a wait. The current Scenic dates from 2003 and was only facelifted in 2006, so its replacement isn’t expected to hit the roads until late 2009. However, the brand is preparing to reveal the new Mégane hatchback, on which the next Scenic will be based, next year.

Prices are set to be slightly higher than on the outgoing car when the compact MPV hits showrooms. They will take into account the generous level of standard equipment and improved interior quality.

Top-of-the-range versions are likely to get the innovative rear-wheel-steering set-up fitted to the forthcoming Laguna GT as standard. Called Active Drive, the system will probably be offered on the rest of the Scenic line-up as an option. Other models in the Renault range are set to benefit from the safety-boosting technology, too. How­ever, one car that probably won’t get Active Drive is the forthcoming Alpine coupé. Renault bosses are plotting to resurrect the legendary brand with the arrival of a sporty newcomer in 2010 that promises to offer pure driving pleasure.

Thanks to Renault’s alliance with Nissan, this exciting model is likely
to share its underpinnings with the newly unveiled GT-R. After being revealed in Auto Express in last week's issue, the Nissan was finally launched at last week’s Tokyo Motor Show.

And the French machine should be as reliable as its Japanese counterpart, as Renault has implemented checks at its factories in an attempt to boost the reliability of its models.