Renault Scenic

All-new Scenic shows its face.

Exclusive pictures of the next generation Renault Scenic

Auto Express Car Reviews

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Rene Demarets

07th February 2008

Could this be the UK’s best-selling MPV? Renault certainly hopes so. Behind the scenes, the French company is hard at work putting the finishing touches to the third-generation Scenic – and, ahead of its debut next year, Auto Express can give you the best look yet at the newcomer.

Following on from our story in Issue 985, we’ve gained access to these amazing pictures, which have come from insiders in France. As you can see, the Scenic is really smartening up with a smooth shape that’s set to give Citroen’s C4 Picasso a run for its money in the styling stakes. At the front, there is clearly some influence from the upcoming Laguna Coupé, with sleek headlights, a bold Renault badge and raised bonnet lines running to the A-pillars.

However, it’s at the rear that the new Scenic takes a departure from the current model. In comes a rakish tailgate, complemented by huge LED lights, while further neat touches include a full-length glass sunroof.

Although our illustration shows the Scenic will stick with the current car’s conventional doors, we have learned that a variant with sliding doors is on the drawing board, too.

Bosses haven’t made a decision yet on whether this version will make production. But if it does, it would give the Scenic a significant advantage, as the facelifted Mazda 5 (driven on Page 28) is the only other model in this sector which offers a similar arrangement.

Contrary to earlier reports, Renault is likely to dump its strategy of selling two Scenic variants. Bosses have decided that the newcomer should sit in between the current Scenic and seven-seat Grand Scenic. Offering a spacious five-seat layout and huge boot, it is seen as a better compromise. Buyers who want seating for seven will be encouraged to consider the next-generation Espace. Inside, the Scenic is likely to have fold-flat seats and a flexible layout.

There will also be under-floor storage lockers and airline-style picnic tables for passengers in the back. A choice of petrol and diesel units will be offered, with the flagship a 175bhp 2.0-litre dCi oil-burner. Prices are likely to rise over the current car, with the range starting at £15,000.