2016 Renault Scenic debut: Fourth-generation vehicle breaks new ground

One noticeable difference reveals quite a lot about this new vehicle - the wheels

It’s bigger, it’s different and it’s aiming to explore a new market segment. The perennial Scenic now has a very different design. The latest model, unveiled at Geneva, aims to head into a territory all of its own, somewhere between an MPV and a crossover. Is that a territory worth occupying?

One noticeable difference reveals quite a lot about this new vehicle. The wheels. They’re 20in versions running on special tyres that are fairly narrow as well. Part of the reason for these wheels is to help disguise the fact that the Scenic has grown in stature all over.

Those lines certainly help disguise the growth, with a modern, flowing look that is aiming to move away from the MPV it’s been into a segment that includes a nod at the crossover market.

That design thinking extends to the cabin, which is spacious an light, in part thanks to the huge sunroof. The driving position feels more like that of a wrap-round cockpit and the whole cabin feels much more premium than earlier models. Renault are looking for not just style but practicality with the new Scenic. The latter is enhanced with two screens, one on the adaptable dashboard, the other behind the steering wheels instead of the usual dials.

The engine line up will feature eight choices, only two of them petrol power. The dCi diesels range in power from 94bhp up to 158bhp, but the most powerful petrol has only 128bhp. A hybrid should be in the mix too. These will all feed through a six-speed manual box, with a six-speed auto an option, except on the most powerful diesel which gets a seven-speed dual clutch auto box as standard.

There is also a good range of safety and other technology, including pedestrian detection and tiredness detection systems as well as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Boot space is 572 litres, although this can be expanced once the 60/40 seats are folded down.

As yet we have no pricing, but it seems sensible to expect the new Scenic to cost more than the previous model, so prices will probably start around £21,000.