Motoring News
Today, 10 September 20162016 Renault Scenic TCe 130 Signature Nav review
Striking looks and clever tech help make this the best Renault Scenic yet. We think going for one of the diesels makes more sense, though
The MPV has suffered somewhat at the hands of the SUV and crossover. Where once the people carrier seemed your best bet for transporting families and kids and all the paraphernalia that goes with them, buyers have been seduced by the rugged image of the faux by four.The Renault Scenic hasn’t been able to avoid this shift, despite being an originator of the MPV segment. Indeed, these days you’re much more likely to see a new Kadjar instead. With that in mind, Renault has been rather bold with this, its fourth-generation Scenic.Elements of SUV have crept into the design: there’s a 40mm increase in ground clearance, more muscle to the bodywork and a shift to big 20in wheels. Interestingly, that’s not just for glitzy models either, because even entry-level Expression + models are rollin’ on 20s, as they say.While you might expect that to mean ride comfort only marginally better than that of a shopping trolley being pushed over corrugated iron, the tyres have a taller profile than those fitted to the majority of smaller-wheeled competitors. They’re relatively narrow too, helping keep costs down and CO2 emissions in check.Importantly it’s also more spacious inside and comes with a bigger boot and plenty of kit to help keep your nearest and dearest safe. It all looks very impressive on paper, but is it enough to tempt people out of their SUV and back into an MPV?
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