Geneva motor show: Renault brings new Scenic to the stage

Renault is seeking to blur the boundaries between MPV and SUV with its all-new Scenic, and has confirmed that in order to make the car look as good as possible on the road, all models will come equipped with 20" wheels as standard. Theoretically, Renault claims that the ride quality will be the same as on the current Scenic's standard 17" wheels, because although they're big, the new Scenic's 20s are very narrow, altering the size of the tyre sidewall.

It’s a bold move for Renault as it seeks to put some excitement into a category of car that many see as being rather dull and far too practical. The new Scenic is certainly practical - the cabin, which seems to take some inspiration from current Volvos, with its huge 8.7” central infotainment touch-screen, has three-full-size seats across the back, something that will prove a boon to growing families struggling to fit child safety seats into a conventional hatchback.

Behind those there is a big 570-litre boot (potentially leaving plenty of space for the upcoming, longer seven-seat Grand Scenic) and there are high-end options such as a panoramic roof and full-colour heads-up display.

While the main engine lineup is pretty much as expected - 95hp, 110hp and 130hp versions of Renault’s current diesel engine range, augmented by 115hp and 130hp TCe turbo petrol options, there is an interesting addition - before the end of the year there will be a mild-hybrid version of the 110hp diesel engine, with a 48-volt electrical system and an ultra-compact electric motor assisting the diesel. Much smaller, more compact and lighter than a conventional series hybrid, the new mild hybrid is expected to bring significant fuel and emissions savings but be cheaper to make and to have a far smaller weight and packaging penalty.

It might even be an MPV that’s fun to drive - Renault says that four-wheel-steering will be an option, as will ‘Multi-Sense’ control for the steering, throttle and stability control.

Will the slinky new Scenic, with its massive wheels and its clever tech, be enough to stall the headlong rush to SUVs? Given the number of people who question us about which cars can take three child car seats across the back, don’t be surprised if it does…