Super trooper - Launch report: Renault Megane Scenic II - Product/Service Evaluation

The original Renault Scenic single-handedly launched a whole new segment of the market when it first hit the streets in 1996. Motor manufacturers aren't slow to recognise a good idea when they see it and it wasn't long before others were climbing on the 'Compact MPV' bandwagon--most notably Citroen with its highly successful Picasso and Vauxhall with the Zafira. Recent additions to the club, such as Volkswagen's Touran and Ford's C-Max, mean that the sector has become increasingly crowded, with most of the industry's big names jostling for pole position.

With its all-new Scenic II, Renault aims to set the sector's benchmark. The latest version has been designed as a more versatile, better-built, better-value, safer and better-to-drive variation on the well-established theme. Although it retains most of the styling cues associated with Renault's current bold approach, the Scenic II is a more restrained interpretation than the ill-fated Avantime--or even the controversially received but now top-selling Megane II hatch. In fact, it is a good-looking car.

It is also a good car to drive, feeling more agile than its predecessor while delivering greater refinement and a more settled ride quality. It does not 'feel' as tall as it is although the driver sits higher than in, say, a Megane hatch.

A total of three petrol and two dCi diesel powerplants are offered. As is so often the case these days, it is the diesel-engined versions that appeal most--particularly the economical and torquey 1.9 dCi. Transmissions comprise five or six-speed manuals or a four-speed sequential-shift automatic. The 2.0-1itre petrol has either the automatic or the slick-changing six-speed manual. The 1.9 dCi has the six-speed manual, while the 1.5 dCi, 1.4 and 1.6 petrols take the five-speed manual with the latter offering the automatic as an option.

The interior is spacious with good quality finish and materials. Great attention has been paid to providing plenty of storage for the usual clutter that accumulates in a family--or business--vehicle. There is a large central storage unit incorporating cupholders and power point which can be slid fore and aft, a big glovebox, large door-bins and even a storage drawer beneath the rear seat cushion. Each of the rear seats can be removed, reclined or even folded forwards to provide a table.

Initially, Scenic II will be a five-seater only, with a seven-seater available later. There will be Renault's customary four trim levels--Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. In addition, five 'option packs' will be available covering Climate, Handling, Comfort, Convenience and Luxury, with a wide choice of options also available separately.

Even the standard specification of the entry-level Authentique is comprehensive, with electric front windows, electrically heated door-mirrors, time-delay courtesy lights, radio-cassette with six speakers and remote control, and 'smart' rear wiper.

The top-of-the-range Scenic also includes the Renault Card system as standard, which provides automatic unlocking, locking and ignition. There is also an automatic parking brake which disengages when it senses the driver wants to move off. However, Renault expects the 'Expression' to be the best-selling trim option.

In addition to bidding for a large slice of the retail market with its new MPV, Renault is also hoping for a significant place in the fleet portfolio. The Scenic II is targeted as a user-chooser prospect for drivers who have demanding family requirements but do not want the expense of--or do not need--a 'full-sized' MPV such as Renault's own Espace.

The marque's plans do seem to be well founded. The Scenic II is keenly priced, well engineered and cleverly packaged. It could well become a vehicle of choice for a niche section of company car drivers.

DRIVER'S LOG

OTR PRICES: 12,850 [pounds sterling] to 18,050 [pounds sterling]

ENGINES: Petrol 1.4 litre 16V, 1.6-litre 16V WT and 2.0-litre 16V WT. Diesel: 1.5 and 1.9 dCi

TRANSMISSIONS: Five or six-speed manual or four-speed auto with sequential shift manual override

POWER: 1.4: 98bhp @ 6000rpm. 1.5 dCi: 80bhp @ 4000rpm

TORQUE: 1.4:126Nm @ 3750rpm. 1.5 dCi: 184Nm @ 2000rpm

C[O.sub.2] RATINGS: 1.4: 172g/km. 1.5 dCi: 135g/km

OFFICIAL COMBINED: 1.4: 38.7mpg. 1.5 dCi: 56.5mpg

INSURANCE GROUP: 4E-8E

ON SALE: September

Sitting pretty: with a choice of five or seven seats in a variety of configurations, the Scenic II should be able to satisfy most needs

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