Renault took the wraps off the all-new Scénic at the Geneva Motor Show in March – now it’s the turn of the larger Grand Scénic to step into the limelight. The new car comes with either five or seven seats, and a choice of five diesel-engined versions including a hybrid.

Twenty-inch wheels are standard, and Renault says the unique size of these wheels (195/55 R20), and the fitment of specifically developed tyres for lower energy consumption and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, also guarantee class-leading rolling resistance. A One Touch Folding Seat function allows the rear seats to be folded automatically to obtain a flat floor and facilitate loading. The Grand Scénic is 24cm longer than the new Scénic and consequently boasts extra boot space and carrying capacity compared with its sibling: 718dm3 VDA (five-seat version) which is up 222dm3 VDA compared with the Scénic.

The new Grand Scenic also offer a comprehensive suite of driver aids too, including Active Emergency Braking (AEBS) with Pedestrian Detection as standard. The list continues with technologies from the next segment up, such as Multisense experience, a R-Link 2 multimedia tablet complete with a large 8.7-inch display and a full-colour head-up display. The new car can also be specified with Renault’s Hybrid Assist electrified diesel engine.

The new Grand Scénic can be specified with either five or seven seats, and the structure of the front pair is similar to those for the seats in the new Espace. Eight-way power adjustment, including lumber adjustment, and heated seats are available for higher-end versions.

The new Grand Scénic is available with a choice of five diesel powerplants – including an electrified Hybrid Assist engine – and two petrol engines (depending on market). Hybrid Assist, which comprises an electric generator and a 48-volt battery, recovers deceleration energy, thereby allowing the electric motor to assist the internal combustion engine. The benefit is more responsive performance and a lower fuel consumption.

The diesel engine options are:
– Energy dCi 110, manual six-speed gearbox
– dCi 110 Hybrid Assist, manual six-speed gearbox
– Energy dCi 110 EDC, seven-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission
– Energy dCi 130, six-speed manual gearbox
– Energy dCi 160 EDC, six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission