Renault Sc'enic minivan crosses over with new Xmod variant
Wed, 06 Feb 2013
Visually, the Xmod takes us on a trip to crossover land, with increased ride height, beefier front and rear bumpers, side sill guards and a pair of utile, chrome-finished roof bars. Special alloy wheels and a set of LED daytime running lights complete the visual package.
Renault is also touting the use of its new Grip Xtend traction control system that includes a driver-adjustable knob to tailor the traction control to different surfaces, but the model is not available with all-wheel drive.
Scroll down to read all of the details about the Scénic Xmod in Renault's official press release below, and stay tuned for March when our Geneva team will bring you even more on the new minivan-turned-crossover.
Following the unveiling of its first crossover, Captur, Renault redesigns the Scénic as a crossover and unveils the New Scénic XMOD
With its innovative Grip Xtend traction control system, crossover looks, brand-new TCe 130 Stop & Start Energy engine as well as Renault's new design identity, the Scénic replacement updates the Renault Scénic line
While retaining the genetic make-up and practicalities of the benchmark European MPV since 1996, New Scénic XMOD states its difference with style
To coincide with the unveiling of New Scénic XMOD, the Renault Grand Scénic gets a facelift for 2013
R-Link technology is introduced on New Scénic XMOD from launch and comes later in the year on New Grand Scénic. Bose® tailor-engineered sound is available from launch on both models
New Scénic XMOD and New Grand Scénic will both make their world debuts at the Geneva Motor Show on 5th March 2013
NEW SCENIC XMOD: CROSSOVER ON THE OUTSIDE...
Sporty and elegant, New Scénic XMOD combines the outdoor cues of a crossover with the refined world of an MPV. With raised ground clearance and special alloy wheels, the car features an expressive crossover-inspired design: special front and rear bumpers, sill guards and chrome-finish roof bars across the range. The new front end is also more expressive, incorporating Renault's new design identity and signature LED daytime running lights.
To mark the launch of New Scénic XMOD (replacing Scénic in the UK), New Grand Scénic has been restyled to take on Renault's new design identity. The Renault logo at the front is now bigger and set against a gloss black background that emphasises the new grille. Elegant lines and high-quality materials also help to enhance the MPV's dynamic, family-oriented feel.
TECHNOLOGY ON THE INSIDE
Inside New Scénic XMOD, the driver enjoys carefully thought out ergonomics, including a fixed centre console. The rotary control for the all-new Grip Xtend traction control system and the multi-directional joystick control for the multimedia system are both easy to reach. Featuring a customisable TFT (Thin Film Transistor) digital display, the dashboard is dominated by the fully connected Renault R-Link 7" touchscreen multimedia system. The top-of-the-range version of XMOD includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium-capped pedals and gear lever knob and new interior appointments. Rounding out the offer is new stitched upholstery and a Leather/Alcantara Pack. According to version, both New Scénic XMOD and New Grand Scénic include Bose® tailor-engineered sounds with class-leading acoustic performance.
NEW SCENIC XMOD: ALL THE DNA OF RENAULT SCENIC
New Scénic XMOD retains the key features which have made Scénic the benchmark in the compact MPV segment. Its boot capacity is up to 555 litres, one of the biggest in its class. No less than 71 litres of additional stowage space are cleverly spread around the cabin. New Scénic XMOD offers simple, effective and fast modularity: the seats are independent, folding and removable to provide a host of seating configurations for the occupants.
GRIP XTEND ON NEW SCENIC XMOD
New Scénic XMOD is the first vehicle in the Renault range to feature the all-new Grip Xtend system. This advanced traction control system enables the vehicle to grip the road confidently under difficult driving conditions (mud, sand and fresh snow etc.). Manually activating the rotary control positioned on the centre console, the driver can choose from three types of assistance.
In 'Expert' mode, Grip Xtend manages the braking system, while leaving the driver in full control of the engine torque. The 'Road' mode offers conventional traction control settings, and this mode automatically reconnects at speeds of over 40kph. The 'Loose Ground' mode optimises braking control and engine torque control as a function of available grip.
ENERGY BOOST FOR THE SCÉNIC LINE
The latest Renault ENERGY engines share the same guiding principle, i.e. significantly reduced fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and running costs, while maximising driving enjoyment and reliability. Renault New Scénic XMOD and New Grand Scénic can all be ordered with the three new Energy powertrains. Especially noteworthy is the brand-new TCe 130 Stop & Start engine, boasting a 15% improvement on fuel consumption over the previous TCe 130 unit, equivalent to a combined-cycle saving of more than 1 litre/100km. This particularly smooth, yet responsive powerplant, combines genuine driving enjoyment and lively performance at all engine speeds.
HALLMARK QUALITY MADE IN FRANCE
Since Scénic's release in 1996, 4,300,000 units have been produced at the Douai plant. Renault has built up its expertise on the strength of the rigour and professionalism of all the plant's employees. Renault has invested €420 million in adapting and upgrading the factory which will produce premium Renault models from 2014. This marks a new stage in Renault's quality policy involving each and every staff member. The 'Douai certified quality' plan is based on four pillars: a thorough understanding of quality standards and practices, everyday quality management, the highest level of skills and a stronger focus on perceived quality.
New Renault Scénic XMOD will make its world premiere on 5th March 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show. New Renault Grand Scénic will also be presented at the same show. Further information about its exact specification and availability will be released on this date.
By Seyth Miersma
See also: Fiat contemplating sub-brand to compete with Dacia, Datsun, Renault brings Captur from concept to reality with new CUV, Dacia brand has become "cash cow" for parent Renault.