RENAULT is reinventing one of its most popular people carriers as a crossover model. Out goes the plain old Scenic and in comes the new, pumped-up Scenic XMOD.
Raised ground clearance and a host of other offroader-inspired design elements give the Scénic XMOD a much more rugged look than its predecessor. Special alloy wheels are complemented by chunkier bumpers, big sill guards and chrome-finish roof bars. There’s also a new front end incorporating the latest Renault corporate look, and new LED daytime running lights.
The Scenic XMOD’s exterior treatment recalls that of the previous all-wheel drive Scenic Rx4 but the new car relies on Renault’s Grip Xtend traction control system rather than a full 4×4 drivetrain to help it cope with mud, sand or snow. There will be three engine choices, most notably a new TCe 130 Stop & Start petrol option that delivers a 15 per cent improvement in fuel consumption.
One feature is the availability of Renault’s joystick-controlled R-Link multimedia system with its seven-inch display.
The larger Grand Scenic will still also be on sale – that one’s spared the full crossover treatment but it still gets a facelift that gives it the latest Renault corporate nose.
The new cars will get their first public outing at next month’s Geneva Motor Show and business car users who want the carrying capacity of the Scenic with added offroad potential should look out for it.
