The solid Renault Scenic MPV is going under the knife in 2012 with the release of its latest version. Set for release in Europe in February, the next generation Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic are looking to improve on what is already a very successful vehicle. So successful in fact, that it’s the top selling MPV in Europe.

Improved styling for Renault Scenic

The front end styling has been updated to be more modern and slick. There are now LED daytime running front lights as well as gloss black features with chrome detailing at the front as well as the tailgate strip. There is also a new range of wheel trims and alloy wheels. The choice of exterior colours has also been added to, with the introduction of Azzurro Blue and Damask Red.

Fuel efficient engines

In a continuing effort to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy Renault has developed new engine options for the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic. First up there is a 1.5 dCi 110 Stop & Start, which is an improvement over Renault’s core diesel engine. The engine produces 260 Nm of torque, which is an improvement of 20 Nm compared to the previous engine, as well as a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Next up is a 1.2 TCe 115 petrol engine, which will be available in the 5 and 7 seater Scenic. It also comes with a reduction in CO2 emissions, improvements in the fuel efficiency and improvement to the power output. Lastly there is a 1.6 dCi 130 Stop & Start, which comes with a 20% improvement in its fuel consumption as well as increased performance.

Safety Features

The new range of Scenic’s also come with a variety of driver-aids. There is the Visio System which will assist the driver’s vigilance and night-time vision via a lane departure warning system and an automatic headlight function. A camera on the vehicle detects if the vehicle is veering out of the lane as well as detects how much light there is. The system can automatically switch the lights from dipped to main beam based on the amount of light available on the road. Other driver-aids come in the form of Hill Start Assist and motorway-mode indicators which let other drivers know that the vehicle is changing lanes by flashing 3 times following a flick of the indicator switch.

Look for more information, as well as a local release date for the new Renault Scenic as it becomes available.