The new Renault Scénic XMOD arrived on the market with the aim of taking families from the lived city to the peaceful countryside, in comfort and safety. But what distinguishes this Scénic XMOD from the rest of the range are its features.
But even before I start writing here, let me tell you that this is not a normal Renault Scénic, but don't be fooled by the acronym XMOD either, as this is not synonymous with “Paris-Dakar.”
With a robust, modern and radical design, the Renault Scénic XMOD is a real competitor to models like the Peugeot 3008 and Mitsubishi ASX.
We took to the road to test its virtues and even unravel some of its small flaws. The Renault Scénic XMOD under test is equipped with a 1.5 dCi 110hp engine, with common rail technology and a turbocharger, capable of delivering 260Nm as soon as 1750rpm.
It may not even seem like much, but it surprises on the positive side. The Renault Scénic XMOD is agile and responds well to the accelerator, although it will have to reduce and raise the engine a little more, if it wants to overcome the overtaking with any ease. This engine still manages a combined average of 4.1 liters at 100Km. However, we were able to obtain averages of 3.4 l/100Km when using the Cruise Control system, but if you literally want to go fast, count on averages around 5 liters.
As for rolling, it is a vehicle where “nothing goes”, without drama and without problems, the suspension is very competent even on the most uneven ground, absorbing any holes without moving the column.
The interior is very spacious and tidy, full of “holes” where you can hide everything you carry on board, it even has a kind of safe hidden under the rugs. But that's a secret… shhhh!
The Renault Scénic XMOD's luggage compartment has a capacity of 470 liters which can be extended, with the seats folded down to a magnificent 1870 liters. An authentic ballroom. And you can even add a panoramic roof, for the modest amount of €860.
It also features Renault's R-Link system, an innovative integrated multimedia touchscreen, which creates the link between the car and the outside world. With a navigation system, radio, Bluetooth connection for mobile phones and USB/AUX connections for external devices, the Renault Scénic XMOD doesn't lack “gadgets”.
The system is very competent and has one of the best voice commands we've ever used. At Renault Scénic XMOD they also have the R-Link Store program, which allows, for 3 free months, to use different applications such as weather, Twitter, access emails or see the fuel price of the nearest stations. Among these gadgets is also the Bose audio system, here as an option.
The leather and fabric seats are comfortable and provide some lumbar support for a trip without any back pain. The seats in the back are individual and easily accommodate 3 people, without being knocked over or jostled, providing the necessary comfort for longer trips. In terms of soundproofing, the Renault Scénic XMOD lacks circulation at high speed and uneven ground, due only to the friction of the tires, a noise that after a while can become irritating, as in any other vehicle.
It's very easy to find a comfortable driving position, although those who like a lower position will have some difficulty in seeing the fuel level, but that's not a big problem either, since with a 60 liter tank they can travel almost 1200Km with the Renault Scénic XMOD.
But it's time to talk about the acronym XMOD, an acronym that makes a family minivan in an authentic crossover. Whether asphalt, earth or sand, this is the Scénic you can count on. But don't take her to the dunes, please!
They can count on the Grip Control system, which allows them to attack the most difficult terrain, where sometimes only 4X4 vehicles can go. Providing a noticeable increase in grip on sand, dirt and even snow in this Renault Scénic XMOD.
The Grip Control system, or traction control, is activated manually through a circular command located in the center console, and is divided into 3 modes.
On-road mode (normal use, always automatically activated from 40km/h), off-road mode (optimizes the control of brakes and engine torque, depending on grip conditions) and Expert mode ( manages the braking system, leaving the driver in full control of engine torque control).
Let's say that this system greatly simplifies the life of those who venture on trails with complex grip situations, and I emphasize again, don't venture on dunes, because, let's say that during our test we seriously thought about calling a tractor to get us out of a River Beach.
But once again thanks to the magnificent Grip Control, none of that was necessary, a little more torque and traction gave way to the problem.
Between highways, secondary roads, gravel roads, beach, tracks and goat paths, we did something like 900Km. This intensive test of the new Renault Scénic XMOD led us to only one conclusion: this is a van for families who love adventure.
Prices start at €24,650 for the base petrol version 1.2 TCe with 115hp and €26,950 for the 130hp version. Within the range, 3 equipment levels are available, Expression, Sport and Bose. In the 1.5 dCi diesel versions, prices start at €27,650 for the Expression version with manual transmission and go up to €32,900 for the Bose version with automatic transmission. A 1.6 dCi engine with 130hp is also available with prices starting at €31,650.
The tested version was the Renault Scénic XMOD Sport 1.5 dCi 110hp, with manual gearbox and a price of €31,520. Those who contribute to this final value are the options: metallic paint (430€), the automatic air conditioning pack (390€), Safety Pack with parking sensors and rear camera (590€). The base version starts at €29,550.
| MOTOR | 4 cylinders |
| CYLINDRAGE | 1461 cc |
| STREAMING | Manuel, 6 Vel. |
| TRACTION | Forward |
| WEIGHT | 1457Kg |
| POWER | 110hp / 4000rpm |
| BINARY | 260Nm / 1750 rpm |
| 0-100 KM/H | 12.5 sec. |
| SPEED MAXIMUM | 180 km/h |
| CONSUMPTION | 4.1 l/100km |
| PRICE | €31,520 (RESEARCHED VERSION) |