Renault has included a range of impressive features to up the ante of its Scénic 2 compact SUV. The Scénic 2 has been updated for 2008 with the special edition Scénic Navigator to give it more appeal in the lifestyle-oriented market.The updates to the exterior aesthetics include skid plates, protective rubber strips and 20 mm raised ride height. The new flagship in the Scénic line-up still does not compromise on the traditional values that have made the Scénic a constant seller since 1999: comfort, safety, versatility and driving comfort. The trend to follow these values resulted in the release of the Scénic 2 in 2004. It was also the first vehicle in its segment to achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety-rating.
Under the bonnet sits a transversely mounted 2,0-litre 16-valve engine that produces 99kW at 5 500 r/min and 191 N.m of torque at 3 750 r/min. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the Scénic Navigator reaches 100 km/h from standstill in 10,4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 194 km/h.
The Scénic Navigator rides on MacPherson Strut front suspension with lower wishbones and anti-roll bar. The rear suspension set-up employs a torsion beam axle. 17-inch alloy wheels are housed in the black trim of the wheel arches, wrapped in 205/55 rubber and retarded by 300 mm brake discs in the front and 270 mm discs in the rear. Driver aids include ABS with EBD and EBA.
“The Navigator continues the tradition of innovation and clever thinking that has always been at the core of the Scénic’s attraction. Since it straddles the compact SUV and MPV sectors, it offers customers in these segments a unique combination of attributes that should win it many friends,” according to Managing Director of Renault South Africa Xavier Gobille.
The Scénic Navigator’s initial luggage space of 550 dm3 can be extended to 1 150 dm3. It comes with a 60-litre fuel tank and in a unique local collaboration, will also be equipped with a Nokia 6110 Navigator mobile phone with GPS as standard.
The Scénic Navigator is priced at R238 000 and comes with Renault’s Confiance five-year/150 000 km warranty and 60 000 km maintenance plan.