Renault Scenic 2001-05

The Age

Saturday May 24, 2008

Bruce Newton

WHEN Renault relaunched in Australia in May 2001, it was the Scenic compact people-mover and its 4WD offshoot, the RX4, that were regarded as the big sales opportunities.

The Megane-based Scenic was a record-breaking bestseller in Europe.

The RX4 added ride height, a torque-on-demand 4x4 system and rugged-looking body cladding.

The range started with the $25,878 Expression, powered by a 79 kW/148 Nm, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

The $27,878 Dynamique and $29,499 Privilege models upgraded to a 101 kW/188 Nm, 2.0-litre petrol engine.

A four-speed automwas a $2000 option.

All Scenic models came equipped with air-conditioning, remote central locking, refrigerated storage compartments, trip computer, ABS and six airbags. The RX4 came as the $31,150 Expression and $33,250 Privilege. The Privilege upgraded to climate control, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, front armrests and single-CD audio.

In November, Renault added leather trim, a dual sunroof and roof rails to the Scenic Privilege.

The following July, the RX4 Expression was dropped. And in early 2003, the Scenic Expression became a 2.0-litre. Prices climbed to $27,990 for the Expression. Dynamique and Privilege were reset at $29,990 and $35,990.

The Scenic was replaced by the Scenic II in February 2005.

OUR PICK

The 2.0-litre Expression is an economical, flexible form of family transport with good safety credentials. -- BRUCE NEWTON

© 2008 The Age

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