KEY POINTS:
People movers don't have to carry a lot of people, they just have to have a lot of utility, thought Renault when it created the first-generation Scenic in 1996.
Based on the Megane hatchback, it only had five seats - but they could be moved in a multitude
of clever ways or removed altogether.
Although the Scenic was not much longer than a Megane, it was tall and spacious like a full-size people-mover. In Europe, the Scenic was and is massive - at one time in the 1990s, it was the best-selling passenger car on the Continent.
But in New Zealand? Not so much. In fact, it's nearly invisible in the new car market.
What's new? This is the second-generation Scenic since 2003 (a mild facelift came in 2006). What the just-launched 1.9 dCi, now the sole model offered for sale in New Zealand, brings is the combination of a high-tech diesel engine and automatic gearbox. (Scenics sold here have been petrol-powered).
The diesel motor produces 96kW/250Nm - the latter torque figure at just 1600rpm. Combined fuel consumption is 7.1 litres/100km.
The company line "The Scenic is ideal for the active Kiwi lifestyle," says Wallis Dumper, the managing director of Motorcorp Distributors, the New Zealand distributor of Renault cars. "Whether it's running kids to and from school or after-school activities or sport, or loading up for a weekend away with all the gear we like to take away on holiday, the Scenic's versatility is a real bonus."
What we say Kiwis with active lifestyles still prefer the adventurous image of off-road-type vehicles to a people mover.
But the Scenic is brilliant at blending people and cargo-carrying abilities. And the French are rather good at diesel engines, so this is a promising package for smart buyers.
On the road The Scenic is a feel-good vehicle: soft-touch plastics in the cabin, great visibility and endearing looks. The diesel engine provides plenty of low-down pulling power; the automatic transmission is a welcome feature, although the four-speed shifter is a little erratic if you vary the throttle - sometimes it hangs on to gears a little too long.
Yet the Scenic is a smooth drive. It rides well, corners quickly - albeit with lots of body roll - and offers a fantastic cabin environment. The front passenger seat folds flat into a table- top, while the three individual rear seats can be repositioned or removed.
There are four under-seat storage drawers and under-floor storage areas. A sliding front centre storage console includes armrests.
With all five seats in use, the rear luggage area can be varied from 430 to 480 litres. The rear window can be opened separately from the full hatchback. With the three rear seats removed, it can carry up to 1840l.
So what's stopping you? The driving position is still a little bus-like and a four-speed automatic seems a bit old-hat. It's a brilliant vehicle, but it's a people mover and a Renault.
Neither have been popular here in the past few years.