And yet the Techno is seductive
With the new Scenic, Renault is finally entering the busiest part of the EV market, that of mid-sized crossovers. The electric family car is available from €42,270, which is actually less than the Tesla Model Y, which is known for its favorable price. What do you get for that money?
Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric EV60 170 hp Comfort Range Evolution – €42,470
Renault was early on the EV market with the Zoe, but was only able to continue that lead in 2022. It did this with the Megane E-Tech, a compact hatchback that can be considered a competitor for the Volkswagen ID.3. The heart of the global EV market is a segment higher, in the class where the Kia EV6, Skoda Enyaq and sales stunner Tesla Model Y operate. Renault is now also present in that segment, with the new Scenic. It has nothing to do with the MPV we know by that name, but, like the aforementioned competitors, it is a modern electric crossover.
The new Scenic – just like ‘Megane’ now without a dash on the ‘e’ – costs at least €42,470. That is quite favorable. For example, you can’t get an EV6 for less than €43,495, which also concerns a version with less than 400 kilometers of range. The Skoda Enyaq only starts at €44,990 and even the Tesla Model Y, which is known for its relatively affordable price, is slightly more expensive than the Renault. For €43,990 you can get into a Tesla Model Y RWD with a range of 455 kilometers, compared to 430 kilometers for the Renault. The Tesla is considerably faster for the money and takes 6.9 seconds for a 0-100 sprint, while the Renault takes 8.6 seconds. The entry-level version of the Scenic has ‘only’ 170 hp, on the front wheels that is. The motorized variant always has a 60 kWh battery and reaches a maximum of 130 kW on the fast charger. A heat pump is standard. Those who want more, better, faster and further can turn to the EV87, which offers 87 kWh, 220 hp, 150 kW DC charging capacity and 625 km driving range. You will notice this in the price, because such an EV87 costs at least €47,970.
At Tesla there is only one version that has almost everything as standard, but Renault makes a distinction. The basic version is called Evolution and on the outside it can hardly be distinguished from the more expensive Techno. For example, it stands on the same 19-inch wheels and also has LED lighting all around. If you look closely, you will notice two differences: the Techno has ‘puddle lights’ mood lighting under the exterior mirrors, chrome frames under the front and rear bumpers and dark privacy glass behind the B-pillar. Oh well… The color deserves a compliment: the ‘Rouge flamme’ shown is standard, you pay extra for black and white. Would you rather something else? Bad luck, the Evolution only comes in three shades.
Dust on the dashboard
Such a basic Scenic doesn’t look bare on the inside either. The recycled gray upholstery fabric is something different from black and is not only on the seats, but also on the dashboard. There is very little wrong with the equipment. We note keyless entry and go, dual-zone automatic climate control, an Android Automotive multimedia system, a three-folding rear seat with center armrest, a reversing camera and rain and light sensors. And adaptive cruise control is simply standard.
The Techno (below) looks quite different on the inside due to its larger screen, mood lighting and the Drive Mode button on the steering wheel. It also has navigation.
Pack up and go, so? Wait a little longer. The Evolution is the only variant with a 9-instead of 12-inch touchscreen. It does not have Google Maps navigation, a facility that in all other versions neatly predicts the battery percentage upon arrival and can also plan along charging stations. Still a loss. In addition, from the Techno onwards, the Scenic gets a button on the steering wheel that allows you to select the driving mode. Such a Techno costs €2,000 more than the Evolution and, in addition to the things already mentioned, it also has an electrically operated tailgate, parking sensors all around, mood lighting, adaptive headlights, a nicer center console and a few other things that, below the line, cost it an extra 2 grand. more than worth it. Unfortunately, seat heating is still missing, and is highly recommended, especially with an EV. If you want that too, you will spend another €900 extra and then a suddenly quite luxurious Scenic suddenly costs €45,870. Well, then the Tesla is cheaper again…
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl