Renault E-Scénic: Cutting-Edge Safety

The Scenic E-Tech sports a unique, futuristic yet practical design, a definite head turner. Its smooth, aerodynamic lines and signature LED lighting give it a sleek look, while the imposing 20-inch wheels provide an added sense of robustness. The car’s overall design is both modern and functional. Driving through Ireland’s scenic routes, the car attracted attention with its elegant, futuristic presence, while the higher ride height provided excellent road visibility. 

The interior of the Renault Scenic E-Tech is where the car truly shines for families. The layout is spacious and well-thought-out, with a focus on passenger comfort and practicality. The panoramic windscreen, a hallmark of the Scenic, is larger than ever and extends into the roof, providing an airy and open feel. Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom and a flexible seating arrangement, with sliding and folding seats that can be adjusted to maximize either cargo space or passenger comfort. The use of sustainable materials inside, such as recycled fabrics, adds to the eco-conscious appeal of the Scenic E-Tech. 

The centrepiece of the dashboard is the new 12.3-inch digital display and a vertical 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest Renault interface, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is responsive, ensuring that both driver and passengers can stay connected on the go. 

One notable pitfall of the Renault E-Scénic, is its small rear window, which can limit visibility and make reversing and parking more challenging. This design choice may feel restrictive in tight spaces or when manoeuvring in busy areas. However, Renault addresses this issue with a clever solution: the addition of a rearview mirror camera system. This feature replaces the traditional rearview mirror with a high-resolution camera feed, providing a clear and wide-angle view of what’s behind the vehicle. The camera not only enhances rear visibility but also integrates with the car’s infotainment system to offer dynamic guidelines and additional safety alerts, making parking and reversing much easier despite the smaller rear window. 

The backseat passengers will be pleased to find, not 2, not 3, but 4 USB C charging outlets, device holders, cup holders and ample storage pockets to maximise comfort. The rear passenger doors open wide, allowing for ease of loading and offloading baby seats, groceries and passengers alike. The Scenic is truly a passenger-focused car design, which modern families will appreciate. 

The Scenic E-Tech is powered by a fully electric drivetrain that delivers quiet and smooth acceleration. Renault offers different battery options, with the most powerful delivering an impressive range of up to 420km on a single charge—perfect for long trips, without range anxiety. While the Scenic E-Tech may not be a high-performance car, it offers enough power to handle city driving and highway cruising with ease. 

One of the Scenic E-Tech’s standout features is its selection of customisable driving modes that cater to different driving preferences and environments. These modes allow the driver to adjust the car's responsiveness and energy efficiency based on the situation: 

·       Eco Mode maximises range. 

·       Comfort Mode softens the suspension and steering, delivering a smooth ride for family trips. 

·       Sport Mode heightens throttle response for a more dynamic, lively drive. 

·       MySense Mode allows customisation by blending elements of other modes for a personalised driving experience. 

The Scenic E-Tech benefits from Renault’s years of experience in the electric car sector. Renault has worked to ensure the Scenic E-Tech meets the rigorous demands of daily family life while offering the low maintenance advantages of an electric car. Renault offers comprehensive warranties on both the car and its battery, providing peace of mind for buyers. 

One of the major selling points of the Scenic E-Tech is its low running costs. As an electric car, it benefits from lower electricity costs compared to traditional fuel. Charging the car at home is significantly cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel tank, and public charging stations are becoming increasingly common across Ireland. Renault’s energy-efficient battery system and regenerative braking technology further enhance its overall efficiency. Additionally, the car qualifies for various government incentives, making it a more economical choice for the long-term. 

Charging times for the Renault Scénic Electric can vary based on the charging method used: 

The Renault Scenic doesn’t hold the most impressive charging times, however, it does house a large battery which promises the impressive range of up to 420km on a single charge – definitely a pro for families on the move. 

Despite its size, the Scenic E-Tech offers surprisingly agile handling. Thanks to the placement of the battery under the floor, the car has a low centre of gravity which enhances stability and reduces body roll, contributing to a comfortable and controlled ride. On Ireland’s narrow and winding roads, the Scenic E-Tech felt steady and predictable. The steering is light, yet precise, making it easy to  manoeuvre through tight urban streets. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and rough surfaces without compromising passenger comfort. Overall, the E-Scénic combines practicality with enjoyable driving dynamics, making it a versatile option for both urban and rural settings in Ireland. 

Safety remains a top priority in the Scenic E-Tech, and Renault has equipped the car with a suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking systems. The car’s five-star Euro NCAP rating ensures that it offers maximum protection for families, with the addition of safety features like blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and rear cross-traffic alerts. 

Even though all these modern safety features are a key selling point in today’s motor market, sometimes all of these feature may feel a bit invasive and overwhelming for your basic everyday driver. This is where the Renault E Scenic shines through, with "My Safety Personal" safety package, which integrates several cutting-edge technologies, but allows drivers to personalise their safety settings to suit individual preferences and driving needs. Through the intuitive infotainment system, you can access the "My Safety Personal" menu to customise various safety features: 

These customisable settings ensure that the Renault E-Scénic's safety features are tailored to your personal driving preferences and requirements, enhancing both convenience and security on the road. 

The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a game-changer in the family car market, offering the practicality and space that families need, with the added benefits of an electric powertrain. It offers an impressive blend of range, comfort, and technology while keeping running costs low and emissions at zero. If you’re looking for a forward-thinking, eco-friendly family vehicle without sacrificing space or style, the Renault Scenic E-Tech is an excellent option.