New Scénic and five- and seven-seat Grand Scénic are available with a comprehensive choice of engines in the form of four diesel engines, all with common rail technology, and four 16-valve petrol engines. The cubic capacity of the diesel powerplants ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 litres and their power output extends from 85 to 150hp (63 to 110kW), while the 1.9 and automatic transmission 2.0 engines are equipped with a periodic regeneration particulate filter.

The four petrol engines range from the 1.4-litre to the 2.0-litre turbo and deliver between 100 and 165hp (72 to 120kW). The range of transmissions is equally
extensive, with a choice of two five- or six-speed manual gearboxes and two proactive four- or six-speed automatic transmissions. The latter, known as AJ0, is a new transmission developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. All these powertrains combine driving pleasure and environmental friendliness and can claim CO2 emissions amongst the lowest of their class.

A 2.0 dCi engine withunmatched features

New Scénic is available with the first Renault-Nissan Alliance engine, the particulate filter-equipped 2.0 dCi (M9R). This 1,995cc block is packed with the very latest diesel technologies, including a 1,600-bar injection rail and piezo-electric injectors which combine with advanced piston geometry and the variable geometry
turbocharger to make this one of the most efficient 2.0-litre diesel engines available today. With maximum power of 150hp (110kW) at 4,000rpm and torque of 340Nm from 2,000rpm, it offers unrivalled driving pleasure for its size.

Coupled with the six-speed manual gearbox (PK4), the performance is easily exploitable across a broad rev-band and has all the ingredients to ensure a dynamic ride and a high level of acoustic comfort. In terms of fuel consumption, New Scénic 2.0 dCi is quite simply the most efficient car of its class with combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5.8 litres/100km which, for its power output, is equivalent to the lowest CO2 emissions (154g/km) of its segment. In addition to the fuel savings permitted by the use of multiple injection, the different depolluting systems guarantee outstanding emissions control.

New Scénic''s 2.0 dCi also sees the introduction of new sparkplugs designed to reduce pre-heat time. In addition to the manual gearbox that has equipped Scénic since its launch, New Scénic 2.0 dCi can be ordered with the latest Renault-Nissan Alliancedeveloped AJ0 proactive automatic six-speed transmission.

This is the first use of this new, upper-range transmission in a Renault model and its latest generation technology and six speeds ensure outstanding response and acceleration pick-up. With combined cycle fuel consumption of just 7.0 litres/100km, the combination of the 2.0 dCi engine and the AJ0 gearbox places New Scénic amongst the very best highpower diesel compact MPVs with automatic transmission when it comes to fuel efficiency. Mated to this transmission, the 2.0 dCi engine also features two balancer shafts that offer vibration and acoustic levels close to those of a petrol engine. It also comes with a periodic regeneration particulate filter that operates without additives; particulates accumulated in the filter are burnt off every 300 to 1,200km according to type of use.

The AJ0 automatic transmission

The AJ0 transmission is a new automatic 6-speed transmission with flick-shift gear changes. Its control unit records and analyses a variety of parameters in order to select the most suitable gear for the vehicle''s speed, engine revs, torque and pedal position, etc. It also communicates permanently with the engine control unit to maintain optimal torque during gear changes.

In automatic mode, the control unit selects the ideal gear using auto-adaptive settings based on three parameters – driving style, road type (uphill, downhill, flat) and the drivers’ reactions in real time – and which favour fluidity and smoothness without compromizing either punch or acceleration pick-up. The control unit is also programmed to downshift instantly if the driver presses hard on the throttle pedal (kick down function) to provide extra power when overtaking.

In manual mode, it is the driver who chooses his or her own driving style thanks to the flick-shift lever. This mode comes into its own in the case of a dynamic driving style, for example, or along mountain roads. It also incorporates a number of automatic functions designed to facilitate easier driving (automatic selection of first gear when the car comes to a standstill) and to protect the gearbox (protection against over-revving).

To favour driveability and fuel efficiency, particular care has gone into the gear selection quality of this cable-controlled, three-shaft transmission, as well as into minimizing mechanical friction. An especially welcome feature when motoring around town is the disengagement of the transmission when at a standstill to reduce vehicle creep, thereby minimizing residual vibrations and fuel consumption. Meanwhile, the active slip function developed for this transmission has resulted in a significant reduction in the phenomenon of booming at low revs for enhanced driving comfort, notably when re-accelerating.

The ratio between the first and the final gear – known as spread – is 6.12. Compared with fourand five-speed automatic transmissions, this transmission has two principal benefits: the shorter first gear improves acceleration from standstill, while the longer sixth gear reduces fuel consumption and reduces noise when driving on motorways. Special attention has been paid to this transmission’s acoustic performance, while booming, growl and whine have all been reduced to the strictest minimum thanks to the design of the casing and the hydraulic converter damping system.

Thanks to its pressure-cast aluminium alloy casing, the AJ0 transmission tips the scales at a mere 93kg (without fluids). Its compact dimensions (length: 385mm) allow the powertrain to be positioned transversely in the engine compartment. The transmission is lubricated for life by 8 litres of oil and is water-cooled by a circuit incorporated in the casing.

It can be used with both diesel and petrol engines and is predisposed for use with an all-wheel drive vehicle. The AJ0 transmission is built in the Yagi JATCO factory in Japan.

The 1.9 dCi engine: excellent versatility

New Scénic’s catalogue of diesel engines also includes the particulate filter-equipped 1.9 dCi 130hp (F9Q), which can be ordered with either a six-speed manual gearbox (ND0) or automatic proactive four-speed flick-shift transmission (DP0). This 1,870cc block delivers 130hp at 4,000rpm and torque of 300Nm at 2,000rpm (automatic transmission: 250Nm at 1,600rpm).

The pressure of the variable geometry turbocharger is 2.5 bar, while the 1,600-bar fuel injection system ensures sprightly performance both in town and on motorways. One of the 1.9 dCi’s foremost qualities is its low combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6 litres/100km (manual gearbox), the equivalent of 159g/km of CO2 emissions. This engine can be specified with or without a particulate filter.

A choice of two power outputs for the 1.5 dCi engine

New Scénic 1.5 dCi is available in a choice of two power outputs in order to meet the demands of its different markets. The most powerful version delivers 105hp (78kW) at 4,000rpm and 240Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, this engine (K9K) stands out as a benchmark in terms of acoustic performance and also offers one of the best performance/fuel consumption ratios of its class with CO2 emissions of just 138g/km (Scénic and five-seat Grand Scénic). For enhanced environmental friendliness, this 1.5 dCi powerplant will shortly be available with a periodic regeneration particulate filter with a fifth injector located just upstream of the filter, ensuring that regeneration takes place without the driver even being aware of it.

In its 85hp trim (63kW) (not available with five- and seven-seat Grand Scénic), this engine is particularly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly with fuel consumption of just 5.1 litres/100km (combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 137g/km. It is ideal for city motoring, as well as for motorway use for drivers who place the emphasis on low running costs or who don’t carry heavy loads.

A petrol engine for all types of use

New Scénic comes with a comprehensive selection of petrol engines too, with power outputs ranging from 100 to 165hp. 1.4 16V 100hp, punch and response The entry level petrol engine for New Scénic is the 1.4 16V (K4J) which puts out 100hp (72kW) at 6,000rpm and offers torque of 127Nm at 3,750rpm (not available with five- or seven-seat Grand Scénic).

This 1,390cc block is acclaimed for its low fuel consumption and punch at low revs.

Fuel efficiency and agility for the 1.6 16V engine

The 1.6 16V (K4M), which can be considered as the core engine of the Scénic range, delivers 110hp (82kW) at 6,000rpm and provides maximum torque of 152Nm at 4,250rpm. The availability of the sixspeed manual gearbox has led to a notable improvement in acoustic performance – especially booming at high revs – and a gain in response and acceleration pick-up of approximately 10 per cent.

The 1.6 16V engine can also be ordered with proactive automatic transmission (DP0). Finally, a 105hp LPG version is available for New Scénic in certain markets.

The 2.0 16V engine: torque and dynamism

This 1,998cc block (F4R) provides New Scénic with the level of dynamic performance expected of a twolitre engine. It boasts maximum power of 135hp (98.5kW) at 6,000rpm and 191Nm of torque at 3,750rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 2,000rpm. Mated to either the six-speed manual gear-box (ND0) or the four-speed automatic transmission (DP0), this engine is at ease across a broad rev-band thanks to its inlet camshaft variator, while the twin mass-damping flywheel ensures that this Renault powerplant maintains its lead in terms of acoustic and vibration control.

The sporty 2.0 16V Turbo

The 2.0 16V Turbo (F4Rt) tops the New Scénic engine range. Its power of 165hp (120kW) at 5,500rpm and generous 270Nm of torque at 3,250rpm guarantees outstanding driving pleasure. Coupled with the six-speed gearbox (ND0), fuel consumption has nonetheless been kept in check with a low 8.1 litres/100km.

Suspension acclaimed for its comfort in all situations

New Scénic has naturally kept the same chassis as its predecessor to which a number of fine-tuning evolutions have been introduced in terms of damping, anti-roll performance and steering. The front MacPherson-type suspension layout is combined with a rectangular lower arm for first class directional rigidity and a high filtering capacity. Meanwhile, the front and rear damper settings have been modified to optimize the trade-off between comfort and handling. At the rear, the programmed deflection flexible beam incorporates a bigger diameter antiroll bar in the case of versions powered by the 2.0 dCi engine, a package that ensures exceptional handling and control of body roll.

The generously dimensioned 15-, 16- and 17-inch wheels (according to engine type and equipment level) contribute to the car''s top class roadholding, while the efficient brakes ensure a sensation of bite and stopping power.

New Scénic’s electric power steering has evolved significantly and now features a new, broader bandwidth control unit, which has led to extra precision around the centre-point as well as more linear response. Turning in also feels more assertive following the switch in the middle of 2005 to a “tube-in-tube” steering column. The system of a sliding joint between the two parts of the column permits excellent filtering out of vibrations and an entirely rotational, play-free link for even greater steering precision. These evolutions combine to provide enhanced feedback of information from the road.