This is how the brand presents its new Renault Scénic Vision. A visionary concept car that foreshadows the next models of the manufacturer, as well as many innovative technologies. So what does this “precursor concept car” announce?
Ecodesign, technological innovation, sustainable mobility. These are the key words of the concept that Renault has revealed to us today. The Diamond concept car drives the Scénic name into the future, through a unique family approach. The Renault Scénic Vision fulfills several of the manufacturer’s commitments to the environment, safety and inclusion. Commitments that take the form of a hybrid electric / hydrogen vehicle.
Renault Scénic Vision: from 1991 to 2022
In 1991, Renault introduced the first Scénic concept car. A promise of a car to live, spacious and familiar, in a compact minivan. An innovative concept, which is also found in the name of the model. Car Scénic is the acronym for Safety Concept Embodied in a New Innovative Car. Literally “safety concept embodied by an innovative car.” A real invitation to travel with the family, the Renault Scénic will have had four generations of success until the Grand Scénic was discontinued at the end of the year. But like the new Mégane E-Tech, the Scenic will also take a new direction. The model we were able to discover foreshadows a 100% electric model that will be presented in 2024. In terms of design, the Renault Scénic Vision looks pretty good. An imposing compact, with a bold personality that we find very successful. Without being transcendent, the design still stands out for its angles and the use of diamond.
The front logo stretches in a full-width signature, futuristic effect and guaranteed “cutting” effect. The same on the back, with the drawings crossing the lights, echoing the diamond here as well. The wheels go to the 4 corners of the vehicle, which gives it a massive look. This Scenic Vision reminds us of our first contact with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 ! You notice its size only in front of the vehicle, as the proportions can be confusing in the images. If the exterior design isn’t too crazy, we’ll still look at the rims. Very concept, they could have been designed by Citroën in the 90’s! Overall, the Renault Scénic Vision is in tune with the trend, without wanting to be too original. But that is out.
Interior: durable precursor
So that’s where this Renault Scenic Vision is loose. The manufacturer takes the opportunity to give us an overview of what can be done in terms of sustainable mobility. Starting with the materials used. Black and white flooring, for example, is made from recycled milk bottles and pipes. As for platinum, it is mostly collected from disused catalytic converters, for example. To go further, Renault claims that all surfaces in contact with passengers are 100% recycled. More generally, this concept includes 70% recycled materials. The aim is to make recycling viable by simplifying the composition of parts and equipment. By this logic, the seats are made entirely of polyester, from the cable to the seat, without metal frames.
The paint is obtained from the capture of carbon in the air for this beautiful deep black. On board, the atmosphere is futuristic “purity”. We have at our disposal a bright white, a flat steering wheel and a series of small screens. Also included are floating console, induction charger and other USB-C sockets. Instead of conventional airbags, Renault offers a concept of wrap-around cushions integrated directly into the seat backs. Airbags called “cocoon” that would provide more protection while tidying up the cabin. As the environment also affects the air we breathe, Renault has taken care to make air purifiers visible on the doors. In addition to taking care of the inside air, they could also take care of the outside of the vehicle. Imagine if all vehicles did like the Renault Scénic Vision, all at once, all day long.
Hybrid engine: electric and hydrogen
We are talking about the climate goal: carbon neutrality in Europe in 2040 and in the world in 2050. An important challenge, which involves decarbonisation, responsible production and emission-free motorization. Do this, the Renault Scénic Vision is designed around an unprecedented platform specifically adapted to hydrogen. The engine is at the rear (propulsion) and the 2.5 kg hydrogen tank at the front. The fuel cell is located underground, behind the battery, at the back of the platform. Renault is thus announcing a 75% reduction in its carbon footprint compared to a conventional electric car. The concept car receives the 160 kW coiled rotor synchronous electric motor from the Mégane E-Tech. Power is entrusted to a 40 kWh battery, along with a 16 kW fuel cell. This facilitates long journeys by reducing loading times.
The range is about 800 km with this configuration, a Paris-Marseille! It remains to be seen whether this recipe will work in practice. Finally, this duo also powers many high-tech smart computers on board. Think, for example, of headrests, which integrate a system of microphones and speakers to communicate effortlessly. Small, context-sensitive, adjustable screens offer shortcuts (calls, GPS, weather, air quality, light effects, etc.). A front-facing camera “widens” the driver’s field of vision, with video transmission at the bottom of the windshield. Finally, the mirrors with camera and the panoramic glass ceiling improve the visibility and the feeling of freedom on board. A promising combination of cutting-edge technology, as well as the most sustainable and eco-responsible design possible.
