This is how the brand presents its new Renault Scénic Vision to us. A concept-car visionary who prefigures the next models of the manufacturer as well as many innovative technologies. So, what does this “precursor concept car” announce?
Eco-design, technological innovation, sustainable mobility. These are the key words of the concept revealed to us today by Renault. The Diamond concept car propels the Scénic name into the future, through a unique family approach. The Renault Scénic Vision meets several of the manufacturer’s commitments in favor of the environment, safety and inclusion. Commitments that take the form of an electric/hydrogen hybrid vehicle.
Renault Scénic Vision: from 1991 to 2022
In 1991, Renault unveiled the first Scénic concept car. A promise of a car to live in, spacious and family-friendly, in a compact MPV. 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 successful generations until the Grand Scénic was discontinued at the end of the year. But like the new Mégane E-Tech, the Scénic will also take on a whole new direction. The model that we were able to discover actually foreshadows a 100% electric model which will be unveiled in 2024. On the design side, the Renault Scénic Vision presents rather well. An imposing compact, with a racy personality that we find very successful. Without being transcendent, the design still stands out with its angles and the use of the diamond.
The front logo extends into a full-width signature, futuristic and “cutting” effect guaranteed. Same thing at the back, with the patterns that cross the lights, echoing the diamond here too. The wheels are drawn to the 4 corners of the vehicle, which gives it a massive look. This Scénic Vision reminds us of our first contact with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 ! You realize its size only in front of the vehicle, as the proportions can be confusing in images. If the exterior design is not too crazy, we will still note the rims. Very concept, they might have been designed by Citroën in the 90s! Overall, the Renault Scénic Vision is in tune with the trend, without wanting to be too original. But that is outside.
Inside: durable precursor
It is therefore inside that this Renault Scénic 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. The black and white floor, for example, is made from recycled milk bottles and pipes. As for platinum, it is collected in particular from disused catalytic converters, for example. To go further, Renault claims that all contact surfaces with passengers are 100% recycled. More globally, this concept features 70% recycled materials. The objective is to make recycling viable by simplifying the composition of parts and equipment. In this logic, the seats are entirely in polyester, from the wire to the seat, without metal frames.
The paint is obtained from carbon capture in the air for this beautiful deep black. On board, the atmosphere is one of futuristic “purity”. Brilliant white, a flat steering wheel and an array of small screens are available to us. Floating console, induction charger and other USB-C sockets are also included. Rather than conventional airbags, Renault offers a concept of enveloping cushions directly integrated into the seat backs. So-called “cocoon” airbags that would provide more protection while allowing the cabin to be uncluttered. Since the environment also concerns the air we breathe, Renault has taken care to make the air purifiers visible in the doors. In addition to taking care of the interior air, they might also do it for the exterior of the vehicle. Imagine if all the vehicles did like the Renault Scénic Vision, simultaneously, all day long.
Hybrid engine: electric and hydrogen
Let’s talk regarding the climate objective: carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and in the world by 2050. A major challenge, which involves decarbonization, responsible production, and zero-emission motorization. To 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 is at the front. The fuel cell is under the floor, behind the battery, at the rear of the platform. Renault thus announces a 75% reduction in its carbon footprint compared to a conventional electric car. The concept car receives the 160 kW wound-rotor synchronous electric motor from the Mégane E-Tech. The power supply is entrusted to a 40 kWh battery, coupled with a 16 kW fuel cell. This makes long journeys easier by reducing charging times.
Autonomy is indicated at regarding 800 km with such a configuration, a Paris-Marseille! It remains to be seen whether, in practice, this recipe would indeed work. Finally, this duo also powers a lot of smart high-tech equipment on board. One thinks for example of the headrests, which integrate a system of microphones and loudspeakers to communicate effortlessly. The small contextual and adjustable screens offer shortcuts (calls, GPS, weather, air quality, light effects, etc.). A front camera “extends” the driver’s field of vision, with video transmission at the bottom of the windshield. Finally, camera mirrors and panoramic glass roof enhance visibility and the feeling of freedom on board. A promising mix of cutting-edge technology, as well as design that is as sustainable and eco-responsible as possible.
