Car test R0049

August 2000

ST
FIR IVE Renault Scenic RX4
DR
AT A GLANCE
considering size, price and rivals

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THE RX4 RANGE

body 5-door 4x4 compact MPV
trim levels Sport Alizé, Monaco
engines petrol: 4 cyl 16v 2.0/140bhp
with multi-point injection and variable
valve timing. Turbo-diesel: 4 cyl 8v
1.9/105bhp with common-rail fuelling
drive full-time four-wheel drive, 5-speed
manual (no automatic option)
notable standard features ABS, auto-
locking at 6mph, traction control, alloy

A
S IF SETTING THE STANDARD BY conditions. While beyond 4000rpm it’s still wheels, front side airbags, heat-
which small multi-purpose vehicles obviously a four-cylinder oil-burner, this reflecting windscreen, air conditioning,
are judged wasn’t enough, Renault diesel is generally livelier, more refined yet “smart” wipers, CD player, numerous
is at it again, this time with the RX4 – a 4x4 no thirstier than the previous 1.9dTi unit. storage areas, trip computer (2.0), two
version of its hugely successful five-seater On the road, the rugged Renault feels electric sunroofs, leather trim (Monaco)
Scenic. With rugged four-wheel drive, much the same as its front-driven
greater ground clearance and some counterpart. Any penalties due to its extra
macho make-up, the newcomer appears to (175kg) weight, taller stance and off-road PERFORMANCE*
be all set to establish a new class of footwear are largely offset by the new 0-60mph 2.0 11.2sec, 1.9dCi 14.0sec
vehicle: a compact MPV that’s equally at suspension’s fluid, compliant ride, max speed 2.0 112mph, 1.9dCi 100mph
home off the beaten track as it is on tarmac. well-damped body control and a general official combined mpg 2.0 29.7,
Although the RX4 is based on the absence of four-by-four foibles. Driven 1.9dCi 38.4
existing front-wheel drive Scenic, with its briskly it feels a little less agile than the *maker's figures
clever seating permutations and numerous standard Scenic and the gearchange is
storage spaces, in this case it features a also less precise. Otherwise, there are few
modified gearbox and driveline. The clever hints as to its multi-terrain capabilities. LIKES AND GRIPES
part is a viscous coupling that diverts The RX4’s comfortable and adaptable
push-down-flush rear head restraints
power to the wheels with the greatest grip interior and well-chosen driving position
small but handy coolbox for drinks
when the going gets gooey. And it works. remain virtually unchanged, with a high
integrated thiefproof spare wheel
Our test route comprised an assortment of level of standard equipment partly
gas strut to side-opening taildoor
rugged tracks, boulder-strewn river accounting for the model’s apparently
crossings and steep, sandy inclines which steep price tag.
confusingly called an MAC
the RX4 mastered with surefooted poise. Safety features are also impressive by their
rather vague gear lever action
Only limited suspension travel, the profusion. To make room for the additional
unwiped screen corner for passenger
two-litre petrol engine’s relatively modest running gear and to preserve the existing
only 12-month mechanical warranty
bottom-end punch and the clang of sump luggage capacity, the spare wheel is now
guard against projecting immovable mounted on the taildoor that’s side-hinged
object let you know that the RX4 is not below a separate lift-up back window.
seriously going to threaten the off-road big
boys. That said, it’s up to all but the most VERDICT
ambitious of cross-country excursions.
Although the RX4 gives second-best
The new common-rail 1.9dCi diesel
to more dedicated off-roaders, it offers
overcomes a couple of the petrol engine’s
surprisingly surefooted progress over
shortcomings, in that, although it needs
tricky terrain, in a compact MPV
rowing along on the gear lever to keep up
already justifiably famed for its space,
a respectable pace, its broader spread of
style and versatility. As such it's in a
pulling power and engine braking on
class of its own.
overrun are valuable in more demanding

© The Automobile Association Limited 2000