|
Scenic RX4 combines the compact ‘monospace’ concept with the advantages of a 4x4 leisure vehicle.
Renault Australia’s new compact four-wheel drive, the Scenic RX4, is destined to take the Australian leisure vehicle market by storm with its distinctive looks, versatility, comfort, performance and all-road ability.
The RX4 offers the practicality of a ‘monospace’ design combined with the security of a permanent four-wheel drive system and one of the most comprehensive equipment lists in its class.
While the vehicle’s styling reflects the RX4’s relationship to the Scenic, its versatile design allows the driver to explore beyond the traditional boundaries of a compact ‘monospace’ vehicle.
Inside, the RX4 retains all the advantages of the Scenic – flat floor, high-set driving position, generous interior space and versatility created by the three removable rear seats and numerous stowage spaces.
Like all Renault vehicles, the RX4 offers class-leading safety provided by a long list of interior safety features including six airbags – two programmed restraint front airbags, two front side airbags and two head/chest side curtain airbags – safety belts fitted with pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters and close contact head restraints.
Active safety features include anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution (EBV) and automatic traction control.
Two specification levels are available – the entry-level RX4 Expression and the range topping Privilege model.
All RX4 models are powered by a gutsy 2.0-litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine producing 101kW at 5500rpm and 188Nm at 3750rpm and feature Renault’s advanced variable valve timing, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Both the Expression and Privilege RX4 models are equipped with six airbags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, engine immobiliser, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, a chilled storage compartment and an audio system with satellite controls on the steering wheel.
In addition to these features the Privilege gains alloy wheels, climate-controlled air-conditioning, leather steering wheel, front armrests, single in-dash CD player and a rear wheel cover.
Two optional packs are available on both models – the Roof Pack offers twin sunroof and roof rails to either model and the Luxury Pack adds full leather trim along with the twin sunroof and roof rails.
Distinctive styling
Renault’s Scenic RX4 range boasts sporty styling and interior flexibility.
The dramatic styling of the RX4 confirms it is the sporty member of Renault’s Scenic family. When viewed from the front, the vehicle presents a sculptured bonnet with honeycomb front grille and large headlamp housings containing double lamp units and integral indicators.
A wide protective belt – available in four toning colours – protects body panels from scratching and light impact. Prominent bumpers extend from these side protection mouldings and follow the shape of the vehicle, giving it an athletic appearance.
The rear of the vehicle differs from its two-wheel drive cousins. The rear hatch has disappeared, replaced by a double-section electrically operated door which opens outwards and includes an independently opening glass panel. The rear wheel is mounted externally at the centre of the rear door.
Inside, the RX4 continues the sporty theme. The wide, sloping dash is finished in a darker tone and contrasts with the remainder of the Crois Cloth interior trim, exclusive to four-wheel drive Scenic variants.
The RX4 benefits from all the advantages of the Scenic’s ground-breaking ‘monospace’ concept. Flexibility is the goal and RX4 delivers with three removable rear seats to provide a variety of seating and load-carrying combinations.
Storage solutions are also abundant. The front driver and passenger have access to seven different storage compartments and the rear seat passengers can choose from under-seat or in-floor luggage bins. Pop-up tray tables are a practical addition for use by rear-seat passengers.
Renault’s RX4 is available in either Pacific Blue solid duco or a range of metallic ducos including Dune, Platinum, Vertigo Green, Nordic Green, Autumn Gold or Graphite.
Renault’s Scenic RX4 features a flexible power train
A powerful 2.0 litre engine and permanent four-wheel drive system give the RX4 flexibility.
Renault’s RX4 four-wheel drive models feature the Scenic’s powerful 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine, delivering 101kW at 5500rpm and 188Nm at 3750rpm. The engine benefits from Renault’s advanced variable valve technology and has been tuned to produce more torque ensuring it is better equipped for load carrying and on- and off-road work.
The permanent four-wheel drive system available on the RX4 was developed in partnership with the Austrian specialist Steyr Daimler Puch. This comprises a special gearbox with twin outputs, three-section propeller shaft with two intermediate universal joints, viscous coupling, rear final drive and two additional drive shafts.
The system automatically adjusts the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels and is linked to an electronic traction control system operating on the front wheels to ensure constant traction in all circumstances.
The RX4’s front suspension is the same MacPherson strut and lower wishbone type found in the Scenic but has been developed to withstand mixed-road and off-road use. The lower wishbones are cast iron, struts have been strengthened and a special anti-roll bar has been added. The spring rates and damper settings have been modified to account for the mixed use for which the Scenic RX4 is intended.
The rear suspension – completely different to the front-wheel drive Scenic – has independent suspension with trailing arms, springs and dampers replacing the four-bar set-up. All the RX4’s rear suspension components are mounted to a detachable galvanised sub-frame, which also carries the four-wheel drive transmission components.
With ground clearance increased to a height of 210mm and generous suspension travel, the Scenic RX4 easily tackles all types of roads. Both RX4 models feature all-disc brakes, with large ventilated front discs measuring 280mm in diameter. An ABS braking system with an electronic compensator (EBV) is standard across the range.
|
SCENIC
RX4 SPECIFICATIONS
|
| Engine |
| Capacity
(cc) |
1998 |
| Bore and
stroke (mm) |
82.7 x
83 |
| Number
of cylinders / valves |
4 / 16 |
| Compression
ratio |
9.8 : 1 |
| Max power
(kW) at rpm |
101 @ 5500 |
| Max torque
(Nm) at rpm |
188 @ 3750 |
| Fuel |
Unleaded
(PULP recommended) |
| Type of
injection |
Multipoint
sequential |
| Fuel tank
capacity (L) |
60 |
| Brakes
and Steering |
| Type |
ABS & electronic
braking distribution |
| Front ventilated
discs (mm) |
280 |
| Rear discs
(mm) |
265 |
| Steering |
Power-assisted
rack and pinion |
| Transmission |
| Type |
Five-speed
manual |
| Suspension |
| Front |
MacPherson
struts, negative offset with lower wishbones, anti-sway bar. Coil springs
and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers. |
| Rear |
Independent
trailing arms with coil springs and telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.
|
| Dimensions |
| Overall
length (mm) |
4424 |
| Overall
width (mm) |
1775 |
| Overall
height (mm) |
1720 |
| Wheelbase
(mm) |
2624 |
| Front track
(mm) |
1505 |
| Rear track
(mm) |
1485 |
| Approach
angle |
29.9º |
| Departure
angle |
35.9º |
| Ramp angle |
19.2º |
| Weight
(kg) |
1465 |
| Turning
circle (m) |
10.7 |
| Wheels
and Tyres |
| Wheels |
6.5 J16
(Light alloy on Privilege) |
| Tyres |
215/65
R 16 |
| Interior |
Expression
|
Privilege
|
| Air conditioning |
ü
|
-
|
| Automatic climate control |
-
|
ü
|
| Remote central locking |
ü
|
ü
|
| Power windows with
driver's 'one-touch' control |
ü
|
ü
|
| Power-operated side
mirrors |
ü
|
ü
|
| Four-speaker AM/FM
radio/cassette |
ü
|
-
|
| Four-speaker AM/FM
radio/in-dash CD player |
-
|
ü
|
| Satellite stereo controls |
ü
|
ü
|
| Chilled storage compartment
|
ü
|
ü
|
| Multiple under-seat
and in-floor storage compartments |
ü
|
ü
|
| Height-adjustable driver's
seat |
ü
|
ü
|
| Driver's footrest |
ü
|
ü
|
| Tilt-adjustable steering
column |
ü
|
ü
|
| Split-folding rear
seats |
ü
|
ü
|
| Removable rear seats |
ü
|
ü
|
| Pollen filter |
ü
|
ü
|
| Trip computer |
ü
|
ü
|
| Outside temperature
display |
ü
|
ü
|
| Vanity mirror on sunvisor |
-
|
ü
|
| Front arm rests |
-
|
ü
|
| Exterior |
| Lightweight alloy wheels |
-
|
ü
|
| Twin optic headlamps
|
ü
|
ü
|
| Front and rear foglights |
ü
|
ü
|
| Heat reflective sunscreen |
ü
|
ü
|
| Full spare wheel hood
|
-
|
ü
|
| Safety
& Security |
| Driver and front passenger
SRS airbags |
ü
|
ü
|
| Front seat-mounted
SRS side airbags |
ü
|
ü
|
| Side curtain SRS airbags |
ü
|
ü
|
| Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) with EBD |
ü
|
ü
|
| Automatic traction
control |
ü
|
ü
|
| 4-wheel disc brakes |
ü
|
ü
|
| Rigid safety cell |
ü
|
ü
|
| Engine immobiliser
|
ü
|
ü
|
| Seatbelt warning lamp
|
ü
|
ü
|
| Adjustable headrests
for all occupants |
ü
|
ü
|
| Lap-sash seatbelts
for all occupants |
ü
|
ü
|
| Seatbelt pretensioners
for front-seat occupants |
ü
|
ü
|
| Seatbelt pretensioners
for outboard rear-seat occupants |
ü
|
ü
|
| Options |
| Roof Pack - twin sunroof,
roof rails |
ü
|
ü
|
| Luxury Pack - twin
sunroof, roof rack, full leather trim |
ü
|
ü
|
|
