Leader among minivans, the Citroen C4 Picasso from September has a rival high: the new Renault Scénic. Here is the first game in search of the best family of the year.

He new duel between two of the most sought minivans and the market begins later this same summer. In the month of September starts marketing New Renault Scénic, a car that, back in 1996, He invented the minivan concept compact so successful has given the French brand across Europe.

This new generation of Renault Scénic will try to make it difficult to Citroën C4 Picasso, which today remains the undisputed category leader in the Spanish market. Last year was the most bought by Spanish drivers compact MPV: in total, Citroën enrolled 13,112 units of its C4 Picasso compared to just over 7,000 who managed the current Renault Scénic. In both cases they are also added figures seven-seat versions: Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and Grand Scénic Renault.

What is now proposing new Renault Scénic to try to change this situation? For the new French minivan first wager in this fourth generation design Halfway between the classic minivan and SUV much like today: indeed, reminiscent of the new Renault Captur and Kadjar. Even in the words of an executive of Renault Spain, "this new Renault Scénic is no longer a sort of square family car. It is more, thanks to the new design".

Renault Scénic vs Citroën C4 Picasso: ranges

Turning now to assess the engines available in each minivan, in the new Renault Scénic Diesel versions will 1.5 dCi 95 and 110 hp, Y 1.6 dCi 130 and 160 hp, this twin-turbo. Its range will include two petrol engines: 1.2 TCe with 115 and 130 hp power. In addition, from dCi 110 hp engine, Renault will market a peculiar hybrid version: the Renault Scénic Assist Hybrid. According to its leaders, "is not a hybrid style other brands" (Think of a Toyota Prius … for example) "if a diesel with an extra power supply point, as a Kers; why we are in F1".

For his part, Citroën C4 Picasso, which also renewed in the coming days, it keeps all known petrol and diesel engines: 1.6 BlueHDi 100 and 120 hp, 2.0 BlueHDi 150 hp, 1.2 PureTech 130 hp and 165 hp 1.6 THP. The novelty is that the gasoline engine version with 130 hp 1.2 PureTech now available with the six-speed automatic transmission EAT6, type torque converter.

In the struggle, yes, the new Renault Scénic is going to be difficult because the Citroen C4 Picasso is not there by chance: it is a very solid and convincing arguments packed product. It is a duel where the fine line, small details will be decisive and tip the balance one way or the other. Come up with our little initial duel of life on board, and the first measurements we could make.

Renault Scénic vs Citroën C4 Picasso: Life on board

Coming first in the New Renault Scénic, the first that surprising is an internal very careful. The center console is moved and has a large space around the cabin. Under the top cover are the USB and SD slots. We liked the driving position and speed to set different driving modes… known in the past Renault Espace or Talisman. Also the light strips that change color.

In this new generation, Renault Scénic loses the three independent seats rear: now form groups 2 + 1 places, albeit with the banquettes slide. Pressing a button lowers the headrest and backrest automatically abate. And the load surface is flat. Remarkable also many gaps distributed throughout the interior, with a very good capacity glove box, which is actually a drawer. But only it opens fully when the passenger does not take place.

Touch open and the Citroën C4 Picasso to discover also Minivan with much attention to detail. Here, the center console does not move, but we can remove it, and has very good capacity throughout the interior. The rear air vents (2) are adjustable and the glove is conventional (as the key), but smaller than the yes Scénic. The rear tray has light.

At the wheel, the driving position Citroen C4 Picasso is very good. At first you’ll trigger the windshield wiper lever inadvertently when handling the change, but then you will fit. Table watches has three screens to choose: go from one to the other takes, yes, more than one minute. The rear seats are in this case the same size, independent Y adjustable individually. Undoubtedly, the Scénic best solution if you have to use three child safety seats.

As for connectivity, both Renault Scénic as Citroën C4 Picasso have multiple connection possibilities, yes most abundant in the model Citroën, which includes a plug 230 V. The subwoofer sound system (JBL) is in the Citroën inside the passenger compartment (right rear space under the floor), while the Renault Scénic (Bose) is in the trunk.

Renault Scénic vs Citroen C4 Grand Picasso: our measurements

	Renault Scénic	Citroën C4 Picasso
Length	4.40 meters	4.42 meters
Battle	2.73 meters	2.78 meters
Width front / rear	142/150 cm	147/143 cm
Height front / rear	92-99 / 92 cm	94-102 / 92 cm
Porter: background / width / height	80/106/48 cm	89/116/58 cm

Renault Grand Scénic vs Citroen C4 Grand Picasso: 7 seats

We can not finish this article without mentioning that in the coming weeks, there will be Citroën C4 confrontation between Gran Picasso and Renault Grand Scénic new. The first have a redesigned front, a new bi-roof pitch, roof rails, alloy wheels 17 inches and three new body colors to choose from, trying reach a younger audience with a more modern profile.

Meanwhile, Renault Grand Scénic will look also reach all those many families who need to move 7 places. This variant will already somewhat later, in October, and will have an identical equipment to the 5-seater variant. Yes, its trunk will amount to nothing less than 765 liters of capacity.

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