The revered Renault Scenic MPV was reborn earlier this year as an all-electric crossover. But is the newcomer worthy to carry on the name? By Al Suttie.

Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic

List price (BiK): £45,440 (2%) CO2: 0g/km Economy: 369 miles Test efficiency: 314 miles

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Monday

The name Scenic conjures up thoughts of seats folding flat into the floor and masses of storage cubbies. This new Scenic is a major departure and not least for the sharp looks as it pulled onto the drive this morning. It looks great in my view and is part of a styling theme at Renault that sets it apart from many rivals right now. This bodes well for the week ahead.

Tuesday

Scenic by name, but this latest E-Tech generation is most definitely not an MPV. Even with the crossover-style design, the Renault’s cabin is not as flexible as its predecessors or a number of current rivals. It’s not a major issue most of the time, but trying to fit a longer box in today showed the big drop from load sill to boot floor, and the rear seats leave a big step in the cargo floor when they are folded forwards.

Wednesday

Part 94 in my ongoing dissertation on distracting driver aids alights on the Scenic’s speed limit and lane assist functions. Thankfully, someone in the French design team shares my thoughts on this and fitted a button to the right of the steering column – two taps on this and these often irritating aids are disabled and my sanity remains intact. Merci, Renault.

Thursday

With sunshine a rare commodity this summer, it took until today for me to notice what Renault calls the ‘Solarbay opacifying panoramic sunroof’. Translated, it means the glass roof goes cloudy at the touch of a button instead of having a roller blind. Gimmick? Maybe, but it works a treat and is a really delightful feature. It also keeps my daughter entertained for an entire journey as she switches it back and forth.

Friday

In the Iconic trim of this car on test, the Scenic E-Tech claims a range of 369 miles. By my calculations and with me driving, it’s around 314 miles on a full charge, but the display is proving very accurate. Charging up the Renault is also quick and painless, which is far from always the case with EVs and the local infrastructure. Even with a modest 50kW charger, the Scenic is soon back to a healthy battery charge.

Saturday

Spotting the 20-inch alloy wheels of this Iconic model at the start of the week, I feared for my spinal wellbeing. Those worries have proved unfounded and the Scenic rides bumps and jitters in a mostly calm, confident manner. The occasional rut makes itself known, but it doesn’t feel heavy or cumbersome as some EVs do, and the brakes deserve a mention for how progressive they are in use.

Sunday

It may not be the flexy MPV anymore, but the Renault Scenic E-Tech is a very likeable, easy-to-use EV. All week, I’ve never thought about driving range, while comfort for all the family has been excellent. It also has a clear infotainment set-up and retains physical buttons for the heating and ventilation. The more-affordable Techno Long Range makes greater financial sense, but the opaque panoramic sunroof is a temptation if your budget allows for the Iconic model.