- Willing 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Four-wheel drive traction
- Competent ride/handling balance
- Versatile interior and cargo configurations
- Array of interior storage compartments
- 2.0-litre engine lacks low-rev torque for off-road applications
- Steering wheel kickback over bumps
- High front seat position and steering wheel lacks reach adjustment
- For manual transmission, clutch and brake pedals close together; notchy gearshift action
- Poor button placement for audio and windows
Overview
Released in May 2001, the Renault J64 Scenic RX4 was a five-seat, four-wheel drive people mover. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the Scenic RX4 was available in two variants – Expression and Privilege – with standard and Verve editions available for each.
The Scenic RX4 was 4424 mm long, 1775 mm wide, 1720 mm tall and had a 2618 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Scenic RX4 had MacPherson strut front suspension with cast-iron lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar, and independent rear suspension with trailing arms.
Compared to the standard J64 Scenic , the RX4 was fitted with a four-wheel drive system (detailed below), larger wheels and re-engineered suspension for greater ground clearance and suspension travel. The Scenic’s rear hatch was also replaced with a double-section power-operated door with a split tailgate.
| Variants | Editions | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expression, Privilege |
N/A, Verve |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 101 kW at 5500 rpm | 188 Nm at 3750 rpm |
4WD system
The Scenic RX4 had a permanent four-wheel drive system that was developed in conjunction with Steyr Daimler Puch. The system comprised 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 adjusted the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels and was linked to an electronic traction control system on the front wheels to provide constant traction.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the J64 Scenic RX4 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and outer rear seatbelts with load limiters.
Brakes
The Scenic RX4 had 280 mm ventilated front brake discs and 265 mm solid rear discs.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 Scenic – on which the Scenic RX4 was based – achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29. In the frontal offset impact test, the Scenic scored 11 out of 16, with protection for the driver’s knees insufficient to reduce the risk of lower limb injuries. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Scenic was awarded maximum points.
Features
Standard features for the Scenic RX4 Expression included 16-inch steel wheels with 215/65 R16 tyres, a four speaker sound system with cassette player, air conditioning with pollen filter, chilled storage compartment, front and rear fog lights, split and folding rear seats, a removable rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Scenic RX4 Privilege was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, climate control air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front armrests, vanity mirrors, rear sunshade and a full spare wheel cover.
The Scenic RX4 Verve added 16-inch alloy wheels (for Expression variants), a six-stack CD player and roof racks. Furthermore, two option packs were offered: the ‘Roof Pack’ consisted of a twin sunroof with roof rails, while the ‘Luxury Pack’ further added full leather trim.
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