By presenting its Scenic 4 (and Grand Scenic) in the luxurious Initiale Paris version, Renault is killing two birds with one stone: it is expanding its Initiale Paris collection with a sixth model alongside the existing Clio 4, Captur, Talisman, Koleos 2 and Espace 5. And the manufacturer is putting its minivan back in the spotlight, its sales being disappointing for the moment against the 3008/5008 steamroller of the lion's opponent.

Bad start for Scenic 4

Let's not lie to ourselves: the commercial debut of Scenic 4 is a dusty one. From the beginning of the year until the end of April, 7,040 short versions and 5,598 long versions were sold, for a total of 12,638. Its direct competitor, the C4 Picasso, sold 13,973 units. Without being a failure, the Scenic is not yet able to regain leadership in the compact MPV category, which is also in free fall. As we know, this category suffers from competition from SUVs in the C segment. And in recent months, an SUV has hurt the minivans of the diamond and rafters: the new Peugeot 3008. With its sculpted line, modern engines, i-cockpit and title of car of the year, it is the vehicle that is currently hitting the mark: 22,326 sales over the first 4 months! And Peugeot can't provide. The order books are full, and delivery times are getting longer. This is worrying for the Scenic 4, which was noticed for its neat design when it was launched in February 2016. This advantage was quickly overshadowed by the new 3008, which was eye-catching at the end of May 2016 when it was presented. To avoid becoming anonymous, Renault is therefore continuing to roll out the Scenic range, which is enriched by the traditional Initiale Paris version, synonymous with luxury for the diamond.

Initial Paris: the usual recipe

The usual recipe is used for this version: we base ourselves on the finish of the richly endowed one (Intens) and we add some equipment with a premium tendency: - exclusive Amethyst metallic color with plum highlights (optional) - full grain nappa leather upholstery (black or grey camaieu) - Initiale Paris logo on the seats - front seat electric, heated and massaging - Initiale Paris signed steering wheel in Nappa leather - Nappa leather gear shift - Rims 20″, Initiale Paris model, diamond black - Star-shaped grille grille - Initiale Paris logo under the diamond on the grille - chrome-plated door thresholds with initials Initiale Paris - led fog lamps scenic interior All these equipments are in addition to the Intens finish quickly summarized here: - digital instrumentation - hands-free card - front, rear and side parking assistance - rearview camera - automatic wiper activation - automatic start of fires - fatigue detection alert - recognition of traffic signs - overspeed alert - safety distance warning - blind spot alert - ambient lighting - individual reading lights for each place - sliding centre console - passenger seat shelf and extension - 3 x 12V sockets (front seats, rear seats, trunk) - electrically folding mirrors with reception light - R-Link 2 system with 6 speakers and navigation included

Premium prices, cheap options

We had already made the point when the other Initiale Paris versions were released on Clio, Talisman or Koleos: This flag-bearing finish should be an "all options included", and this is not the case. In order to maintain fair prices, Renault is being petty by proposing, for example, to keep the track at 250€, while some city cars offer it as standard! In the same way, is it normal that the beautiful metallic shades Amethyst, pearly white and honey yellow are still an option on a premium version (850€ all the same)? Same for the fixed glass roof, invoiced 600€. Too bad.... The prizes are not intended to be gifts, and this is not the case. The ones given below are for the Scenic short. Add 600€ more for the Grand Scenic, and another 600€ more if you want the Grand Scenic to be equipped with the 2 rear third row seats. - 1.2L TCe 130hp petrol engine: 33.200€ (manual gearbox) - 1.6L dCi 130 hp diesel engine: 36.300€ (manual gearbox) - 1.6L dCi 160 hp diesel engine: 38.800€ (EDC gearbox)