We first saw it testing last December and now, Renault has lifted the covers off a tall-riding version of its Scenic minivan with crossover styling cues named the XMOD, which will make its world premiere at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.
While the XMOD rounds out the Scenic lineup in most markets around Europe, in the UK, it will replace the regular Scenic, as Renault continues to wind down its offerings in the country after axing the Modus, Kangoo, Wind, Laguna, Espace and Gordini models.
The XMOD is based on the refreshed Scenic gaining a raised ground clearance and a series of cosmetic enhancements, including a new front grille, “butchier” front and rear bumpers with plastic cladding that is also found around the wheel arches and the lower section of the doors, chrome-finish roof bars and different alloy wheels.
There’s no all-wheel drive as the Scenic XMOD keeps the regular model’s front-wheel drive configuration, but Renault has added a new Grip Xtend traction control system with three different modes.
In ‘Expert’ mode, the system manages the braking system alone leaving the driver to control the engine, while the ‘Road’ mode works like a conventional traction system, and the ‘Loose Ground’ mode optimises braking control and engine torque control as a function of available grip.
Other than these changes, the XMOD is identical to the regular Scenic offering the same interior space and functionality.
Renault said there will be a number of engine options, including the new TCe 130PS with a Stop & Start system, with more details to be released in Geneva.
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