Scénic on line for January launch

Renault will be launching the fourth generation of the Scénic and Grand Scénic in Ireland in early January 2017. The cars have already received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Renault claims that 22,000 Scénics have been sold in Ireland since they were introduced in 1996.

Prices will start from €26,000 for the new Scénic and €28,400 for new Grand Scénic.

The cars will be offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, with emissions as low as 100g/km.

The five-seat Scénic and the seven-seat Grand Scénic come with what Renault claims is some unique segment technologies and an 8.7in portrait touchscreen infotainment and navigation system. Renault is fitting 20in wheels as standard across the range.

Safety features

The Scénic employs a number of high-end technologies and safety features drawn from the segment above, many of which are standard across the range such as automatic electronic braking system (AEBS) with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning (LDW), traffic sign recognition (TSR) and automatic high-low beam.

The Renault One-Touch folding rear seat system, controllable from the boot or dash via the R-Link system, is designed to make it easier and quicker to fold rear seats flat to transport larger items. The new Scénic is claimed to have the biggest storage capacity and boot space in its class.

Golf gets a major update

Volkswagen has given the Golf a major update for 2017, with subtle exterior design changes and significant extra features that give the popular car an enhanced technology status. This new Golf is the first compact car to feature gesture control.

It will be available with a new and more efficient 1.5 TSI Evo petrol engine with active cylinder management to enhance fuel economy. The Golf will be available with Volkswagen’s newly developed seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which will gradually replace all six-speed DSGs for the Golf.

Gesture control can be used in various different menus. All it takes is a swipe gesture to move the horizontally arranged menu items left or right. This allows the driver to scroll through the main menu, change radio stations, flip through the playlist or browse through the Picture Viewer and albums in the media library. A light flare indicates which options can be operated by gesture control and operation is supported by visual interactive feedback. Successful swipes are also confirmed by a sound effect, which can be deactivated.

Volkswagen claims that the new Golf comes with a high-end infotainment system with the largest touchscreen display in its class.

Volkswagen has expanded the range of online services with the new Golf including a new Guide & Inform system as well as Security & Service for models with a navigation system. The range of assistance systems in the new Golf will include city emergency braking with new pedestrian monitoring function, traffic jam assist and emergency assist for the first time.

Externally, there are new front and rear bumper sections. New full LED rear lights are fitted and LED headlights replace all Xenon headlights.

Nissan to offer bigger engine for X-Trail

Nissan will be launching a new larger-capacity diesel engine for its flagship X-Trail crossover in 2017. This new 2.0-litre diesel engine has an output of 177bhp, with 380Nm of torque to give enhanced pulling power throughout the rev range. It is a significant step up in power from the existing 1.6-litre 130bhp diesel.

Nissan will also offer a new Xtronic automatic gearbox, linked to a four-wheel drive transmission. This adds to the options of a six-speed manual and two-wheel drive for the seven-seat SUV.

Nissan claims that the new 2.0-litre diesel engine will be more refined and give a more comfortable driving experience.

The engine meets Euro 6 emissions standards and three versions will be launched, including a six-speed manual in four-wheel drive, and two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions with the CVT automatic gearbox.

Nissan’s optional all-mode 4x4-i system provides the four-wheel drive. When fitted, drivers can select from full-time four-wheel-drive for maximum efficiency; auto mode, which constantly monitors conditions and adjusts the balance of torque between the front and rear wheels for the best traction; and four-wheel drive lock mode for the most challenging conditions.

All-mode 4x4-i means that for drivers who require a towing vehicle, the Nissan X-Trail 2.0-litre diesel is a capable of towing 2,000kg on the manual model and 1,650kg on the two Xtronics.

This new higher-power Nissan X-Trail 2.0-litre diesel on 17in alloy wheels can be fitted with the Nissan safety shield technologies, such as intelligent emergency braking, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, blind spot warning and lane departure warning.