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J64 Scenic Series IIMay 2001

J64 Scenic Series II

ARGUABLY one of the most influential vehicles of modern times was the 1996 Renault J64 Scenic – a hatchback-based wagon with a more versatile interior.It has spawned competitors such as the Mazda Premacy and 5, Daewoo Tacuma, Kia Carens, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Holden Zafira, Ford C-Max, Citroen Picasso, Toyota Verso and VW Touran.But that was over in Europe. Australians have been less keen to adopt the space and eco-efficient ways of this style of car.Nevertheless Renault has persisted since May 2001 with the Scenic.Initially the front-wheel Scenic arrived, in facelifted Series II guise rather than the original ‘pointy nose’ design, in three specification levels, starting with the entry-level Expression, powered by a 1.6-litre 79kW/148Nm four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.The Expression 1.6 only lasted until the end of 2002, when it gained the Dynamique and Privilege’s 101kW/188Nm 2.0-litre engine, offered with a four-speed automatic transmission as well as a five-speed manual option.All Scenic models come equipped with air-conditioning, remote central locking, refrigerated storage compartments, trip computer, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and dual front, side and curtain airbags.Lap-sash seatbelts are standard all-round and headrests standard for all outboard passengers.The Dynamique adds climate control air-conditioning, fog lamps, alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, front armrests and single in-dash CD player for the audio system. The Privilege adds leather seat trim and a rear sunshade.The 101kW/188Nm 2.0-litre only and five-speed manual-only RX4 was only available in Expression (until July ’02) and Privilege specifications (until July ’04, when the slow-selling model was axed).Although clearly Scenic derived, the RX4 boasted mechanical changes made to reflect its dual-purpose all-wheel drive nature.The front MacPherson strut front suspension was strengthened to withstand off-road driving, while the independent trailing arm rear suspension was a new design, replacing the Scenic's torsion bar set-up.Ground clearance rose to 210mm, the suspension travel lengthened and more off-road oriented 16-inch tyres were adopted.However, the viscous couple 4WD system did not employ low-range crawler gears, instead relying on traction control on the front wheels to help it tackle obstacles.Visually the RX4 differs from its donor Scenic with contrasting body cladding and a redesigned tailgate door containing a separate-opening window and spare wheel mount.

GD OptimaMay 2001

GD Optima

A vast improvement over its ancient Mazda 626-based Credos predecessor, the Optima was built on the EF (third generation) Hyundai Sonata family sedan.Value-for-money V6 power was its motto, and if expectations are reasonably contained then the Optima delivers, thanks to a smooth yet fairly punchy 127kW/229Nm 2.5-litre V6 available with either a five-speed manual or advanced four-speed automatic gearbox.Soft suspension settings don’t help the big front-wheel drive four-door sedan handle with too much alacrity or grace, but it’s a fine open-road cruiser with ample space for a family of five.But equipment levels aren’t too flash – a driver’s airbag, air-conditioning, remote central locking, power steering, power windows, electric windows and cloth trim are included, but a passenger airbag and anti-lock brakes were not available.And sales weren’t too great either, so it came as no surprise when Kia temporarily halted Optima importation in early ’03. But it wasn’t the end of the model’s run here.

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