No satnav, small satnav, large satnav: this is how you can get to the heart of the infotainment equipment of the different model variants of the Renault Grand Scénic.

The standard Zen model comes with an on-board system that comes with a radio and Bluetooth hands-free kit, but does not have a route guide.

If this is desired, you can use at least the Intens version or the Black Edition model series that we have tried and tested.

The difference is essentially the size of the on-board monitor, which has a diagonal of 7 or 8.7 inches.

Michael Spehr

Editor in the “Technology and Engine” section.

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The somewhat outdated R-Link-2 system with an upright display that is touch-sensitive is used every time.

The rotary controls visible in the picture and the physical buttons below the display are responsible for operating the air conditioning.

If you want to use the R-Link 2, you have to tap the display with your finger, and unfortunately the menu buttons at the top and bottom of the screen are very small.

Calling up the menus for navigation or telephony can sometimes be a test of patience, especially since the operation is not self-explanatory.

You can switch between different windows with horizontal swiping movements.

R-Link 2 does not always work fast enough.

A control satellite is used to adjust the volume, which the driver cannot see because it is hidden precisely behind the right-hand spoke of the steering wheel. Alternatively, the volume can also be adjusted using display buttons. Speech recognition is part of the equipment, but comfort is limited. First you have to say “destination” before you can then say the address or the last destinations, and the recognition is poor. However, the Tomtom route guidance appeals because it brings real-time traffic information with it. They can be used free of charge for one year. The quality of the traffic data was good during our trips. The drawing of streets and the surrounding area on the display could be finer and more detailed, but the information on the speed limit with camera-based recognition of traffic signs was appealing.

The Grand Scénic is also one of the few vehicles that provides information about dangerous spots with speed measurement systems.

In the corresponding menus you can specify in detail which dangers you should be warned of, when and how.

All of this works perfectly on German roads, but is not allowed.

So deactivate the corresponding options.

Under “My Apps” the Renault showed an app manager and an R-Link store, both of which could not be accessed.

The pre-installed apps are a news page, the probably obligatory weather report and the Coyote app, which is also used for navigation, but did not start.

R-Link 2 plays music and entertainment via every conceivable player, and the driver's smartphone and that of his companions can be connected immediately to several USB sockets. Connected by cable, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, including the navigation from Apple and Google, also work. A head-up display costs an additional 500 euros. If you choose the Black Edition, you will also find a Bose surround sound system in the vehicle. Overall, R-Link 2 fulfills its duty, but could soon use extensive modernization.