Coupled with the six-speed manual gearbox (PK4), the performance is easily exploitable across a broad rev-band and has all the ingredients to ensure a dynamic ride and a high level of acoustic comfort. In terms of fuel consumption, New Scenic 2.0 dCi is quite simply the most efficient car of its class with combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5.8 litres/100km which, for its power output, is equivalent to the lowest CO2 emissions (154g/km) of its segment. In addition to the fuel savings permitted by the use of multiple injection, the different depolluting systems guarantee outstanding emissions control.

New Renault Scenic's 2.0 dCi also sees the introduction of new sparkplugs designed to reduce pre-heat time. In addition to the manual gearbox that has equipped Renault Scenic since its launch, New Renault Scenic 2.0 dCi can be ordered with the latest Renault-Nissan Alliancedeveloped AJ0 proactive automatic six-speed transmission. This is the first use of this new, upper-range transmission in a Renault model and its latest generation technology and six speeds ensure outstanding response and acceleration pick-up. With combined cycle fuel consumption of just 7.0 litres/100km, the combination of the 2.0 dCi engine and the AJ0 gearbox places New Renault Scenic amongst the very best highpower diesel compact MPVs with automatic transmission when it comes to fuel efficiency. Mated to this transmission, the 2.0 dCi engine also features two balancer shafts that offer vibration and acoustic levels close to those of a petrol engine. It also comes with a periodic regeneration particulate filter that operates without additives; particulates accumulated in the filter are burnt off every 300 to 1,200km according to type of use.



The AJ0 automatic transmission

The AJ0 transmission is a new automatic 6-speed transmission with flick-shift gear changes. Its control unit records and analyses a variety of parameters in order to select the most suitable gear for the vehicle's speed, engine revs, torque and pedal position, etc. It also communicates permanently with the engine control unit to maintain optimal torque during gear changes.

In automatic mode, the control unit selects the ideal gear using auto-adaptive settings based on three parameters - driving style, road type (uphill, downhill, flat) and the drivers' reactions in real time - and which favour fluidity and smoothness without compromizing either punch or acceleration pick-up. The control unit is also programmed to downshift instantly if the driver presses hard on the throttle pedal (kick down function) to provide extra power when overtaking.

In manual mode, it is the driver who chooses his or her own driving style thanks to the flick-shift lever. This mode comes into its own in the case of a dynamic driving style, for example, or along mountain roads. It also incorporates a number of automatic functions designed to facilitate easier driving (automatic selection of first gear when the car comes to a standstill) and to protect the gearbox (protection against over-revving).

To favour driveability and fuel efficiency, particular care has gone into the gear selection quality of this cable-controlled, three-shaft transmission, as well as into minimizing mechanical friction.

An especially welcome feature when motoring around town is the disengagement of the transmission when at a standstill to reduce vehicle creep, thereby minimizing residual vibrations and fuel consumption. Meanwhile, the active slip function developed for this transmission has resulted in a significant reduction in the phenomenon of booming at low revs for enhanced driving comfort, notably when re-accelerating.

The ratio between the first and the final gear - known as spread - is 6.12. Compared with fourand five-speed automatic transmissions, this transmission has two principal benefits: the shorter first gear improves acceleration from standstill, while the longer sixth gear reduces fuel consumption and reduces noise when driving on motorways.

Special attention has been paid to this transmission's acoustic performance, while booming, growl and whine have all been reduced to the strictest minimum thanks to the design of the casing and the hydraulic converter damping system.

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