While the Scenic is an unlikely pioneer, its success means it’s a car that means a lot to Renault. But is its third incarnation worthy of its place in the Scenic story? Time to find out. Wow! I bet the new Scenic goes like an, hmmmmm, MPV!
First off, a caveat. Renault’s 1.5-litre common rail diesel lump is a solid, competent engine which appears in a number of power options across its model range. Unfortunately, the version we drove on test – a manual version that has been tweaked to produce 110bhp – won’t be available in the UK until 2010, when it will appear alongside a dual-clutch model. It’s because the new Euro 5 emission regulations don’t come in until the tail end of this year.
For now, the nearest alternative to it when the Scenic arrives in showrooms in mid-July is the 106bhp model. There are some eight different engines – split equally between diesel and petrol – available at launch. There’s enough evidence from other Renault models to suggest the 1.5 dCi diesel in 106bhp form will be the plum choice for now. The 110 version performed well on our brief B-road/motorway test route. Punchy even at low revs (max torque of 177lb ft is delivered at 1750rpm), it's quiet and willing and unlikely to be shamed by its bigger diesel brothers, like the 2.0-litre dCi 160 further up the range. As it produces 130 g/km of CO2, it comes under Renault’s Eco 2 banner too.
Time will tell, but the 16v 1.6 petrol engine may prove to be the best option for those who eschew oil-burners. Indeed, if you are only going to use the Scenic for school runs and the occasional longer trip, it may be the better option. In Dynamique trim, at £16,195 it’s some £1500 cheaper than the 1.5 dCi 106. That’s a more than tidy differential when it’ll be around £60 to tank it.
Renault Scenic 1.5
Renault Scenic 1.5
Renault Scenic 1.5
Renault Scenic 1.5
Renault Scenic 1.5
