Search

Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi road test report

1.5 dCi

Renault’s Megane-based Scenic compact MPV is popular in the mid-sized C segment (which includes cars such as the Focus, Astra, Golf, etc). In that part of the market, MPVs constitute 30% of sales across Europe, with the Scenic accounting for 14% of those sales. So Renault has a lot of stake with the launch of this third-generation Scenic. The French carmaker has responded by designing and building a modern family wagon that is modern looking, safe and practical. But the company’s products have also suffered from reliability issues, so it will be interesting to see if it has tackled those effectively.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi

Print

Image number 2 of the Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi Image number 3 of the Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi Image number 4 of the Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi
CRAIGT SAYS

Performance Performance - 3 stars

The Scenic has a range of engines on offer, with three petrol units and four diesels. On the launch we drove a car fitted with the 1.5 dCi diesel engine and a 108bhp power rating mated to a manual transmission, although the car that will go on sale in the UK will have 4bhp less (the 108bhp engine will only come here in 2010 with Renault’s first dual-clutch automatic gearbox). Torque of 177lb-ft available at 2,000rpm and a 0-62mph time of 12.3seconds give a good indication of the Scenic’s performance: it’s not exactly swift and while there’s a decent amount of urge in the mid range, it’s not the kind of car that you’ll look forward to overtaking in. The manual gearbox wasn’t anything to write home about either: notchy and imprecise, we found some of the changes laborious and lacked the instinctive feel of the best transmissions.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 3 stars

The Scenic is based on the latest iteration of the Megane, so benefits from some of the improvements made by Renault’s engineering boffins. Boxy, high-sided MPVs always have an issue with body roll, purely because you can’t defy the laws of physics. However, changes to the anti-roll bar at the rear, mean that it is well contained in the Scenic, which is an achievement. A new electric power steering system has also been added, improving the weight and accuracy of the steering. However, there’s still an element of vagueness that means driving a Scenic isn’t very involving. It’s just as well that driving dynamics aren’t generally a priority for MPV buyers. However, ride quality is an important consideration and the Scenic does well in this department. We encountered a number of speed humps and broken surfaces on our test route, all of which were met with a cushioning, compliant ride.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 3 stars

Renault doesn’t have a good record when it comes to reliability issues. The 2008 JD Power customer satisfaction survey placed the previous-generation Scenic in 88th out of the 100 most popular cars in terms of reliability, with Renault coming in 22nd position out of 28 manufacturers. However, the French carmaker has realised that it must do better and has instituted a new programme of improvements, which should bear fruit in the raft of new models that started with the new Laguna. The Scenic test car – in Dynamique trim – we drove seemed well put together. The exterior seemed well finished and solid enough, while the interior was fitted with soft-touch plastics and materials that should be able to resist the battering its use as a family wagon will subject it to. The switchgear on the centre console and controls for the infotainment system were also functional and had a good range of movement.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

The one thing Renault does well is safety. The Scenic hasn’t yet been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but the latest Megane, on which it is based, scored five stars for adult occupant protection, four stars for child protection and two stars for pedestrian protection. As the previous iteration of the Scenic was also a five-star car, we expect a good result when the car is tested. The reason for this is that the Scenic is crammed with safety kit as standard, including eight airbags (driver and front passenger, front and rear curtain, and front lateral), seatbelt pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat mounting points, ESP traction control, anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) and brake assist. Rear parking sensors, with a rear parking camera, is also available as an option. In terms of security equipment, there are deadlocks, an immobiliser and a keyless card-based system to enter and start the car.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

Practicality is the ace up the sleeve of the Renault Scenic, with an incredible 86 litres of storage space in the cabin, which includes four underfloor compartments, four under-seat drawers, six map pockets, two flip-up tables on the backs of the front seats for the use of rear occupants, six map pockets, an 11-litre glovebox and nine litres of stowage in the armrest. In addition, there are three 12v sockets (front, rear and boot) to help charge mobile phones, MP3 players and games consoles (and the fridge that’s available as an accessory). There’s lots of movement in the driver’s seat and steering column to provide a comfortable driving position for adults of any size. There’s also plenty of room for adults in the rear, even with a six-footer behind the wheel. Bootspace is equally generous, with 522 litres with the rear seats in place and up to 1,837 litres when they’re (easily) removed.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

Renault has managed to shave up to £2,000 off the price of a Scenic compared with the last-generation model, despite building an improved and (probably) more reliable car. Prices are reasonable, with the car we drove (1.5 dCi in Dynamique trim – likely to be the most popular choice with UK buyers) coming in at £17,695 on the road. Running costs aren’t bad either, with a fuel economy figure of 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 130g/km, placing it in Band D for road tax (£120 per year). It also falls in Insurance group 6E. Residual values might prove problematic, though, with Scenics previously returning just 25-30% of their value when they hit the used market after the usual three years and 36,000 miles. The new model should do better, but it’s not really a car that you should rely on to get a good return when you come to sell.

Submitted: 23/06/2009 09:34:51

MPVs comparison road tests

Renault road tests

  Available on the App Store

Read real opinions: Thousands of consumer reviews on all major car and van models.
Make your voice heard: Submit your own consumer review about the car or van you drive.
Learn more

 Road Test Reports App screenshots

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top