2009 Renault Grand Scenic
By Ian Lynas, 09th June 2009
Sales of compact MPVs have tripled across Europe in the past 10 years and Renault has a large grip on this market, now the Grand Scenic arrives in its latest guise.
In the Scenic family, the Grand accounts for more than 30% of sales and it brings the total of MPVs to six in the Renault line-up.
Building on the success of the earlier version, the latest version delivers much more in terms of comfort, economy and performance; yet prices are extremely competitive.
Grand Scenic is the third model in the new Megane line-up and while it has strong styling links with the rest of the Megane range, it has a bold personality of its very own.
With large glazed areas and boomerang–shaped rear lights forming a high tech, signature curtain of light which is unique to this vehicle. Their lines extend forward and continue along the flanks via the character line which gives the side view dynamic appeal, accentuated by the sloping roofline and rake of the rear screen.
Chrome grille, fog lamp backplates and door handles, gloss black centre pillars, chrome tailgate trimming and body-coloured side protectors are all part of the styling upgrade.
On the press launch held in Switzerland and France, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with the legendary Patrick Le Quement, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design at Renault; he fully explained the styling process behind this very attractive new Renault.
Renault has been working extremely hard to raise the build quality of its vehicles and new Grand Scenic is testament to that. It delivers quality via the use of premium materials and not only does the interior provide a safe habitat for passengers, but the driving environment is also more akin to a well appointed saloon car.
I liked the uncluttered wave-like forms for the dashboard and controls; these are either clustered around the steering wheel or housed on the centre console to free up as much space as possible for occupants.
A choice of interior trims adds further, allowing maximum customer choice; all of this comes together to deliver first class comfort and handling.
Space is a major feature with Grand Scenic and there are lots, no fewer than 40 stowage solutions throughout the cabin. Even with seven people onboard there remains 108 litres of storage in the boot. The easy fold seats can transform this Renault into quite a load lugger and it is possible to transport an item measuring 2.5 metres in length.
Typical of Renault, there are three 12V power outlets, allowing charging of all your electronic gadgets or to power the optional fridge.
Renault always delivers choice with power units and new Grand Scenic is no exception, a cocktail of engines, both diesel and petrol. We got to drive two newcomers, which really impressed, especially the new small petrol engine.
The new TCe engine comes as a result of the Renault Nissan alliance; it has the power of a 1.8 litre and the torque of a two litre. With the aid of a single-scroll turbo this little 1,397cc wonder gushes forth 130bhp, allowing a combined fuel consumption of just under 40mpg and an emission figure of 170g/km.
The dCi 160 FAP as the name suggest sees a diesel engine that generates 160bhp, and for the first time in a Scenic model a CVT transmission; however the manual transmissions will remain the most popular.
Renault claims that new Grand Scenic will reduce everyday running costs by between 20 and 30 percent. Oil changes are extended to 30,000km or two years, draining of the air con system is no longer necessary, less frequent air filter changes, 60,000km or every four years and when it comes to fuel saving, the range of engines, particularly the new additions mean fewer visits to the fuel pumps.
The new Grand Scenic delivers in all aspects, comfort with the roadholding of a saloon car, a wide choice of new technology and options permitting the buyer to create a very individual vehicle. Good to see the cost of sat nav tumbling thanks to co-operation with TomTom that is possible.
A welcome addition to the growing ranks of compact MPVs and one which stands out in style and equipment levels.
