Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019) Verdict
Practical back row and large boot. Generous level of standard safety technology. Easy to drive. 5 year 100,000 mile warranty from December 2019.
Standard-fit 20-inch wheels impact ride quality. Tyres are an unusual size. High tech electronic mean heating and ventilation is controlled by a vertical touch screen.
Find out more about the Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019)
Insurance Groups are between 10–20
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure
With its standard 20-inch wheels and chunky, almost-a-crossover styling, the Renault Scenic is a far cry from dull MPVs of the past. But, despite its radical new look it’s still a sensible and capable family car, with loads of cabin space, a big boot and some clever touches.
The back row of seats is comfortable, with enough head and legroom for adults or, more importantly, for three children. The wide-opening rear doors provide easy access, plus there are two rear Isofix points and one on the front passenger seat. On all but entry-level models the rear seats fold with one-touch buttons in the boot.
For those who have a bigger family there is a Grand Scenic, which is slightly longer to accommodate a pair of occasional-use seats that fold out of the boot.
The boot capacity is 572 litres with the rear seats in place and the load deck is flat to make loading easier. Pushchairs, shopping and other family bits and pieces will fit easily and there is a false floor for hiding little things like tablet computers. The only issue is the chunky rear bumper, which will likely get scuffed when sliding things in and out.
Bluetooth and DAB is standard, as is a large, crisp touchscreen system. On all but basic Expression+ models it comes with TomTom navigation and includes Live services, like traffic alerts. Importantly, standard safety tech includes auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and cruise control on all models.
The engine range includes 110PS, 130PS and 160PS diesels, plus there is a 1.2-litre TCe petrol with either 115PS or 130PS. Of these the 1.5 dCi 110PS diesel is probably the best bet, since it blends low emissions and official economy of more than 70mpg with decent performance and good refinement.
On the road the Scenic is easy to drive, with light controls and quiet engines, but the big wheels mean ride quality is a little unsettled over rough surfaces and there is some road noise on coarse British tarmac. On the motorway or around town this is no real issue, though.
With its generous level of standard safety kit, stylish looks and practical cabin, the Renault Scenic is a real contender next to rival cars. The Kia Carens is better value and the Ford C-MAX is better to drive, but there’s still every reason to give the Renault Scenic a look.
Reviews for Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 TCe 115 to 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 42–59 mpg
The Renault Scenic is available with a 1.2-litre TCe petrol engine producing either 110PS or 130PS. Plus there are 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre dCi diesels with outputs of 110PS, 130PS or 160PS. The most powerful diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, while the 1.5 dCi 110PS is also available with a seven-speed auto.
Even though the 1.2-litre TCe engine might sound small for an MPV, it's actually fine. Performance is similar to the diesel engines, but with less impressive official fuel economy figures. Both the 115PS and 130PS petrols achieve up to 48.7mpg depending on trim level.
The 1.5 dCi 110PS diesel is the pick of the engine range, though. It’s very quiet and smooth, plus it performs well at motorway speeds and its 260Nm of torque is fine for overtaking. Official economy is 72.4mpg for the manual, or 70.6mpg for the automatic. For most Scenic owners this engine provides the best blend of performance and running costs.
There is also a hybrid assist version, which has a small electric motor to help when pulling away. It means a small boost economy boost to an official 80.6mpg. Those who tend to drive long distance should consider the 130PS and 160PS 1.6-litre dCi diesels, which provide some extra grunt for the motorway.
Renault has fitted all variants of the Scenic with 20-inch wheels as standard, which might alarm some buyers – but there are three different tyre makers to choose from and Renault promises tyre prices will be no higher than for 17-inch or 18-inch wheels on earlier Scenics.
That said, the penalty for such big, stylish wheels is jittery ride quality over rough, potholed country roads, as well as tyre roar over coarse tarmac. It’s not a real problem around town or on the motorway, but if you spend a lot of time on B-roads a Ford C-MAX is probably a better bet.
Through corners the Scenic is predictable and body roll is well-controlled, but the C-MAX has more nicely-weighted and accurate steering. On the plus side, there is plenty of standard convenience technology including cruise control, a speed limiter, traffic sign recognition, auto-dipping lights and hill start assistance.
Parking Pack Premium is a £500 option and provides semi-autonomous parking. It recognises parallel, perpendicular and diagonal spaces and takes control of the steering. All the driver needs to do is control throttle, gear selection and braking, which is ideal for drivers who aren’t confident with their parking.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 TCe 115 | 49 mpg | 12.3 s | 129 g/km |
| 1.2 TCe 130 | 49 mpg | 11.4 s | 129 g/km |
| 1.3 TCe | 52 mpg | - | 137 g/km |
| 1.3 TCe 115 | 52 mpg | 11.3 s | 122 g/km |
| 1.3 TCe 140 | 52 mpg | 10.1 s | 122 g/km |
| 1.3 TCe 140 Automatic | 52 mpg | 10.2 s | 122 g/km |
| 1.3 TCe Automatic | 52 mpg | - | 135 g/km |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 | 72 mpg | - | 129 g/km |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Automatic | 71 mpg | - | 135 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 110 | 72–81 mpg | 12.4 s | 92–100 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 110 Automatic | 71 mpg | 12.4 s | 104 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi Hybrid Assist | 81 mpg | 12.9 s | 92 g/km |
| 1.6 dCi 130 | 63 mpg | 11.4 s | 116 g/km |
| 1.6 dCi 160 Automatic | 63 mpg | - | 118 g/km |
| 1.6 VVT 110 | 38 mpg | - | 174 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
75%
Real MPG
42–59 mpg
MPGs submitted
15
Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019) interior
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4366–4406 mm |
| Width | 2128 mm |
| Height | 1640–1653 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2702–2804 mm |
The Scenic may have stylish looks, but Renault hasn’t let practicality slip. There is a large boot and spacious rear seats, plus three Isofix mounts – two in the back row and one for the front passenger seat. Standard equipment is impressive too, with important safety kit like auto emergency brakes on all versions.
Wide-opening rear doors make access to the back row easy. There is space for a pair of adults to sit in comfort, or ample room for three children. Those who need to carry even more passengers can opt for the seven-seat Grand Scenic, which has two fold-up seats in the load area.
There is a clever, sliding centre console in all but basic Expression+ versions, which can be moved back so rear seat occupants can access the storage and charger/USB sockets, or slid forward to free up middle seat rear leg room and provide storage access for those up front.
Material quality is good on the whole, with a mixture of soft-touch plastics high up and hardwearing materials low down. That said, there are some cheap-looking details, like the unpleasant switch for enabling the speed limiter and the drab, uninspired centre stack.
The boot has a flat, low deck and a 572-litre capacity. That’s plenty for pushchairs or whatever else a growing family might need, though the position of the rear bumper means it’s likely to get scuffed up when unloading. On the plus side, a two-layer boot floor provides an extra storage space for valuables like laptops or things like picnic blankets.
The rear seats can be folded flat, freeing up a huge 1554 litres of space, which is ideal for flat packs or garden centre trips. On all but entry-grade models, the seats can be folded electronically either via one-touch buttons in the boot, or via the touchscreen system up front when parked.
All versions of the Scenic come with DAB radio and Bluetooth as standard, along with a touchscreen in either 7-inch or 8.7-inch. It’s responsive and easy-to-use when parked, but on the move it can be a bit of a fiddle to get the desired screen. Fortunately, the climate and volume controls are easy to find, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
The higher two trim levels gain a larger, vertically-mounted touchscreen which is clearer and includes navigation, complete with TomTom live services for speed camera warnings and live traffic. Unfortunately, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto functionality.
Standard equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, auto-dipping headlights, cruise control, speed limiter, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and auto wipers. Moving up to higher equipment grades brings extras like a larger touchscreen and colour head-up display.
Standard Equipment (from launch):
Expession+ comes with auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, auto headlights with auto dip, auto wipers, cruise control, speed limiter, hill start assist, electronic parking brake, three Isofix mounts, 20-inch alloy wheels, seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, DAB radio and a handsfree keycard.
Dynamique Nav adds fatigue alert, front and rear parking sensors, ambient lighting and drive mode selection, rear sunblinds, sliding centre console with two USB sockets, a 12V socket, AUX-input and two 500ml bottle holders, rear picnic tables, one-touch folding rear seats, 3D sound system plus TomTom navigation with Live services.
Dynamique S Nav adds head-up display, reversing camera, panoramic glass roof, auto-dipping rearview mirror and a 8.7-inch vertical R-Link 2 touchscreen.
Signature Nav adds cornering front foglights, full-LED headlights, leather upholstery along with electrically adjustable front seats with massage function.
Renault Scenic (2016 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4366–4406 mm |
| Width | 2128 mm |
| Height | 1640–1653 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2702–2804 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | - |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100000 miles |
| Servicing | 18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £20,485–£28,060 |
| Insurance Groups | 10–20 |
| Road Tax Bands | A–H |
| Official MPG | 38.2–80.7 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
Currently on sale
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.3 TCE 140 Iconic 5dr | £21,785 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.3 TCE 140 Iconic Auto 5dr | £24,190 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.3 TCE 140 Play 5dr | £20,485 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.3 TCE 140 Play Auto 5dr | £22,890 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.3 TCE 140 Signature 5dr | £23,385 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.3 TCE 140 Signature Auto 5dr | £25,790 | 52.3 mpg | - |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Iconic 5dr | £24,530 | 72.4 mpg | - |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Iconic Auto 5dr | £26,300 | 70.6 mpg | - |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Play 5dr | £23,640 | 72.4 mpg | - |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Play Auto 5dr | £25,410 | 70.6 mpg | - |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Signature 5dr | £26,130 | 72.4 mpg | - |
| 1.5 Blue dCi 120 Signature Auto 5dr | £27,900 | 70.6 mpg | - |
| 1.5 dCi 110 Hybrid Assist Dynamique Nav 5dr | £25,060 | 80.7 mpg | 12.9 s |
| 1.5 dCi Hybrid Assist Dynamique S Nav 5dr | £26,560 | 80.7 mpg | - |
| 1.5 dCi Hybrid Assist Sgntre Nav 5dr | £28,060 | 80.7 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2019
On sale until June 2018
| Medium MPV | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 TCE 115 Dynamique Nav 5dr | £23,105 | 48.7 mpg | 12.3 s |
| 1.2 TCE 115 Expression+ 5dr | £21,605 | 48.7 mpg | - |
| 1.2 TCE 130 Dynamique Nav 5dr | £23,605 | 48.7 mpg | 11.4 s |
| 1.2 TCE 130 Dynamique S Nav 5dr | £25,105 | 48.7 mpg | - |
| 1.2 TCE 130 Signature Nav 5dr | £26,605 | 48.7 mpg | - |
On sale until April 2017
Model History
- March 2016: New Renault Scenic launched
- July 2017: Hybrid Assist version of Scenic launched
- December 2017: New 1.3 TCe 115 and 140 petrol engines announced
- February 2018: Renault reduces warranty from four years to three years
- December 2019
March 2016
New Renault Scenic launched
The front seats copy the structure of those seen inside the new Espace (including dual-density foam). Meanwhile, the massaging, heated seats of the model’s higher-end versions benefit from eight-way electric adjustment. Electric lumbar support is also available for high-end versions.
4,406mm long x 1,865mm wide x 1,653mm high on a 2,734mm wheelbase with 20 inch wheels and 195/55 R20 tyres.
The One Touch Folding system, operated, depending on version, by a tap on the R-LINK 2 screen or by activating a switch in the boot, automatically folds away the rear seats to provide a flat floor configuration; providing easy access to an optimised carrying space. The front passenger seat back of certain versions can be tipped forward to form a small table.
In all versions, the two parts of the 60/40-split second-row seat slide fore and aft independently. The sliding centre console has evolved so as to cater to the new requirements of both front and rear passengers, providing up to 13 litres of storage capacity.
The loadspace is 572 litres, with a total additional stowage capacity of 63 litres. The Easy Life drawer, another feature drawn from the latest Espace, faces the front passenger seat and offers a storage area of 11.5 litres. That’s three litres more than a conventional glove box. Lit and chilled, it opens via an electronic sensor and automatically locks when the vehicle stops.
In the back, the new Scenic is equipped with smart Easy Life folding tables, ideal for family use on longer journeys. They open to reveal a small storage area that can accommodate a mobile phone, a gaming console or perhaps crayons, whilst it is also possible to attach electronic tablets of different sizes. The two USB ports at the rear of the centre console mean electronic devices can be used without time restraints.
Before the end of 2016, the new Scenic will be available with a Hybrid Assist electric option for its Energy dCi 110 diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to this innovation (which recovers energy during deceleration and braking) Renault is aiming to take the lead in low fuel consumption. Hybrid Assist functions with a 48-volt battery, enabling the electric motor to support the internal combustion engine, which remains in continuous operation.
Energy 1.5 dCi 95 with a six-speed manual gearbox
Energy 1.5 dCi 110 with a six-speed manual gearbox
Energy 1.5 dCi 110 Hybrid Assist with a six-speed manual gearbox
Energy 1.5 dCi 110 with EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) seven-speed automatic transmission
Energy 1.5 dCi 130 with a six-speed manual gearbox
Energy 1.5 dCi 160 with EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) six-speed automatic transmission
Energy 1.2 TCe 115 with a six-speed manual gearbox
Energy TCe 130 with a six-speed manual gearbox
July 2017
Hybrid Assist version of Scenic launched
Offering CO2 of 94g/km and a claimed 80.7mpg, from £25,055.
It has Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) with Pedestrian Detection as standard, 20-inch alloy wheels with 55 profile tyres and an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen. dCi 110 HYBRID ASSIST engine features a 10kW electric motor located under the bonnet that works in combination with the internal combustion engine. The motor is powered by a 48-volt 150Wh battery located behind the second row seats for All-New Scénic or in the spare wheel housing for All-New Grand Scénic.
The technology dispenses with the need for a high-voltage battery thanks to the electric motor. The dCi 110 HYBRID ASSIST versions are priced only £1,000 more than the equivalent dCi 110 variants in the Scénic range, and benefit from £130 annual VED rather than £140 due to its classification as an “alternatively fuelled” vehicle.
December 2017
New 1.3 TCe 115 and 140 petrol engines announced
The new Energy TCe engine replaced the 1.2TCe and progressively reaches other Renault models from 2018. Pricing for the new engine in the Scénic line-up starts from £22,005 on-the-road.
This new engine offers a significant improvement in driving pleasure, with increased torque at low revs and greater and constant availability at high revs, while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The Energy TCe 140 engine has a CO2 output of 122g/km (125g/km for Grand Scénic) and achieves 52.3mpg (NEDC combined cycle) (51.4mpg for Grand Scénic). The TCe 140 engine receives 240Nm of torque at 1,600 rpm.
Meanwhile, the Energy TCe 115 – available in manual transmission only – has 220Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm with CO2 emissions of 122g/km (125g/km for Grand Scénic) and achieves 52.3mpg (NEDC combined) (50.4mpg for Grand Scénic). These figures result in a reduction in CO2 by 7 grams on Scénic and 11 grams on Grand Scénic compared to the previous petrol units.
|
All-New Scénic |
Power (hp @ rpm) |
Torque (Nm @ rpm) |
0-62mph (sec) |
Top Speed (mph) |
|
Expression+ TCe 115 |
115 |
220@1500 |
11.3 |
113 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 115 |
115 |
220@1500 |
11.3 |
113 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 140 |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.1 |
121 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.3 |
121 |
|
Dynamique S Nav TCe 140 |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.1 |
121 |
|
Dynamique S Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.3 |
121 |
|
Signature Nav TCe 140 |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.1 |
121 |
|
Signature Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.3 |
121 |
|
|
||||
|
All-New Grand Scénic |
Power (hp @ rpm) |
Torque (Nm @ rpm) |
0-62mph (sec) |
Top Speed (mph) |
|
Expression+ TCe 115 |
115 |
220@1500 |
11.7 |
111 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 115 |
115 |
220@1500 |
11.7 |
111 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 140 |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.3 |
119 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.5 |
119 |
|
Dynamique S Nav TCe 140 |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.3 |
119 |
|
Dynamique S Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.5 |
119 |
|
Signature Nav TCe 140 |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.3 |
119 |
|
Signature Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
140 |
240@1600 |
10.5 |
119 |
|
All-New Scénic |
MPG (NEDC) |
CO 2 (g/km) |
BiK (Band %) |
Ins. group |
VED (Yr. 1) |
Price (OTR) |
|
Expression+ TCe 115 |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£22,005 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 115 |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£23,505 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 140 |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£24,005 |
|
Dynamique Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£25,505 |
|
Dynamique S Nav TCe 140 |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£25,505 |
|
Dynamique S Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£27,005 |
|
Signature Nav TCe 140 |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£27,005 |
|
Signature Nav TCe 140 Auto EDC |
52.3 |
122 |
23 |
TBC |
TBC |
£28,505 |
February 2018
Renault reduces warranty from four years to three years
Renault models ordered and registered from 1 February 2018 are covered by a warranty package for up to three years from date of first registration. The first two years unlimited mileage, followed by a further one year limited to a total mileage of 60,000 (100,000 miles for Koleos, Zoe and LCV vehicles).
Models registered up to and including 31 January 2018 are still covered by a four-year warranty package. The first two years unlimited mileage and the third and fourth years are limited to 100,000 miles.
December 2019
5-Year 100,000 mile factory warranty announced on all new Renaults. The warranty applies to all new Renault cars registered from 18th December 2019 both retail and fleet cars and features an unlimited mileage limit during the first two years and up to 100,000 miles up to 5 years old.
The new five-year warranty covers all Renault passenger vehicles, from All-New Clio supermini through to the New Koleos SUV. Also included are Renault’s all-electric Z.E. vehicles: New ZOE and Twizy.
As before, all new Renault models will be backed by a three-year roadside assistance package with a 100,000 mile limit for Z.E. vehicles and New Koleos, and a 60,000 mile limit for all other models.
For more information visit: www.renault.co.uk
What to watch out for
Report of various electrical faults with April 2016 Renault Grand Scenic between 1-1-2017 and 3-5-2017, back to the dealer 5 times. Then on 15-6-2018 the same warning lights/fault appeared, then again on 2nd July (on 16-7-2018 car had not yet been repaired). Between 18-5-2018 and 16-7-2018 it has been also been seen 4 times for a faulty rattling window.
15-02-2019:Further report of rattling window in another current model Renault Scenic.
15-02-2019:Report that 2017 Renault Scenic is failing to deliver warm air to the driver and passenger footwells.
20-10-2019:Report of severe wear to outer edges of front 195/55 R20 Continental tyres on 2016 Renault Scenic at 18,500 miles.
