By Tim Barnes-Clay
THE LATEST Renault Grand Scenic has more space, it’s better equipped, and is safer, greener and cheaper to run than the previous versions.
In a nutshell the car on test here is a seven seat, five door, medium sized MPV with a range of petrol and diesel engines. The French are good at MPVs - Peugeot and Citroen have loads of them as do Renault who offer the stylish new five seater Scenic, the posh seven seat Grand Scenic and the huge Grand Espace.
Modern families may not need seven seats for everyday but they do want four/five seats and lots of load space. The Grand scenic with its three rows of seats does just this.
With seven seats in use there is 208-litres of space, but fold the rear row into the floor and that space increases to 564-litres; and because it is a box shape with an upright rear tailgate all the space is useable so the family dog will be pleased.
This is the second generation Grand Scenic and the third model to be launched in Renault’s latest Megane family, following the Hatch and the Coupe. Compared to the previous Grand Scenic the new one is longer (+62mm), taller (+9mm), wider (+26mm) with a longer wheelbase (+34mm).
Increased cabin dimensions ensure more room for everyone on board. While the third row of seats fold easily in and out of the floor, the middle row (all individual seats), do not fold completely flat. It is also a bit of a hassle to get these seats in and out of the vehicle as they aren’t as user friendly as you might expect.
There are currently seven engine options, three petrol and four diesels, ranging from 1.4 to 2.0-litres. All the engines are new or revised to offer generally more power, less CO2 emissions and more mpg.
There are two all new units, the 1.4 TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) 130 and the 2.0 dCi 160 FAP, plus the recently introduced 2.0 VVT 140 petrol unit with CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as standard. Renault’s first DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) will appear later in 2010.
The Grand Scenic has four equipment grades, Extreme, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege but high standard equipment includes; stereo sound system with RDS, CD, and MP3 functions, air conditioning and importantly electronic control stability or ESP.
At the top-of-the-range, Privilege offers, dual-zone climate control, electric folding mirrors, rear parking sensors and sliding centre storage unit. There is also a wide range of equipment options, including the integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system, rear parking camera and adaptable front and rear headrests.
Further options include 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, Arkamys audio system with six-CD multi-changer, Bluetooth and 3D full colour DVD satellite navigation, electric panoramic sunroof and xenon head lights.
The Renault Grand Scenic impressed me with its enormously improved styling. It certainly has a better quality interior trim and the drive has improved. The road holding is more controlled with less body roll and a firm but comfortable ride. The steering is a bit lifeless though and doesn’t offer much feedback, but the engine is reassuringly strong and responsive as long as you don’t mind lots of gear changing at mid range speeds.
It doesn’t look as bad as some ‘family minibuses’ and whether the new Renault Grand Scenic is simply used for carrying the kids to school, business or pleasure it does an excellent job all round.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
Versatile √
Passenger comfort √
Strong engine √
Safety √
Seats hard to take out X
Lots of gear changing X
MPV looks aren’t for everyone X
FACTS
Max speed: 124 mph
0-62 mph 10.1
Combined mpg: 42.8
Engine: 2.0, four cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 160 bhp
Torque: 380 Nm from 2000 rpm
CO2: 173 g/km
Price: £22,045 (On the road)