Renault Scénic

Renault Scénic
Manufacturer Renault
Also called Renault Mégane Scénic
Production Europe: 1996–present
Taiwan: 2003–2009
Class Compact MPV
Body style 5-door MPV
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The Renault Scénic is a compact MPV produced by French automaker Renault, the first to be labelled as such in Europe. It is based on the chassis of the Mégane small family car. It became 1997 European Car of the Year on its launch in late 1996. The second and third generations have a model called Grand Scénic, which has 7 seats instead of 5.

Contents


First generation (1996–2003)

Megane Scénic & Scénic I

Manufacturer Renault
Production 1996–2003
Class compact MPV
Length 4,168 mm (164 in)
Width 1,719 mm (68 in)
Height 1,609 mm (63 in)
Curb weight 1,365 kg (3,010 lb)
Related Renault Megane I

The Megane Scénic can be traced back to a concept car designed under the supervision of Anne Asensio, then Designer at Renault.

The Scénic was mechanically identical to the Mégane hatchback (itself based on the older R19). The 1.4 L, 1.6 L "Energy", 1.8 L "F-type" petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines were shared with the hatchback range. The Scénic was marketed as a multi-purpose vehicle, in a smaller size lower price of such vehicles as Renault's own Espace. Renault underestimated the market demand that the Scénic would have—predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day. Production at the company's Douai plant would eventually peak at nearly 2,500 cars a day.

Launch Trim specification levels

RN, RT, RXE

1998 Trim specification levels

Alize, Monaco

Engine options
Sales designation Engine model Displ. Power Torque Valvetrain Top speed
1.4 E7J 1390 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 6000 rpm 107 N·m (79 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm SOHC 160 km/h (99 mph)
1.6 K7M 1598 cc 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5000 rpm 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @ 3400 rpm SOHC 165 km/h (103 mph)
1.6 K7M 1598 cc 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 5000 rpm 137 N·m (101 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm SOHC 170 km/h (110 mph)
2.0 F3R 1998 cc 84 kW (114 PS; 113 hp) @ 5400 rpm 168 N·m (124 lb·ft) @ 4250 rpm SOHC 185 km/h (115 mph)
1.9 d F8Q 1870 cc 48 kW (65 PS; 64 hp) @ 4500 rpm 120 N·m (89 lb·ft) @ 2250 rpm SOHC 152 km/h (94 mph)
1.9 dT F8Q 1870 cc 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) @ 4250 rpm 176 N·m (130 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm SOHC 174 km/h (108 mph)
1.9 dTi F9Q 1870 cc 73 kW (99 PS; 98 hp) @ 4000 rpm 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm SOHC 173 km/h (107 mph)

Phase 2 (1999)

1999–2003 Scénic

Along with the Mégane hatchback, the Scénic underwent a minor frontal restyle in 1999 and the newer 16-valve engines introduced. The front end was quite a bit different from the Mégane counterpart, and there were also redesigned rear lights. From the time of this restyle, it became officially known as the Renault Scénic, although a small "Mégane" badge still appeared on the rear door signifying the car's origin. This model was built in Brazil with flexible fuel engines.

The Phase 2 allowed the Scénic to be separate from the Mégane and its predecessor by introducing improvements such as a storage compartment on the dashboard, and a separate opening rear window on the tailgate. Another small improvement with the Scénic were the rear head restraints which were fixed over the back of the seat instead of being upright. This increased rear visibility.

2002 Trim specification levels

Freeway: Authentique, Expression, Expression+

Sport: Dynamique, Fidji, Dynamique+

Elegance: Privilege, Privilege+, Privilege Monaco, Ultimate Scénic

Engine options
Sales designation Engine model Displ. Power Torque Valvetrain Top speed
1.4 16V K4J 1390 cc 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) @ 6000 rpm 127 N·m (94 lb·ft) @ 3750 rpm DOHC 173 km/h (107 mph)
1.6 16V K4M 1598 cc 79 kW (107 PS; 106 hp) @ 5750 rpm 148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @ 3750 rpm DOHC 185 km/h (115 mph)
1.8 16V F4P 1783 cc 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5750 rpm 164 N·m (121 lb·ft) @ 3500 rpm DOHC 189 km/h (117 mph)
2.0 16V F4R 1998 cc 102 kW (139 PS; 137 hp) @ 5500 rpm 188 N·m (139 lb·ft) @ 3750 rpm DOHC 196 km/h (122 mph)
1.9 d F8Q 1870 cc 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) @ 4500 rpm 120 N·m (89 lb·ft) @ 2250 rpm SOHC 152 km/h (94 mph)
1.9 dTi F9Q 1870 cc 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp) @ 4000 rpm 160 N·m (118 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm SOHC 162 km/h (101 mph)
1.9 dTi F9Q 1870 cc 72 kW (98 PS; 97 hp) @ 4000 rpm 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 2250 rpm SOHC 174 km/h (108 mph)
1.9 dCi F9Q 1870 cc 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) @ 4000 rpm 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 1500 rpm SOHC 177 km/h (110 mph)


Scénic RX4

Renault developed a four-wheel drive derivative of the original Scénic, the Scénic RX4, launched in 2000 in both LHD and RHD format. Featuring a viscous, multi-disc central differential designed by Austrian specialists Steyr Daimler Puch, it offered part-time 4WD. The rear suspension was re-engineered and the suspension was strengthened. The new rear suspension now occupied part of the space that was used for the spare wheel well and led to the spare tyre being placed on the rear hatch. The RX4 rode higher with increased suspension travel and larger wheels. While these changes provided better ground clearance, the RX4 was offered with 2.0 litre petrol engine and 1.9 dci diesel engine, both already known from Mégane. Production of the RX4 ceased in 2003, until the arrival of the Scénic Conquest in 2007.

Engine options
Sales designation Engine model Displ. Power Torque Valvetrain Top speed
2.0 16V F4R 1998 cc 102 kW (139 PS; 137 hp) @ 5500 rpm 188 N·m (139 lb·ft) @ 3750 rpm DOHC 180 km/h (110 mph)
1.9 dCi F9Q 1870 cc 75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) @ 4000 rpm 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) @ 1500 rpm SOHC 160 km/h (99 mph)


Second generation (2003–2009)

Scénic II

Manufacturer Renault
Production 2003–2009
Class compact MPV
Length 4,259 mm (168 in)
4,493 mm (177 in) (Grand Scénic)
Width 1,810 mm (71 in)
Height 1,620 mm (64 in)
Curb weight 1,320 kg (2,900 lb)
Related Renault Megane II

Shortly after the launch of the Mégane II, an all-new Scénic was launched. There is also a seven-seater Compact MPV Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase and rear overhang, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage area.

As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser and an automatic parking brake on certain trim levels. It integrates LEDs on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised "Mégane" logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car's origin.

Scénics include folding rear passenger seat with integrated table, folding front passenger seat (on certain trim levels), automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, 'Child minder' mirror, as well as front and rear electric windows.

Phase 2 (2006–2009)

2006–2009 Scénic

Like the Megane a few months earlier, Scénic II underwent a mild facelift in the latter half of 2006. The redesigned areas included a slightly more pronounced grille section, larger diamond badge, the addition of a "SCENIC" word badge on the bootlid and new wheel designs and interior trim. As with Megane, an optional upgrade enabled all the exterior body mouldings to be painted to match the bodywork. As of 2007 the "RENAULT" word badge has been removed.

Scénic Conquest

In 2007 the spiritual successor to the RX4 was revealed in the form of the production-ready Scénic Conquest. Although powered by two-wheel-drive, the Conquest has a body kit, raised ride height and features accessories usually reserved for SUVs.

Scénic III (2009–present)

Renault Scénic III

Manufacturer Renault
Production 2009–present
Class compact MPV
Wheelbase 2,580 mm (102 in)
Length 4,344 mm (171 in)
Width 1,845 mm (73 in)
Height 1,678 mm (66 in)
Curb weight 1,220 kg (2,700 lb)
Related Renault Megane III

The Scénic III was released in July 2009, while the 7 seater 'Grand' version (New Grand Scénic) was released in May 2009. Like the previous Scénic, there is also a seven-seater Compact MPV Grand Scénic.

TRIM LEVELS

Extreme: ABS & ESP for safety, Air conditioning, 4 x 15W RDS radio CD MP3 with fingertip remote control, Tunepoint to connect your MP3 player

Expression: 'Child minder' mirror, Automatic parking brake, Front fog lamps, TFT dashboard screen (Thin Film Technology), Rear electric windows

I-Music Special Edition: 17" 'Sari' alloy wheels, Parking proximity sensors - rear, Multi-functional Tunepoint, Arkamys 4 x 30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth, Brushed aluminium effect door mirrors

Dynamic TOMTOM: Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation with joystick, Leather steering wheel, Hands Free Renault card, Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Multifunctional tunepoint and Bluetooth

Privilege TOMTOM: Part leather upholstery with a choice of two colours, Electrochrome rear view mirror, Rear parking sensors, Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation with joystick, Sliding centre storage unit

Scénic in the UK

UK sales of the Scénic began in early 1997, and for the first two years the Scénic was the only compact MPV sold by a mainstream manufacturer in the UK, however the Vauxhall Zafira, Citroën Xsara Picasso, Fiat Multipla and the Nissan Almera Tino were launched in less than five years. In 1997, the Mégane Scénic was awarded 1997 What Car?, Car of the Year.

The Scénic II arrived in British showrooms towards the end of 2003. The Scénic III arrived in British showrooms towards Summer 2009.

Recall

Electronic defects have caused Renault to issue two recalls. The first, in 2009, was because of the dashboard could stop functioning, leaving drivers without the ability to gauge their speed.[1] At first drivers had to replace this part at their own expense, but eventually, because of media pressure, Renault said that they would reimburse customers up to a set limit. The second, in 2010, was because the emergency brake could sometimes engage on its own while the car was in motion.[2]

Alternative propulsion

The Cleanova III, presented in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, is based on a Scénic platform.

References

  1. ^ "Renault gets lost on the Scenic route". BBC. 2009-10-07. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/10/renault_get_lost_on_a_scenic_r.html. Retrieved 2011-06-04. 
  2. ^ "Renault recalls 66,000 British cars over handbrake which can apply itself while being driven". Daily Mail. 2010-08-04. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1300211/Renault-recalls-66-000-British-cars-faulty-handbrake.html. Retrieved 2011-06-04. 

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