Alternative review of Renault Scenic

For my part, I've previously found the various versions of the Scenic to be fairly uninspiring but at the same time, I've found it hard not to appreciate the way they cater for the different demands of family life. It's immediately apparent that the latest version is a major step forward from the cars that preceded it, with Renault having been particularly successful in improving the fit and finish in the cabin. Today's Scenic feels a very classy proposition from the seat behind the wheel and on first impressions, seems very easy to like.

The interior is where the magic happens in any MPV and the Scenic models lay-on lots of space and versatility. The second row of seats can be folded flat or removed, and boot space is measured at 522 litres in the Scenic. The loading lip is usefully low and there's a big square opening that will give you a fighting chance of fitting even bulkier objects inside. There's a massive array of storage options in the Scenic with a total of 92 litres available. Under-floor compartments, under-seat drawers, a chilled glovebox, centre console cubbies, door pockets and trays on the seat backs should help to keep the family's paraphernalia in check. There are also three 12-volt power sockets to keep the all-important games consoles and MP3 players topped up. It appears that Renault has thought of everything. Safety is of paramount importance to family buyers and few manufacturers can match Renault's reputation in this area. Its models routinely achieve maximum five-star ratings from Euro NCAP and the Scenic is brim full of features designed to avoid collisions and protect occupants should one occur. The car can be specified with automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control with a speed-limiting function, bi-xenon headlamps that swivel to illuminate round bends and a seat-belt reminder that sounds if a rear-seatbelt is unbuckled. There's also ABS with brake assist and brake force distribution and ESC stability control with CSV understeer control. The second row of seats all have ISOFIX child seat anchor points too.

The taller, bulkier dimensions of compact MPV products don't lead you to expect the same kind of sporty driving experience offered by the family hatch that spawned them but Renault has applied much of the chassis technology found under its Megane to the Scenic. From behind the wheel, you can feel that this is a taller vehicle as it leans a little more in corners but the Scenic feels very stable for a compact MPV and it excels on the comfort front with a cosseting ride that deals adeptly with bumpy surfaces. Economy is obviously important for a functional family vehicle but the Scenic's engines also need the performance to move a fully-laden vehicle with a bit of spirit. The entry-level 1.6-litre 110bhp petrol engine is likely to find this difficult but with another 20bhp, the TCe 130 powerplant looks a far more compelling option. Renault's Turbo Control efficiency technology comes into play here using turbocharging to boost the petrol engine's performance while retaining strong economy. The final petrol option is a 140bhp 2.0-litre that operates in partnership with a CVT gearbox but it's the diesels that are likely to attract more interest. Renault's 1.5 dCi engine pops up here in 86, and 106bhp guises but its real strength is low running costs. Buyers wanting a punchy oil-burner can choose the dCi 130 or dCi 160 engines or opt for the automatic-only dCi 150.

While I recognise the wide range of extra options that a pair of additional seats gives to an MPV owner, I'm with Renault on this one. The five-seat Scenic is much more than a family hatch with more headroom. It's a far more family-friendly package that not only has more space but makes that space usable too. An extra pair of seats will always be a desirable option for some but if you can't foresee an eventuality where you'd need to seat six or seven, the standard Scenic will be a fine choice.

TOP 5 SCENIC DEALS

The results below show the top SCENIC deals on buyacar

Renault Scenic 1.5 dCi 110 Dynamique TomTom 5dr EDC Diesel Estate
Price £15,520 Read Scenic Reviews	Save £5,480
Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi Dynamique TomTom 5dr [Bose Pack] [S/S] Diesel Estate
Price £16,500 Read Scenic Reviews	Save £5,900
Renault Scenic 1.6 VVT Expression 5dr Estate
Price £12,515 Read Scenic Reviews	Save £4,085
Renault Scenic 1.6 VVT Dynamique TomTom 5dr Estate
Price £13,565 Read Scenic Reviews	Save £4,535
Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi Dynamique TomTom 5dr [Stop/Start] Diesel Estate
Price £15,450 Read Scenic Reviews	Save £5,450
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