Used Renault Scenic buying guide
Engines and transmissions
Renault built the Scenic with the choice of petrol or diesel engines. These were paired to an automatic or a manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
Petrol
- TCe 115 uses a 1.0-litre engine to make 113bhp for a 0-62mph time of 12.3 seconds and an efficiency rating of 48.7mpg.
- TCe 130 upgrades to a 1.2-litre turbo engine, creating 128bhp, thereby reducing the 0-62mph time to 11.4 seconds while retaining the same efficiency.
Diesel
- dCi 110 has a 1.5-litre engine that outputs 108bhp for a 0-62mph time of 11.4 seconds, and efficiency of 72.4mpg with 100g/km of CO2 emissions.
- dCi 130 uses a 1.6-litre motor creating 128bhp that offers the same acceleration, but has a reduced efficiency rating of 62.7mpg and 116g/km of CO2 emissions.
- dCi 160 has a 1.6-litre engine for 157bhp, which doesn't affect the 0-62mph acceleration or the fuel economy, but does increase the CO2 emissions to 118g/km.
Practicality
As a family-friendly MPV, the Scenic has the space for everyone to stretch out and enjoy the drive.
Interior space
- Front seat offers a great view of the road ahead.
- Rear seats slide to create more legroom when needed.
- Two ISOFIX points found on the outer rear seats to secure child carriers.
Boot space
- 572-litre boot is larger than the Citroen C4 Picasso.
- 60:40 split folding seating can be lowered with the touch of a button to create more space.
Bodystyles
- Scenic is on a shorter wheelbase to create an interior with five seats.
- Grand Scenic used the longer wheelbase to incorporate seven seats.
Safety
- 2016 Euro NCAP crash testing gave the Scenic a perfect five-star rating.
- 90% rating for adult occupant, with 82% for child occupant.
- Standard safety kit includes numerous airbags and emergency city braking.
Technology
- Six-speaker 3D sound system comes standard with the final generation.
- 8.7-inch touchscreen infotainment display was the biggest in class at the time.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard technology in 2018.
Different generations of used Renault Scenic
Renault originally unveiled the Scenic in 1995, but it wasn't available in the UK until two years later. It was designed to be a smaller and more cost-effective alternative to its larger sibling, the Espace MPV. While there were four generations and various facelifts, the Scenic was discontinued in 2022 to make room for the fully electric Scenic E-Tech.
Fourth Generation (2016-2022)
During its final generation, the Scenic received a larger chrome logo in the centre of the grille. It had a similar proportion and shape to the one found on the Clio and Captur. This Scenic also shared the Megane platform, with two different wheelbases to choose from.
Inside the cabin, Renault added some high-tech equipment, such as an upgraded infotainment system and a TomTom satnav. The suspension was also adjusted and Renault revised some of the powertrain options.
Third generation (2009-2019)
The new Scenic had a sportier appearance without losing the practicality of the MPV, with some of the styling inspired by the Megane Coupé. Renault further repositioned the pillars to add more visibility from the cabin.
A refresh occurred in 2013 with an updated lower bumper holding LED daytime running lights. The upper grille featured the Renault badge with a chrome horizontal slat. Additionally, a new range of engines became available and the XMOD was released, giving the MPV more off-road capability.
Second generation (2006 - 2009)
Following the design that was already a success, Renault continued to make the Scenic as an egg-shaped MPV with its raked bonnet and windscreen. The rear tailgate was nearly vertical, similar to what was found on the Megane Hatchback.
Inside the Scenic, Renault revised the instrument cluster, giving it an oversized display for the tachometer and speedometer. There was also some added rear seat legroom created, while the headroom remained the same.
