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Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi

Super-efficient new diesel promises lower bills

Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi front track

By Luke Madden

July 2011

Big cars normally mean high running costs, but Renault aims to change all that with a new engine in its Grand Scenic. 

The 1.6-litre dCi Energy turbodiesel is 20 per cent more efficient than the 1.9-litre dCi it replaces. And it makes the seven-seater the cleanest and most economical people carrier in its class.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Renault Scenic

 

It emits only 117g/km of CO2 – meaning the car qualifies for a year’s free road tax – and returns an impressive 62.8mpg. 

In addition, engineers claim to have halved engine noise in the cabin, and we found the new model incredibly quiet at idle and during cruising. Only when you accelerate hard from low speeds do you really notice a harsh engine note.

The newcomer is no slouch, either. The 128bhp output is exactly the same as the 1.9 dCi delivered, but peak torque has been increased by 20Nm to 320Nm. This helps to cut the 0-62mph sprint time by three tenths to 10.3 seconds. 

The rest of the practical Grand Scenic package remains intact. There’s seating for seven and a spacious boot, while the ride and handling balance are as good as ever. It’s not as much fun to drive as a Ford S-MAX, but owners are guaranteed a safe, predictable and comfortable experience.  

Only trouble is, the new Energy dCi engine is available exclusively in range-topping Dynamique TomTom models. 

And although that means you get climate control, satellite navigation, keyless go and alloy wheels, it also brings a starting price of £22,200.

For an alternative review of the latest Renault Scenic visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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3 Comments

Va,Va,Va Snoore!

Renault have a superb knack of producing cars that are the equivalent of "Horlicks"

By toycollector on 5 July, 2011, 7:25pm

What is it with car manufacturers? - all these super - economical cars come with a hefty price tag. Maybe the technology costs more, but nobody's going to be fooled by hiding it under a pile of extras. If the technology's worth it then people will pay, but not if it means having to pay for useless trimmings on top.
I'm a pensioner, and maybe Renault doesn't like to associate itself with that kind of image. They'd better get used to it - it comes to us all! I need an economical car (really feeling the pinch now with fuel prices), need the space (growing brood of grandchildren) and loved my old Scenic - a great family car. But I can't afford fripperies on my budget - plain vanilla from now on!
Nice one, Renault, but not for me this time.

By gdavis36 on 6 July, 2011, 10:16am

this article is a bit off!

Well the article is wrong for a start,
You can get that new 1.6 dci stop-start engine in the whole range of scenics, starting with the base model expression

By Marty1990 on 27 September, 2011, 3:56pm

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Pictures

Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi front track
Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi inteior
Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi boot
Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi rear sets

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FIRST OPINION

    Choosing an engine for your new Grand Scenic just got a whole lot easier. The 1.6-litre dCi Energy is the pick of the range; not only does it offer extremely low running costs, but it’s also impressively refined and delivers punchy performance, too. We just wish Renault would offer it on cheaper versions of the seven-seater, and with the option of an auto. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,200
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
    Power/torque: 128bhp/320Nm
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
    Top speed: 121mph
    Economy: 62.8mpg
    CO2: 117g/km
    Equipment: Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, cruise control, TomTom sat-nav, alloy wheels
    On sale: Now
     
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