Renault Scenic 1.4TCe Dynamique

The Renault comes into this contest as our favourite five-seater compact MPV – and you wouldn’t bet against it retaining its crown. In terms of looks, the Scenic is more stylish than its bigger Grand brother, but it keeps the same neat details, such as the boomerang-shaped tail-lights. It has just as much kerbside charm as its rivals, while the appeal grows when you step inside. 

Here, Renault has put its years of MPV experience to good use. With the longest wheelbase and widest body on test, the Scenic feels spacious, and this impression is backed up by the tape measure. Not only does it have the biggest boot, but it also provides more rear leg and shoulder space than its rivals.

A sliding rear bench is another advantage over the Ford, while the folding front passenger seat is unique in this test. The Renault is also the only car here to feature three equally sized individual rear seats. But that’s not to say it’s perfect, as the Ford and Vauxhall have better-quality fixtures and fittings. 

The complicated controls for the Scenic’s radio, scattered switchgear and plain cabin design are all evidence that the brand has put the emphasis firmly on practicality. Digital instruments mounted in the middle of the dashboard look cheap next to the classy dials fitted to the C-MAX and Meriva, while the tiny glovebox isn’t even big enough for the owner’s manual.

There’s little wrong with the way the French car drives. Its 1.4-litre turbocharged TCe engine is the most potent in our line-up, and powered the Scenic from 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds.

A long sixth gear makes for relaxed progress at motorway speeds, and the comfortable ride is matched by agile handling. Light steering and a slack gearshift let it down, though, as do the 1.4 TCe’s poor fuel economy and high emissions.

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: Scenic set the template in this class, and it’s still one of the best small MPVs around.