Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Scenic

The comfortable and highly-practical Scenic is one of the best MPVs money can buy

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Renault Scenic
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Complete with a new engine, a subtly different nose and enhanced spec, the refreshed Scenic remains one of the best compact MPVs money can buy. Why? Because it concentrates on giving families exactly what they want - a highly practical, user-friendly and clever interior in a car that, thanks to supple suspension, is both comfortable and refined. The 2.0 dCi 150 powerplant is great, but if your pockets aren't that deep it's worth bearing in mind that the Scenic range starts at £13,915, and includes a huge 73 models.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's hard to believe that a decade ago, no one had ever heard the term compact MPV, and even tougher to accept that the Renault Scenic celebrates its 10th birthday this year.

Yet now, thanks to Renault's vision and originality, the sector is one of the UK's largest and most successful. Its rapid growth has put the marque under pressure, especially since seven- seaters started arriving on the scene.

The second-generation Scenic was launched in 2003 and spawned a seven-seat Grand variant, and to keep the model at the top of its game, the range has now been facelifted.

Chief update is the addition of a new flagship diesel engine, the 2.0-litre dCi 150 already fitted to the Mégane, Laguna and Espace. Perhaps more importantly, it's also the first oil-burning Scenic to be available with an automatic gearbox. The six-speed self-shifter commands a hefty £1,000 premium, although the price does include a particulate filter, too.

The common-rail unit itself is excellent - smooth, punchy and easily capable of coping with a full complement of passengers. Developing 340Nm at 2,000rpm, it delivers a 0-60mph time of 9.4 seconds, while a claimed combined economy figure of 48.7mpg is reassuring, too.

The new engine isn't cheap, though. It's only available in Dynamique trim and above, and prices start at £19,415, rising to £22,415 for the automatic Grand variant.

However, opting for the long-wheelbase model doesn't mean you have to have seven seats. In response to demand, the Grand can now be had as a five-seater, offering up to 1,960 litres of luggage room. But the Scenic's forte isn't so much space as versatility - few rivals are as thoughtfully designed and laid out inside.

The radical driving environment works surprisingly well, while the huge glass area and low window line (plus £450 Panoramic roof on our test car) let in masses of light. There are plenty of cubbies, plus separate opening tailgate glass and individual sliding and folding rear seats.

Renault has even developed Sleep Safe headrests in the back, which fold down to support young necks. It's this attention to detail as much as any new engines or transmissions that will keep the Scenic at the top of its game.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,200
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,235 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,825 off RRP*Used from £8,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
20 Jun 2025
Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028

The industry is in a race to bring solid-state to the market, and Nissan isn’t too far behind the leaders
News
17 Jun 2025
Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025