Renault Grand Scenic 1.4 Privilege TCe 130

One of the MPV models that began life as a variant of an established hatchback and gained well-deserved status in its own right, the Renault Grand Scenic has been renewed, making use of the new Renault Megane platform to offer an improved driving experience and new drive-train options to lessen running costs.

The previous two generations of Renault's Scenic people carrier sold a combined total of 3.2 million examples, proving that the car-buying public's appetite for compact but practical MPVs knows no bounds. The new version hopes to build on that success, using the traditional strategy of utilising the platform of an established hatchback model, in this case the Renault Megane.

Available in five-seat - Scenic - or seven-seat - Grand Scenic - form, the range uses a taller, more spacious body and a more versatile interior to offer greater flexibility for families. In the form of the Grand Scenic, that means an additional third row of seats that fold out of the boot floor and a central or second row of seats that can be slid forward or back to offer greater comfort levels for passengers or increased luggage space as required.

No less flexible is the engine range that takes in a selection of petrol and diesel units to offer maximum choice. Fuel efficiency and decreased running costs have been the focus for Renault in developing the new Grand Scenic, the culmination of which is a new 128bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit that combines sprightly performance with impressive fuel economy. Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and a CVT transmission for the 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine also aid economy.

Greater emphasis has also been placed on interior quality, with the new Renault Grand Scenic not only benefitting from better quality materials across the range of four trim levels, but also from high end technology not previously seen on the model. Affordable integrated sat-nav, reversing cameras and multimedia connectivity are all available, making the Grand Scenic a more pleasant place to spend time and a more comfortable vehicle to drive whether around town or long distance.

Our verdict on the Renault Grand Scenic 1.4 Privilege TCe 130

Versatile, practical and with an impressive array of engines of which the 1.4-litre turbocharged variant is perhaps the most newsworthy, the new Renault Grand Scenic carries on where the old model left off but with greater panache. Interiors are more upmarket with impressive equipment levels available, while running costs have been lowered thanks to redeveloped transmissions and engines. Excellent driving characteristics are the icing on the cake.

Costs

Competitively priced, the Grand Scenic is a basic value for money proposition considering the equipment specified as standard. Options packs offer further value, and the focus on fuel efficiency saves in running costs and road tax. The 1.4-litre engine is a real winner in this area - an excellent advertisement for downsizing - and CVT transmissions elsewhere in the range also aid fuel consumption.

Space and practicality

Naturally, the Grand Scenic boasts an airy and spacious interior. A high level of practicality befits the model's nature with its ability to carry seven being the main attribute. The third row of seats can be raised and lowered individually, allowing for a versatile interior, complimented by the ability to move the middle row of three seats forward and back individually. With the rear two seats folded there's an impressively sized boot and there are more than 40 storage bins in the cabin for storing smaller items.

Controls and display

The Grand Scenic's centrally mounted TFT instrument and speedo display is clear, concise and customisable. Selecting the options and style of display required is down through a button on the upper dash assembly. Depending on the gearbox, trim level and options specified, control layouts vary, but with sat-nav controls located next to the gear lever and the rest falling to hand on the centre console, the layout is very user-friendly. The driving position and steering-wheel angle have been tweaked to offer greater usability and the gear change is precise and light. The Grand Scenic offers one of the most useable and well-planned cabins in its glass in terms of controls and displays.

Comfort

Impressive equipment levels and a strong focus on interior quality mean even the base models are very comfortable to travel in. The driver's seat benefits from a greater degree of adjustability and seating all round is supportive and well contoured, including the temporary third row. A refined interior, aided by the smoothness of the 1.4-litre petrol engine, increases comfort further.

Car security

Central locking with deadlocking is standard equipment along with an alarm and immobiliser, but the Privilege trim level also comes with a hands free card that automatically locks the doors when walking away from the car and requires no key for starting the engine.

Car safety

With a high degree of safety built into the Grand Scenic's frame complimented by electronic aids such as ESP and EBA as standard, parents should have few worries about their children travelling in the model. Front and rear lateral and front curtain airbags are standard, while all seven seats get a proper three point seatbelt, tailored to prevent 'submarining' in a collision. Headrests have also been developed to offer greater head and neck protection.

Driver appeal

The turbocharged 1.4-litre engine turns what might have been another run-of-the-mill driving experience into something far more entertaining. With power belying its small capacity, the unit offers punchy performance. Its lightweight nature also benefits both ride and handling, giving the version a sporty edge and sharper turn-in lacking from the larger engined models. As well as being relatively fun to drive, the model is also very easy to drive, with great visibility courtesy of a large glass house and a considerably larger front windscreen with less obtrusive A-pillars.

Family car appeal

The Renault Grand Scenic is the perfect vehicle for families that require a spacious, versatile five or seven-seater, but don't want to opt for a larger full-size MPV. Squeezing min-bus practicality and spaciousness into a family hatchback-sized platform, the model offers the perfect blend for families. A child friendly interior, decent-safety precautions and scaled-down running costs make it a great addition to family life.

First car appeal

The Renault Grand Scenic is unlikely to prove popular with first time car buyers because if its role as a family vehicle. Renault boasts an impressive array of smaller hatchbacks that will be better suited to the younger driver, including the Megane with which the Grand Scenic shares a great deal.

Quality and image

The current generation of people carriers all feature more modern styling that makes them less dowdy in appearance. The Grand Scenic is no different and shares styling cues with the Renault car range that mean parents should consider driving one less of a style sacrifice. That said, the Grand Scenic is less cutting edge in design than some, although that will appeal to many. Quality has improved considerably in recent years and it shows inside, a sturdy feel to fittings and better quality material for the most part.

Accessibility

The Grand Scenic's tall body and generously sized doors mean the model is extremely easy to access. The third row of seats still require a degree of dexterity to reach, but will be easy for kids and nimble adults to access. Thanks the equally generous proportions of the boot door, a problem might occur trying to open it in tight spaces, but this is a small price to pay for such an easy to access vehicle.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

With the option of an integrated sat-nav system for a very small premium, the Grand Scenic offers an impressive level of electronics. An even more advanced system offers a large seven-inch screen, DVD-compatibility, a six-CD multi-changer, multimedia connectivity and Bluetooth. As a family vehicle, rear screens would compliment the higher specification media package, but excellent sound quality from even the base level equipment is a bonus.

Colours and trim

With no less than eleven metallic shades and the odd solid colour thrown into the mix, too, there's no shortage of paint choices to choose from. The model's contemporary but androgynous styling means that all of the options suit it. Interior trim has come on leaps and bounds, with the wood and leather additions in the range topping Privelege model offering a classy ambience. Options packs allow for creative interior and exterior specifications.

Parking

A good size glasshouse means that visibility is impressive all round and, combined with the Grand Scenic's square shape, makes it an easy vehicle to park. Parking sensors are included with the Privilege trim level and, with the high-end multi media packages, a reversing camera displays a crystal clear image of what's behind you alongside a radar-style graphic showing nearby obstacles.

Spare wheel

Tyre inflation kit fitted as standard with option of steel spare.

Range information

Petrol engine options - 1.4-litre (108bhp); 1.6-litre (128bhp); 2.0-litre (138bhp). Diesel engine options - 1.5-litre (104bhp); 1.9-litre (128bhp); 2.0-litre (148bhp); 2.0-litre (158bhp). Transmission options: six-speed manual gearbox, six-speed automatic gearbox, CVT gearbox with six-speed manual override. Trim levels: Extreme, Expression, Dynamique, Privilege.

Alternative cars

Toyota Verso Sleek exterior and family focussed interior

Vauxhall Zafira Seven seats and strong engine line-up

Volkswagen Touran Sturdy but less exciting MPV

Citroen C4 Picasso Stylish and versatile family vehicle