Comments:
The Renault Scenic was one of the first cars I looked at - it’s got very good safety marks at EuroNCAP - but, unfortunately, one of the first cars I rejected.
The first issue with the Renault scenic is that although the rear seats are divided into three separate seats, they are all relatively narrow - so it’s going to still be something of a squash for anybody looking to push car seats and kiddies in the back.
Additionally, and for some inexplicable reason, the seats themselves have raised edges on their sides. I found that when testing, that this caused some real problems with the kid’s car seats I already had, as the Scenic back seats would not allow the safety seats room to sit flat, leaving them unbalanced and much less secure.
I had considered the Renault Grand Scenic for the extra two seats in the back - but it has to be said, the Grand Scenic looks somewhat ugly, and very much like an extra section of car has been ungainly welded to a better looking model. It also leaves the Grand Scenic looking too long and not really properly planned as a 7-seater model. I looked at the Espace, but that model is effectively a mini-bus with windows, which was far more than I wanted.
Also, when looking at the features list, it was very disappointing to find that so many features that you may consider integral to the needs of a modern family in a modern car, were far too often only as expensive optional extras. Electric windows, pollen filters, and satefy features such as ESPN were all available only at extra cost.
The car should otherwise seem like a good family car and I really wanted the Scenic to work - but I was additionally put off by reader comments at What Car? which complained about general faults with new Renault Scenics.
Overall, the poor planning of space and use of child safety seats in what is otherwise a fairly narrow car, made this a slow starter at best - but consumer complaints killed any optimism I had of persuading my girlfriend that this was a good choice regardless.
Description:
From the Renault Scenic webpage:
(warning - does not work properly with Mozilla Firefox - layout is also somewhat confused)
Scénic and Grand Scénic are now available with a powerful 2.0 Turbo engine. Developing 165hp, 270 Nm torque and delivering outstanding fuel economy, maximum driving pleasure has never been closer. Click here to find out more
Love Scénic? Can’t afford it? Not anymore…. With our range of fantastic offers there is a solution to your specific budget requirement. From 0% finance to PCP with extremely low APR, you too can drive away in a fabulous New Scénic.
Specifications:
The 2005 model according to the Renault Scenic specifications page:
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Tinted Windows
Electric/Heated Door Mirrors
15″ Steel Wheels
Body Coloured Bumpers
Fuel Flap with Integrated Fuel Cap
Smart Rear Wiper
ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
3 Height Adjustable Rear Headrests
Remote Central Locking
Variable Power Assisted Steering
Time Delay Courtesy Lights
Front Lateral and Curtain Airbags
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Double Optic Headlamps with “See Me Home” Function
Front/Outer Rear Seatbelt Pretensioners
ISOFIX on Front Passenger and Rear Outer Seats
Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation
Driver & Front Passenger Two Stage Auto Adaptive Airbag
Removeable Rear Centre Seat
Height Adjustable Front Seats
Recentering of Outer Rear Seats
Rear Aviation tables
Accesory Power Point
Height & Reach Adjustable Steering Wheel
Storage Trays under Front Seats
Front & Rear Underfloor Storage
R.A.I.D (Renault Anti Intruder Device)
Thatcham Approved Engine Immobiliser
5 Star Award In Euro NCAP Tests
Deadlocking
Insurance Approved Engine Immobiliser
4 x 15W RDS Radio Cassette with 4 Speakers & Fingertip Remote Control
Safety:
The Renault Scenic scored very well on EuroNCAP tests, claiming 5 stars.
Additionally, the tests showed no real threat of minor injury to occupants in their front impact, which is where a lot of other cars fail.
Thus on safety considerations alone, it makes the Renault Scenic an early front-runner.
