Renault Scénic
Encyclopedia
The Renault Scénic is a compact MPV
produced by French
automaker Renault
, the first to be labelled as such in Europe
. It is based on the chassis
of the Mégane
small family car
. It became 1997 European Car of the Year
on its launch in late 1996. The second and third generations have a model called Grand Scénic, which has 7 seats instead of 5.
designed under the supervision of Anne Asensio, then Designer at Renault.
The Scénic was mechanically identical to the Mégane hatchback (itself based on the older R19
). The 1.4 L, 1.6 L "Energy", 1.8 L "F-type" petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines were shared with the hatchback range. The Scénic was marketed as a multi-purpose vehicle
, in a smaller size lower price of such vehicles as Renault's own Espace
. Renault underestimated the market demand that the Scénic would have—predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day. Production at the company's Douai plant would eventually peak at nearly 2,500 cars a day.
Launch Trim specification levels
RN, RT, RXE
1998 Trim specification levels
Alize, Monaco
Engine options
with flexible fuel engine
s.
The Phase 2 allowed the Scénic to be separate from the Mégane and its predecessor by introducing improvements such as a storage compartment on the dashboard, and a separate opening rear window on the tailgate. Another small improvement with the Scénic were the rear head restraints which were fixed over the back of the seat instead of being upright. This increased rear visibility.
2002 Trim specification levels
Freeway:
Authentique,
Expression,
Expression+
Sport:
Dynamique,
Fidji,
Dynamique+
Elegance:
Privilege,
Privilege+,
Privilege Monaco,
Ultimate Scénic
Engine options
derivative of the original Scénic, the Scénic RX4, launched in 2000 in both LHD and RHD format. Featuring a viscous, multi-disc central differential designed by Austrian specialists Steyr Daimler Puch, it offered part-time 4WD. The rear suspension was re-engineered and the suspension was strengthened. The new rear suspension now occupied part of the space that was used for the spare wheel well and led to the spare tyre being placed on the rear hatch. The RX4 rode higher with increased suspension travel and larger wheels. While these changes provided better ground clearance, the RX4 was offered with 2.0 litre petrol engine and 1.9 dci diesel engine, both already known from Mégane. Production of the RX4 ceased in 2003, until the arrival of the Scénic Conquest in 2007.
Engine options
Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase
and rear overhang
, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage
area.
As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser
and an automatic parking brake on certain trim level
s. It integrates LED
s on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised "Mégane" logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car's origin.
Scénics include folding rear passenger seat with integrated table
, folding front passenger seat (on certain trim levels), automatic headlight
s and windscreen wiper
s, 'Child minder' mirror
, as well as front and rear electric windows.
in the latter half of 2006. The redesigned areas included a slightly more pronounced grille
section, larger diamond badge
, the addition of a "SCENIC" word badge on the bootlid and new wheel designs and interior trim
. As with Megane, an optional upgrade enabled all the exterior body moulding
s to be painted to match the bodywork. As of 2007 the "RENAULT" word badge has been removed.
Although powered by two-wheel-drive, the Conquest has a body kit, raised ride height and features accessories usually reserved for SUVs.
TRIM LEVELS
Extreme:
ABS & ESP for safety, Air conditioning, 4 x 15W RDS radio CD MP3 with fingertip remote control, Tunepoint to connect your MP3 player
Expression:
'Child minder' mirror, Automatic parking brake, Front fog lamps, TFT dashboard screen (Thin Film Technology), Rear electric windows
I-Music Special Edition:
17" 'Sari' alloy wheels, Parking proximity sensors - rear, Multi-functional Tunepoint, Arkamys 4 x 30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth, Brushed aluminium effect door mirrors
Dynamic TOMTOM:
Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation with joystick, Leather steering wheel, Hands Free Renault card, Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Multifunctional tunepoint and Bluetooth
Privilege TOMTOM:
Part leather upholstery with a choice of two colours, Electrochrome rear view mirror, Rear parking sensors, Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation with joystick, Sliding centre storage unit
sales of the Scénic began in early 1997, and for the first two years the Scénic was the only compact MPV sold by a mainstream manufacturer in the UK, however the Vauxhall Zafira, Citroën Xsara Picasso
, Fiat Multipla
and the Nissan Almera Tino
were launched in less than five years. In 1997, the Mégane Scénic was awarded 1997 What Car?, Car of the Year
.
The Scénic II arrived in British showrooms towards the end of 2003. The Scénic III arrived in British showrooms towards Summer 2009.
III, presented in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, is based on a Scénic platform.
Compact MPV
A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
produced by French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
automaker Renault
Renault
Renault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
, the first to be labelled as such in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. It is based on the chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
of the Mégane
Renault Mégane
The Renault Mégane is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault since 1995. It is offered in 3- and 5-door hatchback, saloon, coupé, convertible and estate bodystyles...
small family car
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
. It became 1997 European Car of the Year
European Car of the Year
The European Car of the Year award was established in 1964 by a collective of automobile magazines from different countries in Europe. The current organisers of the award are Auto , Autocar , Autopista , Autovisie , L'Automobile Magazine , Stern and Vi Bilägare .The voting jury consists of motoring...
on its launch in late 1996. The second and third generations have a model called Grand Scénic, which has 7 seats instead of 5.
First generation (1996–2003)
The Megane Scénic can be traced back to a concept carConcept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
designed under the supervision of Anne Asensio, then Designer at Renault.
The Scénic was mechanically identical to the Mégane hatchback (itself based on the older R19
Renault 19
The Renault 19 is a small family car that was produced by the French car manufacturer Renault between 1988 and 2000.-Overview:The R19 was launched on September 1988 as the replacement for the 9 and 11, both of which were ageing and outdated by the late 1980s...
). The 1.4 L, 1.6 L "Energy", 1.8 L "F-type" petrol and 1.9 L diesel engines were shared with the hatchback range. The Scénic was marketed as a multi-purpose vehicle
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
, in a smaller size lower price of such vehicles as Renault's own Espace
Renault Espace
The Renault Espace is a large MPV from French car-maker Renault. Generations 1-3 were sold under the Renault brand but manufactured by Matra. The current fourth generation model, which seats seven passengers, is an all-Renault product; the Renault Grand Espace is a long-wheelbase version with...
. Renault underestimated the market demand that the Scénic would have—predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day. Production at the company's Douai plant would eventually peak at nearly 2,500 cars a day.
Launch Trim specification levels
RN, RT, RXE
1998 Trim specification levels
Alize, Monaco
Engine options
| Sales designation | Engine model | Displ. | Power | Torque | Valvetrain | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 | E7J Renault E-Type engine The "Energy" or E-Type was a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault, introduced in 1988 with the Renault 19.-ExF:The ExF displaces 1.2 L Applications:* E5F** 1991–1997 Renault Clio** 1994-1997 Renault Twingo* E7F... |
1390 cc | 55 kW @ 6000 rpm | 107 newton metre @ 4000 rpm | SOHC | 160 km/h (99.4 mph) |
| 1.6 | K7M Renault K-Type engine -KxJ Petrol Engine:The KxJ displaces 1390cc or 1.4L. It is an evolution from Renault Energy ExJ.-Applications :Starting 2011 Dacia replaced the old KxJ with Euro 5 1.2 and 1.6 liter engines.-Applications :-KxM Petrol Engine:... |
1598 cc | 55 kW @ 5000 rpm | 130 newton metre @ 3400 rpm | SOHC | 165 km/h (102.5 mph) |
| 1.6 | K7M Renault K-Type engine -KxJ Petrol Engine:The KxJ displaces 1390cc or 1.4L. It is an evolution from Renault Energy ExJ.-Applications :Starting 2011 Dacia replaced the old KxJ with Euro 5 1.2 and 1.6 liter engines.-Applications :-KxM Petrol Engine:... |
1598 cc | 66 kW @ 5000 rpm | 137 newton metre @ 4000 rpm | SOHC | 170 km/h (105.6 mph) |
| 2.0 | F3R Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1998 cc | 84 kW @ 5400 rpm | 168 newton metre @ 4250 rpm | SOHC | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| 1.9 d | F8Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 48 kW @ 4500 rpm | 120 newton metre @ 2250 rpm | SOHC | 152 km/h (94.4 mph) |
| 1.9 dT Turbodiesel Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines... |
F8Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 70 kW @ 4250 rpm | 176 newton metre @ 2000 rpm | SOHC | 174 km/h (108.1 mph) |
| 1.9 dTi | F9Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 73 kW @ 4000 rpm | 200 newton metre @ 2000 rpm | SOHC | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
Phase 2 (1999)
Along with the Mégane hatchback, the Scénic underwent a minor frontal restyle in 1999 and the newer 16-valve engines introduced. The front end was quite a bit different from the Mégane counterpart, and there were also redesigned rear lights. From the time of this restyle, it became officially known as the Renault Scénic, although a small "Mégane" badge still appeared on the rear door signifying the car's origin. This model is still built in BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
with flexible fuel engine
Flexible-fuel vehicle
A flexible-fuel vehicle or dual-fuel vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle with an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel, usually gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank...
s.
The Phase 2 allowed the Scénic to be separate from the Mégane and its predecessor by introducing improvements such as a storage compartment on the dashboard, and a separate opening rear window on the tailgate. Another small improvement with the Scénic were the rear head restraints which were fixed over the back of the seat instead of being upright. This increased rear visibility.
2002 Trim specification levels
Freeway:
Authentique,
Expression,
Expression+
Sport:
Dynamique,
Fidji,
Dynamique+
Elegance:
Privilege,
Privilege+,
Privilege Monaco,
Ultimate Scénic
Engine options
| Sales designation | Engine model | Displ. | Power | Torque | Valvetrain | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 16V | K4J Renault K-Type engine -KxJ Petrol Engine:The KxJ displaces 1390cc or 1.4L. It is an evolution from Renault Energy ExJ.-Applications :Starting 2011 Dacia replaced the old KxJ with Euro 5 1.2 and 1.6 liter engines.-Applications :-KxM Petrol Engine:... |
1390 cc | 70 kW @ 6000 rpm | 127 newton metre @ 3750 rpm | DOHC | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| 1.6 16V | K4M Renault K-Type engine -KxJ Petrol Engine:The KxJ displaces 1390cc or 1.4L. It is an evolution from Renault Energy ExJ.-Applications :Starting 2011 Dacia replaced the old KxJ with Euro 5 1.2 and 1.6 liter engines.-Applications :-KxM Petrol Engine:... |
1598 cc | 79 kW @ 5750 rpm | 148 newton metre @ 3750 rpm | DOHC | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
| 1.8 16V | F4P Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1783 cc | 85 kW @ 5750 rpm | 164 newton metre @ 3500 rpm | DOHC | 189 km/h (117.4 mph) |
| 2.0 16V | F4R Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1998 cc | 102 kW @ 5500 rpm | 188 newton metre @ 3750 rpm | DOHC | 196 km/h (121.8 mph) |
| 1.9 d | F8Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 47 kW @ 4500 rpm | 120 newton metre @ 2250 rpm | SOHC | 152 km/h (94.4 mph) |
| 1.9 dTi | F9Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 59 kW @ 4000 rpm | 160 newton metre @ 2000 rpm | SOHC | 162 km/h (100.7 mph) |
| 1.9 dTi | F9Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 72 kW @ 4000 rpm | 200 newton metre @ 2250 rpm | SOHC | 174 km/h (108.1 mph) |
| 1.9 dCi | F9Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 75 kW @ 4000 rpm | 200 newton metre @ 1500 rpm | SOHC | 177 km/h (110 mph) |
Scénic RX4
Renault developed a four-wheel driveFour-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
derivative of the original Scénic, the Scénic RX4, launched in 2000 in both LHD and RHD format. Featuring a viscous, multi-disc central differential designed by Austrian specialists Steyr Daimler Puch, it offered part-time 4WD. The rear suspension was re-engineered and the suspension was strengthened. The new rear suspension now occupied part of the space that was used for the spare wheel well and led to the spare tyre being placed on the rear hatch. The RX4 rode higher with increased suspension travel and larger wheels. While these changes provided better ground clearance, the RX4 was offered with 2.0 litre petrol engine and 1.9 dci diesel engine, both already known from Mégane. Production of the RX4 ceased in 2003, until the arrival of the Scénic Conquest in 2007.
Engine options
| Sales designation | Engine model | Displ. | Power | Torque | Valvetrain | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 16V | F4R Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1998 cc | 102 kW @ 5500 rpm | 188 newton metre @ 3750 rpm | DOHC | 180 km/h (111.8 mph) |
| 1.9 dCi | F9Q Renault F-Type engine The F-Type is a straight-4 automobile engine from Renault... |
1870 cc | 75 kW @ 4000 rpm | 200 newton metre @ 1500 rpm | SOHC | 160 km/h (99.4 mph) |
Second generation (2003–2009)
Shortly after the launch of the Mégane II, an all-new Scénic was launched. There is also a seven-seater Compact MPVCompact MPV
A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
Grand Scénic, with a longer wheelbase
Wheelbase
In both road and rail vehicles, the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.- Road :In automobiles, the wheelbase is the horizontal distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel...
and rear overhang
Overhang (automotive)
Overhangs are the lengths of a car, at the front and rear, which extend beyond the wheelbase. They are normally described as front overhang and rear overhang. Practicality, style, and performance are affected by the size and weight of overhangs....
, which has two small child-sized seats in the enlarged luggage
Luggage
Baggage is any number of bags, cases and containers which hold a traveller's articles during transit.Luggage is more or less the same concept as "baggage", but is normally used in relation to the personal luggage of a specific person or persons Baggage is any number of bags, cases and containers...
area.
As with the Mégane, the new car employs Renault's new corporate styling cues and much of the technology from other models such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser
Remote keyless system
A remote keyless system is a system designed to permit or deny access to premises or automobiles. While the "remote" system is portable and has locking capabilities, the exact phrase "keyless entry" is solely reserved for the numeric dials or keypads that are located on or near the driver side door...
and an automatic parking brake on certain trim level
Car model
An automobile model is a particular brand of vehicle sold under a marque by a manufacturer, usually within a range of models, usually of different sizes or capabilities...
s. It integrates LED
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
s on all trims since 2006. As with Scénic I Phase 2, a raised "Mégane" logo appears on the C-pillar in tribute of the car's origin.
Scénics include folding rear passenger seat with integrated table
Table (furniture)
A table is a form of furniture with a flat and satisfactory horizontal upper surface used to support objects of interest, for storage, show, and/or manipulation...
, folding front passenger seat (on certain trim levels), automatic headlight
Headlamp
A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by...
s and windscreen wiper
Windscreen wiper
A windscreen wiper or windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain and debris from a windscreen or windshield. Almost all motor vehicles, including trains, aircraft and watercraft, are equipped with such wipers, which are usually a legal requirement.A wiper generally consists of an arm,...
s, 'Child minder' mirror
Mirror
A mirror is an object that reflects light or sound in a way that preserves much of its original quality prior to its contact with the mirror. Some mirrors also filter out some wavelengths, while preserving other wavelengths in the reflection...
, as well as front and rear electric windows.
Phase 2 (2006–2009)
Like the Megane a few months earlier, Scénic II underwent a mild faceliftFacelift (automobile)
The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...
in the latter half of 2006. The redesigned areas included a slightly more pronounced grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
section, larger diamond badge
Badge engineering
Badge engineering is an ironic term that describes the rebadging of one product as another...
, the addition of a "SCENIC" word badge on the bootlid and new wheel designs and interior trim
Trim package
A trim package is an automotive package composed by a set of cosmetic embellishments to a vehicle. In some cases the trim package may include a specific model or ending name...
. As with Megane, an optional upgrade enabled all the exterior body moulding
Automotive molding
Automotive molding are decorative and protective moldings on the car body. The term applies both to the detail and the material....
s to be painted to match the bodywork. As of 2007 the "RENAULT" word badge has been removed.
Scénic Conquest
In 2007 the spiritual successor to the RX4 was revealed in the form of the production-ready Scénic Conquest.Although powered by two-wheel-drive, the Conquest has a body kit, raised ride height and features accessories usually reserved for SUVs.
Scénic III (2009–present)
The Scénic III was released in July 2009, while the 7 seater 'Grand' version (New Grand Scénic) was released in May 2009. Like the previous Scénic, there is also a seven-seater Compact MPV Grand Scénic.TRIM LEVELS
Extreme:
ABS & ESP for safety, Air conditioning, 4 x 15W RDS radio CD MP3 with fingertip remote control, Tunepoint to connect your MP3 player
Expression:
'Child minder' mirror, Automatic parking brake, Front fog lamps, TFT dashboard screen (Thin Film Technology), Rear electric windows
I-Music Special Edition:
17" 'Sari' alloy wheels, Parking proximity sensors - rear, Multi-functional Tunepoint, Arkamys 4 x 30W RDS radio CD with Bluetooth, Brushed aluminium effect door mirrors
Dynamic TOMTOM:
Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation with joystick, Leather steering wheel, Hands Free Renault card, Automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Multifunctional tunepoint and Bluetooth
Privilege TOMTOM:
Part leather upholstery with a choice of two colours, Electrochrome rear view mirror, Rear parking sensors, Carminat TomTom integrated satellite navigation with joystick, Sliding centre storage unit
Scénic in the UK
UKUnited Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
sales of the Scénic began in early 1997, and for the first two years the Scénic was the only compact MPV sold by a mainstream manufacturer in the UK, however the Vauxhall Zafira, Citroën Xsara Picasso
Citroën Xsara Picasso
The Citroën Xsara Picasso is a compact MPV released by Citroën in 1999. At the time of its release, two trim levels were available, LX and SX, with a choice of three engines two 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrols, and a 2.0 Litre HDI engine, all shared with the smaller Citroën Xsara. The Executive trim...
, Fiat Multipla
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV manufactured by Italian automaker Fiat since 1998. Based on the Brava, the Multipla is shorter and wider than its rivals. It has two rows of three seats, while all its competitors have two seats in the front...
and the Nissan Almera Tino
Nissan Almera Tino
The Nissan Almera Tino was a compact MPV produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan in its Spanish factory in both petrol and diesel versions. It was based on floorpan of the Almera small family car, which had been launched in early 2000, and launched in Europe in the autumn of that year and sold...
were launched in less than five years. In 1997, the Mégane Scénic was awarded 1997 What Car?, Car of the Year
What Car?
What Car? is a long-running UK monthly automobile magazine and website, currently edited by Steve Fowler and published by Haymarket Motoring. First published in 1973, it is intended primarily as a magazine for consumers rather than dedicated automobile enthusiasts...
.
The Scénic II arrived in British showrooms towards the end of 2003. The Scénic III arrived in British showrooms towards Summer 2009.
Recall
Electronic defects have caused Renault to issue two recalls. The first, in 2009, was because of the dashboard could stop functioning, leaving drivers without the ability to gauge their speed. At first drivers had to replace this part at their own expense, but eventually, because of media pressure, Renault said that they would reimburse customers up to a set limit. The second, in 2010, was because the emergency brake could sometimes engage on its own while the car was in motion.Alternative propulsion
The CleanovaCleanova
Cleanova are a set of plug-in hybrid vehicles by the Société de Véhicules Electriques , a joint venture between Dassault and Heuliez. Cleanova II is based on Renault Kangoo....
III, presented in the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, is based on a Scénic platform.
External links
- Renaul Scénic spec page on the official Renault website