Renault Grand Scenic Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

Renault don't need to try too hard to prove they understand versatile vehicles inside and out. The Grand Scenic may not be the most prominent seven seat mini-MPV out there but if you want the best, you'll need to pay for it. Rather expensive from new, used models have sagged a little pricewise and are now looking tempting. The best model by far is the 1.9-litre dCi diesel and these enjoy firmer residuals but still represent a smart purchase.

Overall:

Models Covered:Grand Scenic five-door mini-MPV – April 2004 to date: (1.6 VVT, 2.0 VVT, 2.0T, 1.5dCi106, 1.9 dCi120, 1.9dCi130, 2.0dCi150 [Dynamique, Privilege, Authentique, Expression, Rush, Oasis])

THE SCENIC ROUTE, ONLY LONGER

Most manufacturers wrestled for some time with the question of whether to build their mini-MPV models with five or seven seats. Renault didn't mess about when they were faced with this issue. They built the five-seat Scenic and the seven-seat Grand Scenic, a model with a longer wheelbase, to cover all their bases. Arriving a year after the Scenic II paved the way, the Grand Scenic perhaps justified the decisions of many manufacturers to go the five-seat route, as it has been a modest seller, but if you do have a larger family or a rather hectic social life, the extra pair of seats can be invaluable. Used examples are now starting to appear in meaningful numbers and if you're prepared to be patient, you can unearth some real bargains.
Used Renault Grand Scenic for sale

History of the Grand Scenic

The Scenic model has been around for years, in its first incarnation it was badged the Megane Scenic. This car enjoyed a good run at the market for a couple of years before Vauxhall in the UK and Opel in Europe launched the Zafira. With a clever seven seat capability and costing much the same as the Renault, buyers plumped for versatility and Scenic sales levelled. The cut-price Citroën Xsara Picasso also weighed in to put a dent in Renault's bottom line. The launch of the Scenic II showed that Renault was playing a smart game, using a chassis that could be configured in both standard and long wheelbase guises. The standard Scenic was usefully bigger than its predecessor, but it's the car that we examine here, the Grand Scenic, that really allowed Renault to answer back with interest to more cramped seven seaters like the Zafira and the Toyota Corolla Verso.Height-wise it's within a centimetre of the first generation Espace large MPV, but it's a significant degree longer, a bit wider and the cabin is massively more space efficient. From launch there was a 1.6-litre 16v VVT unit, a 2.0-litre VVT, a punchy 2.0-litre turbo and a pair of diesel powerplants, the 1.5-litre dCi 100 and the 1.9-litre dCi 120. The diesels were given a power boost around the summer of 2005 at the same time as modifications were made to render them compliant with the EuroIV emissions regulations. The dCi 100 became the dCi 106 and the dCi 120 got 130bhp for its trouble. Rush and Oasis special edition models joined the range in January 2005 and 2006 respectively. A major facelift befell the Grand Scenic in mid 2006, the biggest alteration being to the styling, Renault giving the car a nip and tuck in order to keep it looking fresh. Xenon-look headlamps, LED rear lights and revised front and rear bumper assemblies give this mini-MPV a sharper, more contemporary look. The interior was revised too, with better quality trims, and a different palette of exterior colours. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine met its end at this stage but a 150bhp 2.0-litre dCi diesel far more in tune with the Scenic's character took its place.A five seat version of the Grand was added to the range at this time. This neatly solved all of the 'people or baggage' quandaries faced by many mini-MPV owners by offering five adult-sized seats and a 501 litre baggage capacity (up from 104 on the seven seat car). There's even another 32 litres of underfloor storage where the last row of folding seats once went.
Used Renault Grand Scenic for sale

Renault Grand Scenic Road Test

Grand Scenic buyers get the choice of a petrol 115bhp 1.6-litre, a 136bhp 2.0-litre or a 165bhp turbo 2.0-litre. Most, however, choose from a pair of decent common-rail diesel engines – either a 100bhp 1.5-litre (106bhp from mid 2005) or the pick of the entire bunch, the 120bhp 1.9-litre dCi (130bhp from mid 2005). The 1.9 and 2.0-litre models are fitted with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard, while the smaller capacity models make do with a quintet of cogs. Only the 2.0-litre petrol engines are offered with the option of an automatic gearbox.Of the petrol engines, the 1.6-litre is a sweeter prospect than the 2.0-litre models, but - if funds permit - the 2.0T is really worth a look. Its six-speed manual shift is definitely one of the better gearshifts on any mini-MPV, smooth, positive and in no way agricultural in the length of the lever throw. It's hard to imagine even the most committed V6 enthusiast being too disappointed with a car like this. All right, so it doesn't have the same silky-smooth power delivery but the performance is nigh on identical, with rest to sixty taking around 8.6s on the way to a top speed of 128mph. In times past, a car of this kind would have looked great on paper but, thanks to a 'turbo lag' delay between planting your right foot and the power actually arriving, might have proved less than satisfactory out on the road. No longer.The diesels are an interesting couple. A weight increase of around 132kg over its predecessor takes a little of the edge from performance, but the 1.9dCi 120 will accelerate to 60mph in 11.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 117mph. A combined fuel economy figure of nearly 49mpg and emissions of just 154g/km make it an affordable long-term proposition.Ride quality is possibly the best in class with the Grand Scenic making short work of rutted A-roads and poorly surfaced motorways. The extra length in the wheelbase gives a composure that's even better than the standard length model. Even on the optional seventeen-inch wheels, bump and thump through the suspension remains very muted. There is a trade off when it comes to handling, but Renault have probably judged the ride/handling balance wisely.
Used Renault Grand Scenic for sale

Buying a Renault Grand Scenic

With so many trim levels and engines to choose from, make sure you know exactly what you're being offered. Very little goes wrong apart from automatic transmissions which can give trouble so have an expert check. Ensure all seats, the rear loadspace cover and the storage bin lids are present and correct and look for the usual family interior damage. Check that all the electrics and air-conditioning work properly.
Used Renault Grand Scenic for sale

Renault Grand Scenic Typical Pricing

Used Grand Scenic prices start at around £8,000 for a 2004 53-plated 1.6 VVT in Authentique trim. The Dynamique commands another £1,000 on top of that figure while the plush Privilege will fetch around £9,400 on the same plate. The 2.0-litre VVT variant has proved one of the big sellers and Dynamique versions are now dipping under £10,000, with the 165bhp turbocharged models running to around £10,500. The 1.5-litre dCi diesel opens at £8,500 while the superior 1.9dCi kicks off at £9,300 for an Expression. Insurance ranges from Group 5 to 11.
Used Renault Grand Scenic for sale

Renault Grand Scenic Parts

(Based on a 2004 Grand Scenic 2.0 VVT) A new clutch will be about £150 and a full exhaust system, excluding the catalyst, should be around £315. Brake pads are about £50 a pair, an alternator close to £155, a starter motor will be just under £145 and a headlight is around £135. A replacement radiator is about £175.
Used Renault Grand Scenic for sale