Renault Grand Scenic: Test Drive Review

A recent facelift has added a new nose to the Scenic and seven-seat Grand Scenic MPVs, bringing both models into line with the brand’s current styling direction and aping the likes of the latest Clio and the Captur SUV.

In addition to the exterior styling changes and minor updates to the interior, the Scenic and Grand Scenic are now available with a pair of new, low-emitting engines: a 115hp 1.2 TCe petrol and a 110hp 1.5-litre dCi diesel.

The larger of the two cars tested here with the new diesel unit is by far and away the biggest news for fleet operators. It’s about as clean and economical as a seven-seat people carrier gets – this side of a 99g/km hybrid Toyota Prius+ – at 105g/km and an official figure of 68.9mpg, and despite those stats it doesn’t actually feel short on power. Granted, it isn’t what you’d call a quick car, but the 1.5-litre unit has quite a lot of mid-range pull and is more than happy on an A-road or motorway slog.

It’s comfortable too, if a little floaty when cornering. The driving experience isn’t exciting and the cabin, despite a few miniscule cosmetic updates, now appears a little dated.

The Renault also has equipment levels on its side, as the latest version has been launched with a single trim level – Dynamique TomTom – which includes satnav, Bluetooth, cruise control, LED headlights, automatic lights and wipers, and rear parking sensors as standard.

The costs stack up pretty well next to its chief rivals. The Renault’s figure of 51.1ppm comfortably undercuts that of the Ford Grand C-max 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium X at 55.1ppm and just beats the Toyota Verso in 2.0 D4-D 126 Icon satnav trim with 51.2ppm. It is bested by the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, though, which records 50.9ppm in fleet-friendly 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex 130 Tech Line guise and has an exceptionally practical seven-seat layout.