Renault Grand Scenic

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The Grand Scenic is, as the name suggests, the larger version of Renault's compact MPV range. The Grand comes with a third row of seats at the back that can accommodate two people, but the crucial difference with the new car is that adults can now fit in there for short journeys without the need to contort and crush themselves to fit. This is down to the extra overall length, though the new car also offers more headroom for all five of its rear seat occupants. In the front, the driver and passenger also look out through a much larger front windscreen compared to the previous model. It gives a better view of peripheral traffic and pedestrians for safer progress and helps with the airy feeling throughout the Grand's cabin.

The third row seats fold flat into the boot floor when not in use and leave a huge load bay that can be further increased by sliding the three individual middle row seats forward. The middle seats also tip and can be completely removed to turn the Grand Scenic into a full-scale removals van. It's a shame Renault has not come up with a system to fold the middle seats into the load floor the way some of its rivals manage as you have to find somewhere to then keep the seats when they're not needed.

On the plus side, Renault has lined up three petrol and four turbodiesel engines for the Grand Scenic, including a new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit and 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The 1.6-litre petrol is the cheapest, but the 1.4 turbo is a keen performer thanks to its 130bhp and 140lb.ft of mid-rev shove delivered at 2,250rpm to make it feel much more flexible than you'd expect of a small capacity engine in a seven-seat MPV. It's also smooth, refined and frugal thanks to 48.6mpg combined economy.

For diesel fans, there's a 106bhp 1.5-litre, a 1.9-litre with 130bhp and a brace of 2.0-litres with 150- and 160bhp - the 150 with a six-speed automatic gearbox only and the 160 with a six-speed manual. We tried the 160bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and found it free-revving and quiet, while serving up a healthy dose of acceleration when required. It covers 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and returns 50.3mpg combined economy, though we suspect most buyers will opt for the 1.9 130 diesel with its 57.5mpg and 145g/km of carbon dioxide emissions.

Is it any good?

Renault has focused its efforts on the new Grand Scenic where they count the most in an MPV, so its refinement and comfort are top notch. The Grand covers rough road surfaces with a blanket of calm efficiency as it progresses with controlled calm. No, the steering is not as direct as a Ford S-Max's and there's a touch of lean through bends, but this is a people carrier and not a hot hatch. More pertinently, the comfortable ride should guard against car sickness in its younger passengers.

Noise is another area where the Grand Scenic covers itself in glory. Wind and road noise are very well sealed out of the cabin and it's easily possible for the driver to conduct a conversation with those sat in the rearmost seats while travelling along the motorway. A little engine noise can be heard from the turbodiesels if pushed hard - when joining a motorway for instance - but otherwise the Grand Scenic is quietly composed. The steering is light around town and the car is easy to slot through gaps, though we found the position of the front of the car difficult to gauge when parking due to the droop of its snoot. Even so, a light gear shift and pedals, high-set driving position and excellent rearward vision make the Grand Scenic a serious contender for top honours in the compact MPV sector.

Should I call the bank manager?

If you have kids or need a car to carry more than two or three passengers on a regular basis, you should definitely give the bank manager a call about the Grand Scenic. Build quality appears high and the practicality and versatility of this MPV puts it right up there alongside the best in class. There are four trim levels for the new Grand Scenic: Extreme, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. Extreme is the entry point and includes electric front windows, air conditioning and CD stereo, and it's very keenly priced against most rivals as Renault has reduced the starting price of the Grand Scenic range by more than £1,000.

The Expression versions add an automatic parking brake, electric rear windows with sunblinds, rear picnic tables and a front passenger seat that folds flat to help with long loads. Renault says the Dynamique will be the most popular model in the UK and it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers and keyless entry and starting. The top spec Privilege features rear parking sensors, climate control and a sliding central storage bin between the front seats.

Summary

Renault was the first to come up with the idea of a compact MPV with the original Scenic and the latest Grand Scenic carries on the French firm's tradition for building highly capable, versatile people carriers. It's a shame Renault has not taken the chance with this new model to introduce fold-flat middle row seats, but other than that we can find little to criticise with the Grand Scenic. If you're looking for a compact seven-seat people carrier, the Renault is a definite contender for your cash.

Alisdair Suttie