2008 Renault Scenic Expression Review
April 13, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Renault Scenic Expression dCi Review & Road Test
Incredibly versatile, remarkably innovative and supremely practical.
Model Tested:
- 2008 Renault Scenic Expression dCi Phase II 1.9 litre turbo diesel automatic five door hatch – $37,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $700 (Fitted – Pearl Black); iPod Connector $529; Bluetooth Connectivity $990; Rear Parking Sensors $897; 16″ Alloy Wheels $1,290; Panoramic Electric Sunroof $2,000
Innovative & Flexible Interior, Good Fuel Economy, Safe Family Motoring
Vague Steering Feel, Average Four-Speed Auto, Coarse Engine Too Slow Down Low
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
Take a family vacation to Europe and you’re pretty much guaranteed one thing – the car rental company will hand you the keys to a Scenic – it’s one of those unwritten rules.
Scenics are prevalent through out the EU, as popular as that blonde from high school with the big, umm… personality, but why is it so? Well it’s because the Europeans have caught on to an idea we seem to have lost in the 80s which is that a convenient and practical family vehicle doesn’t necessarily have to equal owning a cumbersome SUV.
There’s good reason for this. European registration, insurance and fuel costs are frightening in comparison to ours, and space (especially for parking) is a lot more limited, so getting the most from your family car isn’t all about keeping up appearances. It’s about being sensible, practical and responsible in terms of your budget. This is where the Scenic excels.
The dCi (diesel) variant is new to the Scenic line-up and whilst visually it may strike a love-hate relationship with your mates, one of those you like it or you don’t type of deals, in all it’s a pretty neat package encompassing some great ingenuity and clever Ikea-esque thinking.
To me at least Scenic looks like a Megane (which it is based upon) after a course of steroids, or that lanky kid who grew too quick, but what it is in reality is a car that has been built from the inside out, foregoing some of it’s beauty to make for an incredibly versatile, remarkably innovative and supremely practical family vehicle.
If this engine and gear box package is what Renault is offering in Europe then they have really fallen behind the leaders, but if Renault is giving us a third world package then they don’t deserve our money!!!!
A shame because the rest of the car seems like a real good package!!!
Good review and even better pics
I had one as a rental in Europe in 06 (6spd manual). And it was the car that converted me to diesel. It had greant range and was a pleasure to drive. I believe a manual is the better option if it were available in Aust.
Otherwise, it’s a refreshing change from the usual SUV’s I think.
Axe – I agree whole heartedly. If it were manual or had the six speed auto from the petrol it’d be the ideal package, the 1.9 is a great engine, and in manual (Megane road test) I thought it performed a lot better.
Oh, and move the wipers to where they should be! It’s bloody annoying.
The Citroen C4 Picasso has the more modern 2.0HDi, the Aisin Warner 6 speed Auto, and everything else the Scenic offers plus a lot more…. and it looks miles better. You’d have to cough up a few extra dollars to start with, but it’s well worth it.
id probably go for the c4 picasso it looks cool if only they vrought over the 5 seater
It’s worse than a Skoda Roomster and $10,000 more, and French rubbish build quality to boot.
It is a very bland boring boxy shape, not my sort of car!
looks like a pie van with seats, and if the drivetrain isnt all that impressive, then it really has nothing going for it apart from a practical interior because of its box on wheels shape and the fact it has a renault badge doesnt help it in australia either..
We did a trip in Europe 2. It was in the same car. I think we filled up ounce going from Venice 2 Rome. It swallowed 3 massive suitcases and it was a dream to drive. I loved it.
On the Renault UK website they have the scenics there with the new 2 litre turbo diesel, the one that was on display at the melbourne motor show, and that’s in the Koleos… that would be a better unit, these must be 1.9 leftovers from europe, I would love to know when the 2litre 6speed manuals will hit aussie shores, with colour coded bumpers…
Engine Size / Type
I4 2.0-litre 110kw 340Nm
1568 kg kerb weight
5.8 L/100km
Transmission
Manual 6 speed
We’ll do some digging and let you know Volks. Thanks for the heads up.
Hi Volks,
Here is the reply from Renault Australia:
“The 2.0 litre diesel will be in the new Laguna and Koleos but there are no plans to add it to the local (Scenic) line-up”.
Hope that’s of some assistance.
Matt.
Smart Car of America launched North America’s first independent Smart Fortwo information and news website in 2001. Since that time Smart Car of America has been totally devoted to all smart enthusiasts and has provided everyone the latest Smart Fortwo news
Wait for the next-gen…
It will have the 6-speeder…
I have the last of the old Scenic shape and the new one does nothing for me. I like a high driving position and in this model (2008) my head brushes the ceiling but not in the old model. I have had Scenics since 1994 and am due for an upgrade but not this model, I’ll wait for the new one as well and see what it looks like. Until then I get 8.4lklm in my old model (auto – which would go better in a 5/6 speed) and it drives like a dream. I must admit I like the C4 though.
I have both the old model (03, 5 spd) and new model scenic (07, petrol, 6 spd) and the new one is light years ahead of the old. I am over 6 foot tall and find the driving position in the new model much better. The seats are very comfortable and the driving position excellent. This vehicle is vastly underrated in Australia, which is a pity as its such an excellent car. The 6 speed manual gearbox is a delight to use and perfectly matched with the engine. The ride is very refined and quiet and the car handles well. And the Scenic is incredibility spacious and yet so compact. I do hope that Renault can lift its game in Australia as their vehicles have much to offer. But it is a pity that the five-door Scenic has been discontinued. However, as a used car buy it represents excellent value. Best to go for the 07 model year onwards as these all come with electronic stability control (ESC) as standard. Earlier model Scenics were not fitted with ESC. All Scenics from the 05 model year onwards have a 5 star crash test rating. The best way to appreciate the qualities of a Scenic is to take one for a decent test drive!