2008 Renault Scenic Expression Review
April 13, 2008 by Matt Brogan
There’s not too many vehicles I can think of with this level of versatility and thought for clever and convenient stowage of your stuff, though the tail gate (especially the latch) doesn’t allow much head room, and I’m 5′8″! If the internal storage room isn’t enough, you can also option roof racks and a 1,000kg (braked) tow pack!
Now all of this is well and good, but there’s little point in being able to fill a car with all manner of items if it’s not going to move. Fortunately the 1.9-litre turbo diesel will cope with most situations easily. Developing a modest 96kW the four-cylinder oiler’s true saving grace is the 250Nm of torque on offer.
Although you’re not likely to win any races, the Scenic’s performance is quite adequate for its intended role and is a capable cruiser with the fuel economy of a small hatch back. ADR tests claim 7.1L / 100km (combined average) though my week with the Scenic saw slightly heavier usage at 8.0L.
Perhaps sadly, the diesel is quite slow to get off the mark, no thanks to the outdated Pro-Active four speed automatic. The gearbox really lets the car down and despite the offer of manual mode, really needs a couple more cogs to keep things moving more fluidly. Maybe we’ll get the lovely six-speeder from the petrol model sometime soon.
The speed proportional power steering is reasonably quick to respond at car park speeds but unlike the Megane seems to lack any real feel at speed. It’s not terrible, but by the same token is far from perfect.
The suspension carries lateral loading quite well and although there’s a little body roll (as you’d probably expect), the handling is manageable, compliant, and provides little in the way of losing its personality when fully loaded – something not too many people movers can attest to. You will however notice a little understeer and the vehicle is susceptible to cross-winds at highway speeds.
Braking is strong, and loaded with electronic kit (Bosch 8.0) to keep things safe, but to me the pedal feel lacks uniformity and seems to present itself differently at each application. Nonetheless Scenic stops with little fuss and I’d dare say will out-brake most rivals.
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!