Renault Grand Scenic (04-09) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 02 June 2009
The Renault Scenic is one of the most popular people carriers on sale thanks to its blend of sharp looks, comfort and a spacious interior. However the standard model is strictly a five-seater - if you need to carry more then look to the Grand Scenic. Not only is it available with seven seats but as it's longer than the standard car it offers more interior space along with an abundance of storage and some genuinely useful family-friendly features such as Sleep Safe headrests to support the necks of snoozing youngsters. Unfortunately the middle row of seats don't fold flat as they do in some other people carriers like the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso while some of the materials used in the cabin feel a little cheap - but that doesn't prevent the Grand Scenic from being one of the best people carriers around.
4 out of 5

Other Renault reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The Scenic scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating (the best result in its class at the time of launch) and the Grand Scenic qualifies for the same rating,. It features plenty of safety kit including adaptive front airbags, front side thorax airbags built into the seats, and curtain airbags to protect both front and outer rear seat passengers. Three-point Isofix child seat anchorage points are provided on the outer rear seats (second row seats in Grand Scenic) and (rear-facing) on the front passenger seat. A Sleep Safe headrest, designed to protect the head and neck of six to 10-year-old children in the event of impact, is also available as a factory-fit option on all models. First introduced on Espace, these help to keep youngsters upright and in their seatbelt should they fall asleep and also cushion the head in a side impact.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
3.5 out of 5

Reliability

Mechanically the Grand Scenic should be reliable, but it's packed with gadgets and electronic trickery, especially on top models, so there's the potential for electrical gremlins which can be a Renault weakness. Some owners have reported niggles but nothing major.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

A recall in 2006 for a problem where the seat belt stalk may detach.