Renault Grand Scenic (2009 - 2016) 1.6 dCi Dynamique TomTom 5d Owner Review
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In their own words
Most economical 1.6 dci. I know the 64MPG is stretching a bit. I only managed it on the motorway at around 60 Mph, not more on changing terrain. On good, level surface, you can play with the instant fuel consumption by resetting it and stare at 99MPG until you start going uphill :D. With a light foot it does 48-55 combined for me. ITS A CAM-CHAIN ENGINE! You won't have snapped belts!
Spacious mid-size MPV. I know the tests say other models in this group have a bit more space, but does that really matter? The way the seats are folded is criticised too. I get on with it well. My only grudge is with the front head rests. They hold your head in an old-man's crooked position, a bit more forward than a straight back would require. If you service it yourself, give a bit of grease to the seat-rails/folding mechanism.
Ride comfort. Harder than expected, but I never tried other MPV's. Obviously won't hold the road as well as my Subaru Legacy did, so I have to keep that in mind in the corners and autumn leaves. Good 16" tyres are easy to get and reasonable priced nowadays.
It will pull well, but only from about 1800 to 3300 rpm. small turbo and engine built for economy. It still beats my old 4x4 automatic Subaru Legacy. Stability control will get in the way if you're not sensible with the throttle.
How reliable do you find the car?
It was a garage trick car. Hate when second hand car dealers lie in your face, but its not the car's fault. Was suspicious about the bouncy rear end, but I thought its 1.5 tonnes empty and was designed on the megane and the suspesion is just not up to the extra weight. Was wrong. Both rear shock absorbers were shot and in time that broke both rear springs as well. Another one was when the starter motor packed up at 66000. While I was at it, I also discovered a lot of engine oil in the intercooler. Mind you, the car is at 100000 now and still no signs of turbo issues, no smoke etc. Last MOT in Nov 2022 went flawlessly. I have to confess I change the oil more often than advised out of habit. Other than these 'previous owners caused issues' I never had a problem!
Does the car do everything you expected it to do?
My first mid-size MPV and also my first 7 seater. For a family of 5 its perfect. Grown-ups at front, 5 year old behind mother on passenger side because she's got shorter legs... my 14 year old behind me (we both have long legs and I'm 6'3" or 191cm) and my 9 year old behind my 14 year old in the 3rd row. It is still workable with 6 people with 3 adults and 3 younger children (child-seats/boosters). We went to Italy for three weeks in it and (I know some would say I'm saying this because I don't know better this being my first MPV) it was fine driving 3600 miles in it. I had more problem dealing with impatient children than any packing problems. We had a 42 litre car fridge freezer, two large suitcases a full size car cover, backpacks, umbrellas... and when we got home, my wife admitted she packed twice the clothing we needed... that's without a roofbox, cause mine doesn't have roof rails (damn). Carrying stuff from your favourite DIY shop is a joy. if the seats are down, 3.2 metre long c16s or similar will go in there in the tens,just make sure you protect the windscreen well! Going to the tip is a relief in this car as well.
About their car
- Fuel type Diesel
- When purchased January 2020
- Condition when bought Used
- Current Mileage 100,000 miles
- Average MPG 51 mpg
