- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru Fr
True family-friendly car
The Renault Grand Scenic is a minivan produced by Renault (France) since 2003. The vehicle is a long-body 7-seater version of the Scenic minivan. In 2021, Israeli buyers can purchase the fourth generation of the 2016 Grand Scenic (as of 2021).
The first generation
The Renault Scenic minivan, produced since 1996, was basically the first generation Renault Grand Scenic. In March 2003, the second generation Renault Scenic was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The vehicle was designed on the basis of the Megane passenger model and had a very curious modification, the Grand Scenic with a larger wheelbase and seven seats. Therefore, the second generation of the Grand Scenic is technically the first one.
The second generation
It was produced from 2003 to 2009, and was restyled in 2006. The recipe for the creation of the first Renault Grand Scenic is simple: the original model was stretched by 23 cm (wheelbase and rear overhang), which made it possible to comfortably sit seven people in the passenger compartment. The manufacturer, despite the bigger body size, managed to maintain the proportions of the original vehicle. The third row of seats of the minivan could be folded, increasing the volume of the trunk from 200 to 550-605 liters. If the seats were removed, the trunk volume amounted to 1,920 liters.
There were only 2 petrol engines: a 1.6-liter 16-valve engine producing 110 hp and a 2-liter engine producing 135 hp, plus there were turbo diesel engines and standard diesel engines. The vehicle was equipped with ABS, EBV, brake assist, six airbags, automatic parking brake, headlight washer, rain sensor and keyless access system.
In 2006, the model was slightly restyled. The list of innovations included: a redesigned radiator grille, bumpers painted in body color, new wheel design and interior design, a five-seater versions and ‘smart’ parking sensors, as well as a collision warning system.
The third generation
It was produced from 2009 to 2015, and was restyled twice: in 2012 and 2013. The third generation Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic were built on the platform of the third generation Renault Megane. In the summer of 2009, the sales of the minivan started in Europe. In addition to the 7-seater version, the manufacturer launched the production of a 5-seater minivan.
The vehicle inherited the ‘tradition’ of using the design of the new Renault Megane (its new generation was introduced a year earlier). The minivan could be equipped with 1.4 and 2 liter petrol engines with 130 and 140 hp and with 1.5 and 2 liter diesel engines. The interior design was completely different from the original model. The minivan had a new front panel with a central instrument layout, many compartments for small items, with the total volume of 92 liters. Renault claimed that its compact vans were the most spacious in the class. In addition, the Grand Scenic acquired modified taillights to somehow differ from the usual Scenic.
After the 2012 restyling, the front face was radically redesigned, the list of equipment was expanded, and most importantly, new engines of the Energy family appeared: a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 115 or 130 hp, a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 110 hp and a 1.6-liter diesel engine with 130 hp. After the 2013 restyling, the minivan looked modern, especially at the front (new grille and large Renault logo). The manufacturer revised the engine range and expanded the list of equipment.
The fourth generation
It has been produced from 2016 to the present (as of 2021). The new Renault Grand Scenic, which is sold in Israel, has become a true family 5- or 7-seater travel vehicle that has become significantly larger. It is important to note that all of the new models are equipped with the 20-inch wheels (195/55 R20). Compared to its predecessor, the new minivan has become 75 mm longer (4,630), 20 mm wider (1,860), 15 mm higher (1,660), while its wheelbase has become 35 mm larger (2,800) and the ground clearance has increased by 30 mm (160).
The new Renault Grand Scenic, which is sold in Israel, has become a true family 5- or 7-seater travel vehicle that has become significantly larger.
Just like the ‘small’ Scenic, the Grand Scenic is built on a modular CMF platform. The engine range of the Grand is practically the same as that of the usual Scenic. It includes two Energy TCe petrol engines (115 and 130 hp), coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, Energy dCi diesel engines (110, 130, 160 hp), which are compatible with a 7-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission. There is also a hybrid modification Hybrid Assist with an aggregate capacity of 110 hp: here the petrol engine works together with an electric motor-generator and a 48-volt battery.
The interior of the new Renault Grand Scenic is quite similar to the interior of the Renault Espace minivan. Information and entertainment are provided by the R-Link 2 multimedia system with an 8.7-inch display. It is possible to install a Bose audio system. The volume of all kinds of storage compartments reaches 63 liters. The rear-row passengers have all the necessary connectors and sockets, folding tables.
The basic equipment includes a pedestrian detection system with automatic braking, lane departure warning system, traffic recognition system and driver fatigue detection system, adaptive headlights, parking sensors around the perimeter, and a rear view camera. Owners of a vehicle equipped with a semi-automatic transmission can use the Multi-Sense system to ‘personalize their driving experience’: choosing one of five modes (Neutral, Sport, Comfort, Perso and Eco) changes the ‘responsiveness’ of the steering wheel, reaction to the accelerator, ambient lighting and seat massage program.
