Renault Scénic

Renault Scénic

Company type	Product
Industry	Automotive
Founded	November 1996 (1996-11)
Founder	Renault
Headquarters	Boulogne-Billancourt , France
Products	Compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)
Owner	Renault Group

The Renault Scénic (), known as Scenic outside Francophone regions, is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) manufactured by the French automaker Renault. Introduced in November 1996 and built on the Renault Mégane platform, it was the first small MPV available in Europe and earned the title of 1997 European Car of the Year. In May 2022, Renault declared the end of production for the standard Scénic, followed shortly by the discontinuation of the Grand Scénic. The model made a comeback in 2024 as the all-electric Renault Scénic E-Tech, inspired by the 2022 Renault Scénic Vision concept, with its production version revealed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show.

The initial generation’s facelift brought a four-wheel-drive version called the Renault Scénic RX4, which was phased out when the second generation arrived. Subsequent versions—the second through fourth generations—offered both five-seat and seven-seat configurations under the Grand Scénic name. Starting with the fourth generation (2016), rear seating transitioned from individual seats to a 1/3-2/3 bench layout as part of cost-saving measures.

First generation (1996)

The Mégane Scénic traces its origins to the 1991 Renault S.C.E.N.I.C. concept (Safety Concept Embodied in a New Innovative Car), developed under Renault designer Anne Asensio.

Launched in November 1996, the Mégane Scénic was designed to capture demand in the expanding compact MPV segment, positioned below Renault’s larger Espace model. It shared its mechanical components with the Mégane hatchback, including engine options ranging from a 1.4 L petrol unit to a 1.9 L diesel, available with manual or automatic gearboxes. While it retained independent seating from the concept car, sliding doors were not included.

To highlight its European roots amid increasing competition from Japanese manufacturers, Renault incorporated an acute accent into its production name (Mégane Scénic).

Initially underestimated as a niche vehicle with an expected daily output of just 450 units, production at Renault’s Douai facility eventually surged to nearly 2,500 units per day, demonstrating robust consumer interest in compact MPVs and strengthening Renault’s foothold in this market segment.

Facelift

In September 1999, along with updates to the Mégane hatchback, the Scénic underwent a significant front-end redesign and received upgraded 16-valve engines. The front styling diverged notably from that of the Mégane, complemented by redesigned taillights. Following this revision, it was officially renamed Renault Scénic, although a small "Mégane" badge remained on the rear hatch. Production of this phase ended in June 2003.

The Phase 2 refresh further set apart the Scénic from its predecessor and from the Mégane by adding features such as a dashboard storage compartment and a rear window that could open independently from the tailgate. Rear headrests were repositioned above seatbacks to enhance rearward visibility.

Latin America

Between 1998 and July 2010, the Scénic was manufactured in Curitiba, Brazil for distribution across South America, equipped with flexible-fuel engines. In 2006, Renault introduced the Scénic Sportway trim featuring black plastic bumpers and fog lamps—a styling package distinct from Europe’s Scénic RX4.

Additionally, assembly took place in Mexico from December 2000 until mid-2004 at the Cuernavaca Nissan facility. This represented the first instance of cross-manufacturing cooperation within the Renault Nissan Alliance.

Asia

In 2004, Iran's Kish Khodro intended to manufacture a redesigned version of the Scénic, referred to as the Kish Khodro/Sinad Veek. Nevertheless, in 2005 Renault decided to prioritize its established alliance with SAIPA, thereby discontinuing other partnerships within Iran. Although the Sinad Veek was briefly available on the market without Renault's emblem, it appears it never reached mass production.

Engines

style="text-align:left;" 1.4 16V Renault K-Type engine K4J1390 ccTemplate:Convert 70 kW PS hp 0 abbr=on at 6000 rpm Template:Convert 127 Nm lbft 0 abbr=on at 3750 rpm DOHC Template:Convert 173 km/h mph abbr=on | style="text-align:left;" 1.6 16V Renault K-Type engine K4M1598 ccTemplate:Convert 81 kW PS hp 0 abbr=on at 5750 rpm Template:Convert 148 Nm lbft 0 abbr=on at3750rpm DOHC Template:Convert185 km/h mph abbr=on| style="text-align:left;" 1.8 16V Renault F-Type engine F4P1783 ccTemplate:Convert85 kW PS hp 0 abbr=on at5750rpm Template:Convert164 Nm lbft 0 abbr=on at3500rpm DOHC Template:Convert189 km/h mph abbr=on| style="text-align:left;" 2.0 16V Renault F-Type engine F4R1998 ccTemplate:Convert102 kW PS hp 0 abbr=on at5500rpm Template:Convert188 Nm lbft 0 abbr=on at3750rpm DOHC Template:Convert198 km/h mph abbr=on| style="text-align:left;" 1.9 d Renault F-Type engine F8Q1870 ccTemplate:Convert47 kW PS hp 0 abbr=on at4500rpm Template:Convert120 Nm lbft 0 abbr=onat2250rpm SOHCTemplate:Convert152 km/h mph abbr=on| style="text-align:left;" 1.9 dTiRenault F-Type engine F9Q1870 ccTemplate:Convert59 kW PS hp 0 abbr=onat4000rpmTemplate:Convert160 Nm lbft 0 abbr=onat2000rpm SOHCTemplate:Convert162 km/h mph abbr=on| style="text-align:left;" 1.9 dTiRenault F-Type engine F9Q1870 ccTemplate:Convert72 kW PS hp 0 abbr=onat4000rpmTemplate:Convert200 Nm lbft 0 abbr=onat2250rpm SOHCTemplate:Convert174 km/h mph abbr=on| style="text-align:left;" 1.9 dCiRenault F-Type engine F9Q1870 ccTemplate:Convert75 kW PS hp 0 abbr=onat4000rpmTemplate:Convert200 Nm lbft 0 abbr=onat1500rpm SOHCTemplate:Convert177 km/h mph abbr=on|

1996–2003
Sales designation	Engine model	Displacement	Power output	Torque	Valvetrain type	Maximum speed
1.4	E7J	1390 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 6000 rpm	107 N⋅m (79 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm	SOHC	160 km/h (99 mph)
1.6	K7M	1598 cc	55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) at 5000 rpm	130 N⋅m (96 lb⋅ft) at 3400 rpm	SOHC	165 km/h (103 mph)
1.6	K7M	1598 cc	66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) at 5000 rpm	137 N⋅m (101 lb⋅ft) at 4000 rpm	SOHC	170 km/h (110 mph)
2.0	F3R	1998 cc	84 kW (114 PS; 113 hp) at 5400 rpm	168 N⋅m (124 lb⋅ft) at 4250 rpm	SOHC	185 km/h (115 mph)
1.9 d	F8Q	1870 cc	48 kW (65 PS; 64 hp) at 4500 rpm	120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) at 2250 rpm	SOHC	152 km/h (94 mph)
1.9 dT	F8Q	1870 cc	70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp) at 4250 rpm	176 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm	SOHC	174 km/h (108 mph)
1.9 dTi	F9Q	1870 cc	73 kW (99 PS; 98 hp) at 4000 rpm	200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 2000 rpm	SOHC
1999–2003 |

Scénic RX4

Renault introduced the Scénic RX4, a four-wheel drive crossover variant derived from the initial Scénic model, which debuted in 2000 in both LHD and RHD configurations. This version incorporated a viscous, multi-plate central differential developed by Austrian company Steyr Daimler Puch, allowing for part-time all-wheel drive functionality. To accommodate the 4WD system, the rear suspension and transmission were redesigned, and the engine splash shield was strengthened. Visually, it featured extensive plastic body cladding, a spare wheel affixed to the rear door, and upgraded five-lug wheels replacing the original four-lug design.

The reengineered rear suspension reduced capacity within the spare wheel well, prompting relocation of the spare tyre to a dual swing-out plastic tailgate, which over time exhibited a tendency to crack due to its own weight. Compared to the standard Scénic, the RX4 sat higher thanks to increased suspension travel and larger wheels.

The powertrain lineup was restricted to two options: a 2.0-litre petrol and a 1.9-litre dCi diesel engine from the Mégane range, both exclusively mated to a five-speed manual gearbox; automatic transmissions were not available.

Available trim levels varied depending on region and included Sport Alize (2000), Privilege Monaco (2000), Expression (2001–2003), Dynamique (2001–2003), Salomon (2001–2003), Sportway (2001–2003), and Privilege (2001–2003). In countries such as Australia, only Expression and Privilege trims were offered.

Optional extras comprised dual electric sunroofs, a luxury package featuring leather upholstery, climate control, CD player, spare wheel cover, and roof racks.

Initially, the RX4 achieved strong sales, becoming France’s top-selling four-wheel drive vehicle in 2001; however, sales declined sharply due to issues with gearbox reliability. Approximately 40,000 units were produced—5,000 with RHD and 35,000 with LHD—before production ceased in December 2003 following the release of the Scénic II and disappointing market performance. No direct successor was introduced, likely due to complications related to the Steyr Daimler Puch 4WD system. The RX4 was partially succeeded by the two-wheel drive Scénic Conquest in 2007.

Sales figures were notably low in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Malaysia—with fewer than 500 units sold in each territory—where only the petrol F4R engine was offered because of limited demand.

By 2023, an estimated 1,500 original RX4s remain globally, positioning it among Renault’s rarest models from the 2000s era after the Renault Avantime. Its rarity is exacerbated by scarce parts availability and ongoing reliability concerns.

Scénic RX4
Sales designation	Engine model	Fuel type	Oil Viscosity	Aspiration	Cyl.	Displ.	Power	Torque	Valvetrain	Valves	Top speed	0-100kph
2.0 16V	F4R	Petrol	10w-40/15w-40	Naturally Aspirated	4	1998 cc	102 kW (139 PS; 137 hp) at 5500 rpm	188 N⋅m (139 lb⋅ft) at 3750 rpm	DOHC	16	180 km/h (110 mph)	11.9
1.9 dCi	F9Q	Diesel	5w-40	Turbocharged	4	1870 cc	75 kW (102 PS; 101 hp) at 4000 rpm	200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1500 rpm	SOHC	8	160 km/h (99 mph)	14.3

Second generation (2003)

After the launch of the Mégane II, the completely redesigned Scénic was introduced in June 2003, accompanied by the Grand Scénic seven-seater variant. The Grand Scénic featured an extended wheelbase and longer rear overhang, incorporating two smaller seats suitable for children within the expanded cargo area. This version officially entered the market in April 2004.

Built on the same corporate design language and technological base as the Mégane, the second-generation Scénic incorporated advancements such as the "Renault Card" keyless immobiliser system and an automatic parking brake on selected trim levels. From 2006 onwards, LED lighting became standard equipment across all versions. The raised "Mégane" emblem was positioned on the C pillar, maintaining brand consistency.

The interior stood out with a unique dashboard design featuring a fully digital electroluminescent instrument panel, setting it apart from the Mégane's layout.

Rear seating arrangements in the Scénic II allowed each seat to be adjusted independently, folded down, or completely removed, maximizing flexibility. Business-oriented amenities included fold-out tables, a front passenger seat that could be folded flat, automatic activation of headlights and windshield wipers, child-monitoring mirrors, and power-operated windows at both front and rear—demonstrating a strong emphasis on functionality and cutting-edge features within the compact MPV segment.

Facelift

Following the Mégane facelift earlier in 2006, the Scénic II underwent a subtle redesign (phase 2) that introduced a refreshed grille with a larger diamond emblem, redesigned headlamp units, a "RENAULT" badge on the tailgate, updated rear light clusters, new wheel styles, and revised interior finishes. This updated model became available for purchase starting September 2006.

Scénic Conquest

In June 2007, Renault launched the Scénic Conquest, serving as a spiritual successor to the RX4. Despite being two-wheel drive, it featured SUV-inspired body cladding, elevated ride height, and accessories commonly found on SUVs.

Third generation (2009)

The third-generation Scénic was introduced in July 2009, with the seven-seat 'Grand' variant debuting slightly earlier in May of that year. Both standard and Grand models utilized the Renault–Nissan C Platform and were offered with petrol and diesel engine options ranging from a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol to a 2.0-litre diesel unit. The Grand Scénic was available in both five- and seven-seat configurations.

Distinctive features such as plastic body cladding, increased ground clearance, and unique wheel designs differentiated these models from the regular Scénic, targeting buyers desiring a compact MPV with SUV-like aesthetics.

Facelift

In January 2012, both Scénic and Grand Scénic received a modest facelift that included a redesigned front fascia, upgraded powertrains, and an updated digital instrument cluster.

An additional update in March 2013 introduced refreshed exterior and interior styling alongside improved driver assistance technologies. Concurrently, Renault unveiled the Scénic Xmod crossover variant characterized by a larger front grille, roof rails, protective body cladding, enhanced tires and alloy wheels, distinctive paint options, and Xmod badging. This model also incorporated Renault Extended Grip traction control to boost handling performance.

Both versions were equipped with an Efficient Dual Clutch transmission paired with the 1.5 dCi engine producing 110 bhp.

Fourth generation (2016)

Debuting at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the fourth-generation Scénic draws inspiration from the R-Space concept. It features a slightly increased size combined with crossover styling cues, yet it remains firmly within the MPV category.

The engine lineup offers six diesel and two petrol variants. Certain models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission and Energy dCi 110 diesel engine are available with an optional Hybrid Assist system. Transmission options include both manual and dual-clutch gearboxes. The standard Scénic comes with a 572-litre boot capacity, while the Grand Scénic provides 765 litres when configured with five seats.

This iteration of the Scénic achieved a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, incorporating sophisticated safety features such as Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection—an exclusive feature in the compact MPV segment—as well as Lane Keeping Assist and Fatigue Detection Alert. When traveling above 50 km/h, the system can autonomously adjust the vehicle’s path if it detects driver fatigue without any corrective input.

In May 2022, Renault declared it would discontinue the short-wheelbase Scénic prior to ending production of the Grand Scénic. Manufacturing of the shorter model concluded in July 2022, after producing a total of 190,636 units.

Fifth generation (Scenic E-Tech, 2024)

The Scenic E-Tech marks Renault’s entry into the electric vehicle segment under the Scenic badge, introduced in 2024 as a fully battery-electric model.

Scénic in the United Kingdom

Sales of the Scénic commenced in the United Kingdom in May 1997, quickly establishing dominance within the compact MPV market before rivals such as the Vauxhall Zafira, Citroën Xsara Picasso, Fiat Multipla, and Nissan Almera Tino emerged over the following five years. The Mégane Scénic was honored as Car of the Year by What Car? in 1997.

The UK market saw subsequent launches of second (2003), third (2009), and fourth-generation (2016) Scénic models. However, diminishing interest in MPVs led to Renault ceasing sales in this segment by 2019.

In 2014, Top Gear Magazine included the Scénic XMOD on its list titled The Worst Cars You Can Buy Right Now. Updated versions incorporated the R Link touchscreen interface with integrated digital radio functionality.

Scénic in Australia

Renault introduced the Scénic to Australia in 2001 alongside models like the Clio and Megane Convertible. Initial market reception was lukewarm, prompting Renault to launch the Scenic RX4 crossover variant to rival popular SUVs such as Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV; however, only 418 units were sold between 2001 and 2003.

The second-generation Scénic arrived in 2004 but faced stiff competition from increasing SUV popularity, particularly after the Koleos debuted in 2008. Due to weak sales and strategic emphasis on SUVs, Renault Australia abandoned plans to import third and fourth-generation Scenic models. By 2024, Renault Australia’s lineup consists solely of SUVs and vans: Koleos, Captur, Arkana, Megane E-tech, Kangoo, Trafic, and Master.

Recall

Renault conducted two separate recalls concerning electronic malfunctions. The first recall, initiated in October 2009, focused on Scénic II models produced between 2003 and 2006 that experienced dashboard issues caused by faulty solder joints. This defect led to the instrument clusters going blank, resulting in the loss of speedometer, fuel gauge, and indicator functionality. Initially, vehicle owners were responsible for repair costs; however, Renault UK and Ireland later covered these expenses. In contrast, no compensation was provided in Finland, where independent garages offered cost-effective repair solutions.

The second recall took place in August 2010 due to a fault with the electric parking brake system, which could activate unintentionally while the vehicle was in motion.

Alternative propulsion

The Cleanova III, unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, is based on the Scénic platform.

Sales

Year	Brazil
2003	11,526
2004	10,937
2005	9,008
2006	5,637
2007	4,623
2008	4,153
2009	2,594
2010	1,537
2011	27

See also

• Renault Modus, the brand’s mini MPV
• Renault Espace, the manufacturer’s large MPV

External links

• Official UK Renault website
• Grand Scénic official UK page