2016 Renault Scenic TCE 130 Signature Nav Reviews

Striking looks and clever tech help make this the best Renault Scenic yet. We think going for one of the diesels makes more sense, though

MPV has suffered somewhat at the hands of SUVs and crossovers. Where every person seems to you the best carrier to haul the family and children and all the paraphernalia that goes with them, buyers have been tempted by the rough image of a faux four.

Renault Scenic has not been able to avoid this shift, in spite of being the originator of the MPV segment. Indeed, these days you are more likely to see a new Kadjar. With that in mind, Renault has been somewhat thick with this, the fourth generation Scenic.

Element SUV has crept into the design: there is a 40mm increase in ground clearance, more muscle for the bodywork and the shift to large 20in wheels. Interestingly, it's not just for luxury models either, as even the entry-level Expression + models that work in the 20s, as they say.

Although you might expect that the means of driving comfort is only slightly better than a shopping cart that tipped zinc, the tire has a higher profile than that installed the majority of smaller competitors wheels. They are relatively narrow, too, helps keep costs down and CO2 emissions in check.

The important thing was also more spacious inside and is equipped with a larger boot and a lot of kit to help maintain secure his nearest and dearest. It all looks very impressive on paper, but is it enough to tempt people out of their SUV and returned to an MPV?

First impressions were good. Scenic and Grand Scenic bigger things interesting both in metal and much more impressive than their rivals. Perhaps no hint of SUV on high rise lifting, but still reap a heavy screen screams 'people carrier'.

Getting behind the wheel, tech-laden interior of our high spec test car was immediately obvious. Analog call has been removed and replaced with a TFT display of speed, engine temperature and fuel level. Scrolling through five drive modes change the appearance of the center and priority of the information shown. It looks quite interesting but could not show a variety of information that Active Info Display Volkswagen does.

Dynamique S Nav and Nav trim on Signature receive a color head-up display with speed, navigation information and other data of the project. It looks good at a standstill but jiggles slightly move. It also seems a very long way down the broad dashboard.

The top two trims also get R-Link 2, Renault’s 8.7in portrait-orientated infotainment system. You certainly get plenty of functionality, including the ability to fold the rear seats down at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, the menus can be confusing to navigate and slow to respond – switching songs on a Bluetooth device, for example, takes a painfully long time.

There’s a pair of USB ports and a 12V socket in the cubby under the front armrest, plus the same again on the rear of the unit for those in the back. It’s handy, but sliding the unit to where it works best as an armrest also hides the cupholders for front seat passengers.

The cabin is undoubtedly practical, however. The generous glovebox pops open like a filing cabinet, while between the seats is a cavernous centre console that can be slid backwards and forwards depending on your passengers' needs. Quality is also pretty good; there are cheaper materials but they’re largely in areas you won’t touch that much.

Throw in underfloor storage, rear picnic tables for most models and a class-leading boot, and it’s certainly family ready, although three adults will face a squeeze to get on the rear bench, and even two relatively tall grown-ups may struggle for rear leg room.

To drive, the dinky 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine of our test car provides adequate performance two-up but needs working hard in order to cope with overtaking. It does at least remain smooth, even at high crank speeds, and is barely audible at a cruise.

Despite the sizable wheels on which it sits, the Scenic is certainly no worse than the majority of 17in or 18in alloy-shod rivals. It’s no paragon of comfort though; pockmarked urban roads are certainly felt, although the ride becomes more settled at speed. Of course, the French are much better at road maintenance than we are, so our definitive verdict will have to wait until later in the year when we get a right-hand-drive example on UK roads.

As far as handling is concerned, the steering feels precise with little correction required to keep the Scenic in a straight line. You’ll also find it’s easy to work out how much lock you need to get round a corner - there’s no need to take a couple of bites on every bend.

But is it communicative or fun? No, not at all. There’s a fair amount of body roll and the non-switchable traction and stability controls will prevent anything from getting too lairy. The styling might look exciting, but the driving experience will be familiar to the majority of MPV buyers across Europe: safe but ultimately dull.

Should I buy one?

If you’re after a distinctive yet practical family holdall, then the Scenic should definitely be on your shortlist. It may not be fun to drive, but it’s perfectly pleasant and surprisingly comfortable considering its 20in wheels.

We would be more tempted by one of the diesel engines, though. In something like this, the promise of cheaper running costs and a bit more low-end shove makes more sense.

2016 Renault Scenic TCe 130 Signature Nav

Location France; On sale November; Price £24,500 (est); Engine 4 cyls, 1198cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 128bhp at 5000rpm Torque 151lb ft at 2000rpm Gearbox 6-spd manual Kerb weight 1430kg; 0-62mph 11.4sec; Top speed 117mph; Economy 48.7mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 129g/km, 22% Rivals Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford C-Max

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