Car Reviews > Renault > Scenic 1.6 dCi > Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi Car Review
Lower bills are promised by this extremely efficient new diesel engine Renault
All car owners know that the bigger the vehicle, the more expensive the running costs will inevitably be, but Renault says it has finally changed that with the new engine that has been given to the Grand Scenic. The new engine is that of a 1.6 litre dCi Energy turbo diesel, which is actually as much as 20 per cent more efficient than that of the engine it is replacing, the 1.9 litre dCi, and that 20 per cent difference means that this seven seater is actually the cheapest and the cleanest such vehicle in its class.
The Renault Scenic 1.6 dci emits just 117g per kilometre of CO2, which results in both an impressive miles per gallon rating of 62 and allows it to be able to have 12 months free road tax into the bargain. The engineers who are behind this marvel are also claiming that they have been able to reduce the engine noise in the cabin by literally 50 per cent, and indeed the new model is certainly very quiet indeed when both idle and at cruising speeds, with a harsh engine note only noticeable when quickly accelerating at low speeds.
When it comes to power, the Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi is not found wanting either. The bhp output remains exactly the same as that delivered by the 1.9 dCi at 128, while maximum torque has actually seen an increase, now at 320 Nm, an increase of 20 Nm, which in turn means the time it takes the car to go from 0-62 miles per hour has also been cut down to just 10.3 seconds, an improvement on its predecessor.
Otherwise, the rest of the package for the Grand Scenic remains relatively unchanged. There is enough seating room for seven people, with a generous boot, and the handling balance and general ride are as good as they always were. While it perhaps lacks the sheer fun of, for example, the Ford S-MAX, the Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi will guarantee owners a driving experience that is comfortable, reassuringly predictable, and safe.
On the downside, the new Energy dCi engine is only going to be able to be accessed by drivers who are willing to part with no less than £22,200 in the top of the range TomTom models, and even though they do also come with such features as alloy wheels, climate control, keyless start and satellite navigation, could be a price that is a little too far beyond what many may be able or even willing to pay.
However, on the plus side, those who can afford it and are willing to invest in the Renault Scenic 1.6 dCi will probably not be disappointed and may even save that extra money in the long term thanks to the vehicle’s much cheaper running costs. The performance also packs a punch while remaining very refined as well, which could well sway undecided buyers, though there is no doubt that the lack of the option of an auto or of less expensive versions of the seven seater are the biggest disappointments about an otherwise excellent vehicle.
by Autoweb
Revived Renault Alpine to debut at Monaco grand prix
French carmaker Renault will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the original Alpine A110 by showcasing a stylish new concept at the Monaco grand prix, which will be held this weekend. An image of the car, which was leaked online, shows that the style of new Alpine was heavily influenced by the renowned DeZir concept car that was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The Alpine concept is based on the Megane Trophy race car's tube-framed chassis. It is equipped ...
Peugeot launches two Roland Garros Special Edition cars
French carmaker Peugeot has launched two "Roland Garros" Special Edition Coupé Cabriolet cars. The highly-specified open-top vehicles come with a retractable roof, enabling occupants to enjoy the summer sun and remain dry during the occasional rainfall. The Roland Garros Special Editions are available in 207 CC and 308 CC, with indicative prices ranging from £18,795 for the 207 CC version and rising to £25,845 for the 308 CC. Moreover, all m...