Published: Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 11:03am

Grand Scenic - one of the best MPVs just got better

Grand scenic.
Pic by==: 97

There seems to be a bewildering choice of MPVs on the market. Chrysler started the trend years ago in the States, and in Europe it Renault pioneered the idea of the MPV back in 1984 with the Espace. Year by year their popularity continues to grow, with the result that almost every major manufacturer has an MPV in its model range. Furthermore where the original MPV was quite a large vehicle we now have the mid-sized MPVs such as the Mazda5 or the new Opel Zafira, and the mini-MPVs such as the Mercedes A Class. Ford have come up with another version that has a somewhat sporty character, yet all the practicalities of an MPV but with an appealing and trendy style, it's called the S-MAX. The choice is endless.

Years ago some manufacturers built their MPVs on van chassis, such as Nissan's Serena, but apart from some taxi drivers its appeal was limited. Now car manufacturers have tried to make their MPVs a bit sexier with swooping lines and curvy styling and it seems to be working as sales continue to grow.

Renault of course is an old hand in the MPV market and since its launch many years ago the Scenic range has proven a success with strong sales all over Europe.

But no one can rest on their laurels these days as other manufacturers are constantly upgrading and improving their products.

There are essentially two different models in the new 2010 Scenic range, the five-seat Scenic and the seven-seat Grand Scenic Dynamique, the subject of this review.

There are petrol and diesel engines in the range but really it is the superb 1.5 dci engine that is the only game in town these days as it offers low CO2 emissions and therefore low tax.

The new Grand Scenic is good looking MPV. Its sleek lines, large glass area attractive alloy wheels and distinctive new colours ensure that it is without doubt one of the most attractive MPVs around.

The cabin is equally impressive, despite the centrally mounted instrument layout, which in the Grand Scenic works and looks reasonably well. There are no analogue dials; it's all digital displays for fuel, revs and speed. The layout of other ancillary switches is good and well thought out and of course there is a host of bins, boxes and cup holders for storage, including two neat aircraft style tables mounted on the rear of the two front seats.

Standard equipment is excellent and too detailed to cover here. On the safety side the Grand Scenic gets a full 5 Star Euro NCAP crash test result, six airbags, ABS, EBD, ASR and ISOFIX for all three individual middle row seats.

The 1.5 litre dci diesel provides a good blend of performance and great economy and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Top speed is around 185kmh and 0-100km takes 12s, but with just 135g/km emissions the Grand Scenic costs €156 to tax and burned 5.4 litres of diesel per 100km over a week-long road test.

It handles well too proving surefooted whether on wet or dry roads while the suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease.

The Grand Scenic in Dynamique specification costs €28,490 or with Renault's scrappage and trade-in allowances as little as €23,990 and comes with a full three-year warranty.

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