2008 Renault Scenic Expression Review

Take a family vacation to Europe and you’re pretty much guaranteed one thing - the car rental company will hand you the keys to a Scenic - it’s one of those unwritten rules.

Scenics are prevalent through out the EU, as popular as that blonde from high school with the big, umm… personality, but why is it so? Well it’s because the Europeans have caught on to an idea we seem to have lost in the 80s which is that a convenient and practical family vehicle doesn’t necessarily have to equal owning a cumbersome SUV.

There’s good reason for this. European registration, insurance and fuel costs are frightening in comparison to ours, and space (especially for parking) is a lot more limited, so getting the most from your family car isn’t all about keeping up appearances. It’s about being sensible, practical and responsible in terms of your budget. This is where the Scenic excels.

The dCi (diesel) variant is new to the Scenic line-up and whilst visually it may strike a love-hate relationship with your mates, one of those you like it or you don’t type of deals, in all it’s a pretty neat package encompassing some great ingenuity and clever Ikea-esque thinking.

It’s a smooth and rather quiet ride, the seating is comfortable and furthermore it can be rearranged in seemingly endless combinations to suit just about any formation you should require. Both front and rear seats slide fore and aft, and the outboard rear seats can also slide slightly inboard (with the centre seat removed) to make things a little more roomy if you’re only carrying four passengers.

Although you’re not likely to win any races, the Scenic’s performance is quite adequate for its intended role and is a capable cruiser with the fuel economy of a small hatch back. ADR tests claim 7.1L / 100km (combined average) though my week with the Scenic saw slightly heavier usage at 8.0L.

When all is said and done the Scenic is a terrific, versatile and immensely practical car let down by some dated mechanicals. If the steering was a little sharper and the auto box could better manage the engine down low (and was a little more flexible on the hop) the Scenic dCi would be an ideal family car, but until the drive matches the brilliant interior I would have to recommend sticking with the petrol.

© Source: caradvice
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