Used car check: Renault Scénic, fourth generation: Still not top at the TÜV

A van is practical and ideal for transporting children and all the essentials. When it comes to previously owned vans like the Renault Scénic, you should check not only their versatility but also their reliability.

The Renault Scénic has been one of the long-runners in the French manufacturer's range for almost 30 years, and its fourth generation was available between the end of 2016 and 2023. The fifth generation is now available exclusively with electric drivetrains.

Quality

The fourth-generation Scénic leaves a mixed impression in its MOT (German Technical Inspection Agency) inspections. While the MOT inspectors have significantly fewer complaints to issue compared to its predecessor, they still don't completely avoid them. Potential buyers should pay particular attention to the chassis, as the axle suspension is a particular problem – a weak point often found in heavy vans and SUVs. The lighting system is also not exactly reliable.

Body and interior

The designers gave the compact van a stylish body, which is particularly highlighted by the standard 20-inch wheels. The Scénic was offered as a 4.41-meter-long five-seater (until 2022) and as a 4.64-meter-long Grand version, which seats up to seven. Thanks to its 2.73-meter wheelbase, the compact van offers ample space. The rear seat is split 1/3 to 2/3. The seats can be moved longitudinally by 16 centimeters to provide more knee space or storage space. The luggage compartment volume varies between 505 and 572 liters; folding the rear seat backrests down increases the value to 1,554 liters. In the Grand Scénic, the trunk volume varies between 718 and 1,900 liters. In 2020, the van received a subtle facelift, recognizable by slight retouching at the front.

Engines and drive

Renault offered petrol and diesel engines for the Scénic IV. At launch, a 1.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine was available, with outputs of 85 kW/115 hp and 97 kW/132 hp. At the end of 2017, a 1.3-liter turbo replaced the 1.2. This was offered with outputs of 115 hp, 103 kW/140 hp, and 120 kW/160 hp. The petrol engines' standard fuel consumption figures range between 5.4 and 6 liters.

The diesel lineup included a 1.5-liter with 81 kW/110 hp and a 1.6-liter with 96 kW/130 hp or 118 kW/160 hp. With an average fuel consumption of 3.4 liters, the 110 hp diesel in the mild hybrid version offered between 2017 and 2018 was the most economical among diesel engines. Average fuel consumption was between 3.9 and 4.5 liters. At the beginning of 2019, Renault revamped its diesel lineup with a 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 88 kW/120 hp or 110 kW/150 hp. Since the end of 2020, the Scénic has only been available with gasoline engines.

Power was transferred to the front axle via a six-speed manual transmission ex works, while the 160 hp engines featured a seven-speed or six-speed dual-clutch transmission. These were available to first-time buyers as an alternative to the manual transmission, except for the 115 and 132 hp petrol engines and the 130 hp diesel.

Equipment and safety

The base trim (Life) was reserved for the smallest petrol engine and included air conditioning, DAB radio, emergency braking assist, cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The higher comfort levels (Experience, Intens) offered, among other features, keyless entry, a sliding center armrest, parking assistance, lane departure warning, and an infotainment system with a large touchscreen. The top trim (Bose Edition) included a navigation system, heated front seats, and a Bose surround sound system as standard. Since the facelift, the trim lines have been called Zen, Intens, and Black Edition.

Conclusion

The heyday of vans is over, and the new car market is now very limited. However, anyone looking for this vehicle type with its practical features, such as versatility for passenger or freight transport, will find what they're looking for on the used car market – including the Renault Scénic. According to mobile.de, around 500 used fourth-generation models are currently offered for sale on this platform. Prices start at around €10,000. It's best to have your desired model professionally checked before signing a contract.