Renault‘s Scenic and Grand Scenic are the first models to benefit from the brand’s new 130hp 1.6 dCi engine that replaces the 130hp 1.9-litre and will find its way into the Megane range in early 2012.
The move means emissions are slashed by 30g/km to 115g/km, while official economy is up 12.8mpg to 64.2mpg. The emissions cut also means benefit-in-kind drops from 21% to 13%, while VED moves from band F to C, saving £125.
These improvements stem from the introduction of stop/start technology, as well as regenerative braking and better thermal management.
While it is more efficient, Renault also claims the Energy dCi 130 is the “most powerful engine of its size on sale today”. It can manage 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds with a top speed of 121mph – not bad for a people carrier.
The engine is not offered in the base spec Expression, so is only available on the Dynamique TomTom trim, which costs £22,145 and includes automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control and satnav.
Driving the downsized 1.6 engine has no effect on performance – the car is still ample-powered as well as feeling nimble yet solid for a seven-seater. Renault seem to have nailed the steering and handling on many of their cars, including the Grand Scenic.
The Grand Scenic, as tested, takes about 60% of fleet sales, against 40% for the Scenic, thanks largely to its popularity in the Motability sector.
But how does it compare with sector stablemate, the Ford Grand C-max? A Grand C-max Titanium 1.6 TDCi 115hp is cheaper at £21,390 against £22,145 for the Grand Scenic. And despite emissions of 129g/km, equalling a 18% BIK band, the Ford wins for cost per mile at 51.6p compared with the Renault’s 52.9p. The Grand C-max continues to lead the class, but those looking for a tax-friendly and economical seven-seater should definitely look again at Renault.
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