I recently took the Grand Scenic for a long motorway haul from London to Cheshire, and have to say I was impressed with the way the 130hp 1.6dCi engine performed.

The late-evening, post-rush hour run revealed a smooth, very able motorway cruiser with responsive acceleration – even when close to the 70mph speed limit – that feels better than the official 11.1-second 0-62mph time quoted by Renault.

However, the engine displays an irritating quirk at low, urban speeds. Around town I’m constantly having to over-rev when pulling away from standstill or near-zero mph to prevent stalling.

Renault Grand Scenic 1.6 dCi 130 Dyn. TT
Mileage 1890
Claimed combined
consumption
64.2mpg
Our average
consumption
39.4mpg
Forecast CPM 52.4p
Actual CPM 56.4p
Why we’re running it To sample Renault’s crucial
new 1.6 diesel engine in the
UK’s most fuel-efficient
seven-seater
Plus Smooth motorway performer
Minus Exterior looks haven’t
improved with time