- Willing 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Competent ride/handling balance
- Versatile interior and cargo configurations
- Array of interior storage compartments
- Underpowered 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Steering wheel kickback over bumps
- High front seat position and steering wheel lacks reach adjustment
- For manual transmission, clutch and brake pedals close together; notchy gearshift action
- Poor button placement for audio and windows
Review: Renault J64.I Scenic (2001-02)
Overview
Released in May 2001, the Renault J64 Phase I (J64.I) Scenic was a five-seat people mover. As per the table below, the J64.I Scenic was available with either a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (Expression variants) or a 2.0-litre unit (the Dyanmique and Privilege). Please note that the J64 Scenic RX4 has been reviewed separately.
The J64 Scenic was 4134 mm long, 1719 mm wide, 1615 mm tall and had a 2580 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the J64 Scenic had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower wishbones and torsion bear rear suspension with trailing arms.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expression | 1.6-litre petrol I4 | 5sp man. | 79 kW at 5750 rpm | 148 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| Dynamique, Privilege |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
101 kW at 5500 rpm | 188 Nm at 3750 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the J64.I Scenic included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and outer rear seatbelts with load limiters.
Brakes
The J64 Scenic had 280 mm ventilated front brake discs and 274 mm solid rear discs.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 Scenic – fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine – achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 29. In the frontal offset impact test, the Scenic scored 11 out of 16, with protection for the driver’s knees insufficient to reduce the risk of lower limb injuries. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Scenic was awarded maximum points.
Features
Standard features for the Scenic Expression included a four speaker sound system with cassette player, air conditioning, chilled storage compartment, steering wheel audio controls, split and folding rear seats, sliding side rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Scenic Dynamique was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, climate control air conditioning, partial leather seat trim, front fog lights, front armrests, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, floor mats and an independently opening rear window.
Beyond this, the Scenic Privilege added a rear sunshade, central rear seat armrest and illuminated vanity mirror; from November 2001, however, it was also fitted with leather seats, roof racks and twin sunroofs.
The Dynamique and Privilege were also available with an optional ‘Roof Pack’ which consisted of a twin sunroof and roof rails or a Luxury Pack which further added full leather trim.
Review: Renault J64.II Scenic (2003-04)
Overview
Released in January 2003, the J64 Phase II (J64.II) Scenic introduced a revised line-up and additional features. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was discontinued and replaced with 2.0-litre unit across the range (see table below).
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expression, Dynamique, Privilege |
2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
101 kW at 5500 rpm | 188 Nm at 3750 rpm |
Features
Standard features for the J64.II Scenic were extended to include a six speaker sound system, CD player, front fog lights and a heat-reflecting windscreen; the Dynamique variant was also fitted with roof rails as standard.
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