- Economical 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine
- Comfortable ride
- Comfortable front seats
- Large boot
- Vague, over-assisted steering
- Overly sensitive brake pedal
- Engine noise when accelerating
- Indecisive automatic transmission provides clunky gearshifts
- Rear seats too narrow for adults
Review: Renault J84.I Scenic (2005-06)
Overview
Released in January 2005, the Renault J84 Phase I (J84.I) was a five-seat people mover. Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – with variable inlet valve timing – mated to either a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, the range initially consisted of Authentique, Expression and Dynamique variants.
Compared to the Renault J64 Scenic , the J84 Scenic was 125 mm longer (at 4259 mm), 101 mm wider (1810 mm), 5 mm taller (1620 mm) and had a 105 mm longer wheelbase (2685 mm). As per the X84 Megane, the front-wheel drive Scenic was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension with a rectangular lower arm mounted on a filtered sub-frame; the rear suspension consisted of a torsion beam with programmed deflection and coil springs.
The J84.I Scenic had variable-assist electric power steering and a turning circle diameter of 10.7 metres.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentique, Expression, Dynamique |
2005-06 | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 6sp man. |
98 kW at 5500 rpm | 191 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| Latitude | 2006 |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the J84.I Scenic included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, front seatbelts with twin pretensioners, outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Brakes
The Scenic had 300 mm by 24 mm ventilated front discs brakes and 270 mm by 10 mm solid rear disc brakes.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2003 Scenic with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.12 out of 37. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver and a slight risk of serious lower leg injury for the front passenger. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.
Features: Authentique, Expression and Dynamique
Standard features for the Scenic Authentique included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cooled glovebox, cruise control (with speed limiter), front fog lights, remote central locking with Renault card, power mirrors and front windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Inside, the three rear seats could split and fold forward into a table arrangement and then latch automatically (i.e. without retaining straps); furthermore, there was also a sliding centre console which could slide from the dashboard to the rear seats.
The Scenic Expression was further equipped with climate control air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, power rear windows, an automatic parking brake, sliding outboard rear seats, roller sunblinds and front armrests. Furthermore, the front passenger seat could be folded to form a flat table.
Compared to the Expression, the range-topping Scenic Dynamique was differentiated by its 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and opening rear tailgate window. The Dynamique could also be optioned with a panoramic sunroof.
2006 Scenic Latitude
In 2006, a limited-run Latitude variant was released; based on the Expression, the Latitude added 16-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic tinted glass roof.
Review: Renault J84.II Scenic (2007-09)
Overview
Released in January 2007, the J84 Phase II (J84.II) Scenic introduced a revised range, improved safety equipment, additional sound proofing and updated styling. Visually, the J84.II Scenic could be identified by its V-shaped grille, redesigned front bumper with a wider air intake, new headlight design and LED tail-lights. In October 2007, the range was expanded with the introduction of a 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for the Expression variants.
| Engine | Variant | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9-litre turbo-diesel (dCi) I4 | Expression | 4sp auto | 96 kW at 4250 rpm | 250 Nm at 1600 rpm |
| 2.0-litre petrol I4 | Expression | 6sp man. | 98 kW at 5500 rpm | 191 Nm at 3750 rpm |
| Dynamique | 4sp auto |
Safety equipment
For the J84.II Scenic, traction control and electronic stability control were fitted as standard across the range, entitling the J84.II Scenic to a five star adult occupant protection rating under ANCAP’s criteria.
Features
Compared to its J84.I predecessor, the J84.II Expression was similarly equipped but fitted with a four speaker sound system (previously six). The Dynamique was also fitted with a four speaker sound system and omitted its predecessor’s leather seats; a six-disc CD player, however, became standard.
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