Renault Scenic Dynamique TomTom 1.4 TCe 130 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Dynamique TomTom 1.4 TCe 130 5dr has a turbocharged, 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder 16v 1397cc petrol engine. Its maximum power of 130bhp is nowhere near race levels but it is acceptable for the class. The highest torque figures of 140 lb-ft come at 2250rpm and prove to be high enough for a satisfactory performance.

The car reaches 62mph in 10.5 seconds and with a top speed of 119mph, it is among the faster cars in its class. The car has excellent grip for an MPV and body control is equally good. Unlike most MPVs, the Scenic Dynamique is predictable in corners, with the stability control quickly taking charge if you enter too quickly. Suspension is stiff and makes the ride jittery on rough road surfaces.

The Scenic Dynamique is a surprisingly quiet car. It comes close to the bigger Peugeot 5008 in refinement, with the engine remaining hushed even at speed. There is a bit of wind noise, but not to a level the stereo would not mask.

You will enjoy good visibility, as the windows are large and the driving position is set high enough. Small-sized windscreen and rear pillars also play a part in this.

The Renault Scenic does not have an eye-catching appearance, but it is decent enough to earn you respect from peers and strangers alike. The small MPV is made in People Carrier styling and comes with 5 doors and 5 seats. The front end is a little dynamic while the rest of the frame is streamlined enough to give it a formal image.

Renault did good work on the inside, although a few bits could do with a make-over. High quality materials on the interior give the car an expensive look. The cabin layout is also well thought out and the dashboard is simple but neat.

In the near future, small MPVs are likely to take the cue from the Renault Scenic when it comes to equipment. The Scenic Dynamique takes the lead in equipment level in the class. A good number of desirable equipment is available as standard: power steering, central locking, stability control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, driver airbag, passenger airbags, front side airbags, alarm, immobiliser, air con, alloy wheels, cruise control, sat nav, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and CD player are all included.

There are also a number of cost options, including leather seats worth £1,500, climate control for £410, rear-parking sensors for £310 and metallic paint for £455.

Renault models never disappoint when it comes to safety. Every security and safety system that matters is installed in the Scenic Dynamique. It is not surprising then that the car scored an impressive five star rating for overall safety in the Euro NCAP crash test.

This sterling NCAP performance is a likely indicator of Renault’s improved standards in reliability. In the past, Renault scored poorly in reliability tests but the tide has been steadily changing in the past few years. The general feel about the Scenic is that it will not disappoint. The car maker offers a 3-year/100,000 mile warranty, which is reassuring. That should take care of any mechanical problems you encounter while using the car.

The cabin is spacious enough for five adults to sit comfortably, and has plenty of head and leg room. Rear seats slide back and forth so occupants can individually create their own comfort zones.

Storage is also up to a good level, with lots of cubbyholes and bottle holders cleverly positioned to take up as little space as possible.

The boot is spacious and has a capacity of 437 litres. With the seats down, capacity increases to 1837 litres. It is a shame that rear seats do not fold flat, otherwise the capacity would be more. If you need to carry a lot of stuff, you will have to remove the rear seats completely to increase space further. The load lip is low and large, and this makes loading and offloading very easy.

The Scenic offers good value for money and is competitively priced, at £19,015 currently. Residual values are not too weak.

Running costs are not the best in the class but they are decent enough. The engine gives a combined return of 38.7mpg. Emissions are on the high side, averaging 168g/km. This attracts a VED of £265 in the first year and £190 thereafter under road tax band H. The car is placed under the mid-range insurance group 18, so you can anticipate average insurance costs.

The service interval for the Scenic Dynamique is lengthy – 18,000 miles - and will help minimise running costs.