Renault Scenic Expression 1.6 VVT 110 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The 1.6 litre four cylinder engine produces 110 bhp and 112 lb-ft of torque. The engine feels a little asthmatic compared to its diesel stablemates and has to be worked hard to achieve its best.

Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 11.7 seconds and the top speed is 119mph, which is more than adequate for a car of this type.

The car's suspension does a good job of ironing out imperfections on the road but larger potholes and bumps can cause discomfort. The Scenic handles well for an MPV but the steering is devoid of feel. Wind and road noise become very noticeable at higher speeds, compromising the Scenic's performance as a comfortable motorway mile-muncher.

There’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat and the steering wheel so most drivers should be able to find a comfortable driving position. Rear visibility is a little restricted despite the raised driving position, however the view of the road ahead is good. Overall the cabin feels well screwed together though some controls feel a little flimsy to the touch.

Despite its tall MPV shape, the Renault Scenic Expression 1.6 VVT 110 5dr is a handsome car.

Standard equipment includes air-con, electric windows in the front and rear, electric door mirrors, cruise control, CD player with MP3 connectivity and a suite of airbags.

Those wishing to enhance their car further can choose from a number of extras which all incur an additional cost. A metallic paint finish for the exterior is priced at £455 with Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in sat nav priced at £250 and £620, respectively.

There is plenty of head and legroom for five people and the cabin has a number of handy storage spaces. The boot has a roomy 437 litres of space even when the seats are in position and a good wide boot opening makes access easy. Storage space can be expanded to a van-like 1,837 litres by folding the seats down.

Alongside the fitted alarm and other safety features already mentioned, the Scenic offers high levels of security to owners and has earned its position as one of the safest family cars thanks to a NCAP crash test rating of five stars for overall safety. Standard safety features in the models include six airbags as well as anti-lock braking system (ABS), stability control and ISOFIX child-seat mountings.

Renault have a poor reputation for reliability but the Scenic is offered with a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty which should put some minds to rest.

At £16,615 the Renault Scenic Expression 1.6 VVT 110 5dr is cheaper to buy than many of its rivals and this is a huge advantage. Buyers get plenty of car for their money and although this is the base model Scenic, there is plenty of equipment included as standard.

A combined fuel consumption figure of 38.2mpg is mediocre by today's standard and buyers would be wise to opt instead for one of the more powerful and efficient diesel models. CO2 emissions of 174g/km also put the Scenic into VED band H which is high for a car of this type, incurring a first year tax bill of £265 and £190 a year thereafter. On the plus side, group 14 insurance should mean low premiums.