The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) 1.4 i 16V, produced between 1999 and 2000, represents a significant evolution in the compact minivan segment. As Renault’s initial foray into the leisure activity vehicle (LAV) market – a category it largely pioneered in Europe – the Scenic aimed to provide a practical and stylish alternative to traditional station wagons and larger MPVs. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scenic was a popular choice in Europe, offering a blend of functionality, comfort, and innovative features for families. The Phase II update brought refinements to the original Scenic, enhancing its appeal and solidifying its position as a leading vehicle in its class.
Renault Scenic I (Phase II): A European Compact Minivan
The Scenic I (Phase II) 1.4 i 16V is characterized by its distinctive five-door body style and seating for five passengers. It was designed to cater to the needs of active families, offering a versatile interior and a relatively compact footprint for ease of maneuverability. The Phase II models benefited from minor cosmetic updates and improvements to interior trim and equipment levels compared to the initial release. The vehicle’s success stemmed from its innovative design, which prioritized interior space and practicality without sacrificing aesthetics.
Engine & Performance
The Scenic I (Phase II) 1.4 i 16V is powered by Renault’s K4J engine, a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 95 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 127 Nm (93.67 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and reasonable fuel economy. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.9 seconds, and the vehicle has a maximum speed of 173 km/h (107.5 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 13 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 9.7 kg/Nm indicate a balanced, if not particularly sporty, driving experience.
Design & Features
The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) boasts a distinctive and modern design for its time. Its rounded body shape, large windows, and relatively high roofline contribute to a spacious and airy cabin. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a modular seating system that allows for flexible cargo configurations. Rear seats can be folded down or even removed entirely to maximize cargo space, ranging from a minimum of 410 liters (14.48 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.). Safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in modern vehicles, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The hydraulic power steering provides ease of maneuverability, and the suspension – featuring a spring strut front and torsion beam rear – offers a comfortable ride. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels with 185/65 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Scenic I (Phase II) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 i 16V (95 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 3750 rpm (93.67 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4J |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75.8 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.9 l (8.35 US qt | 6.95 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1235 kg (2722.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1795 kg (3957.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1800 l (63.57 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4168 mm (164.09 in.) |
| Width | 1719 mm (67.68 in.) |
| Height | 1609 mm (63.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2580 mm (101.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) 1.4 i 16V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, comfort, and affordability. Its innovative design and versatile interior made it a popular choice for families in Europe, and it played a key role in establishing the compact minivan segment. Although never officially available in the US market, the Scenic represents a significant chapter in Renault’s history and a testament to the evolving needs of modern families.
