The Renault Scenic I RX 1.9 dTi, produced between 2000 and 2003, represents Renault’s initial foray into the compact minivan (or multi-purpose vehicle – MPV) segment. This first generation Scenic, designated the RX trim with the 1.9 dTi engine, was a pivotal model for Renault, establishing the brand as a key player in the burgeoning European family vehicle market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scenic was immensely popular in Europe, offering a practical and versatile alternative to traditional hatchbacks and sedans. The Scenic I RX aimed to provide a comfortable and spacious interior, combined with reasonable fuel efficiency and a focus on family-oriented features.
Renault Scenic I RX: A European Compact MPV
The Scenic I RX was designed to address the needs of modern families, prioritizing interior space and flexibility. It distinguished itself from larger, more cumbersome minivans by offering a more manageable size, making it suitable for urban environments. The RX trim level, coupled with the 1.9 dTi diesel engine, provided a balance between performance and economy, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and cost-effective vehicle. The Scenic’s innovative design, particularly its modular interior, set it apart from competitors and helped define the compact MPV segment in Europe.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Scenic I RX is its 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated F9Q. This engine produces 98 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger and a diesel commonrail fuel injection system to optimize power delivery and fuel efficiency. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 1.9 dTi provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 14.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 13.8 seconds. The top speed is rated at 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 19:1 is typical for diesel engines, contributing to its efficiency. Power per liter is rated at 52.4 hp/l, a respectable figure for a diesel engine of this era. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Design & Features
The Renault Scenic I RX is a five-door minivan with a seating capacity of five passengers. Its design prioritizes practicality and interior space. The body style is characterized by its rounded edges and relatively compact dimensions, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings. A key feature of the Scenic I was its modular interior, allowing for flexible seating configurations and ample cargo space. The rear seats can be folded down or even removed entirely, creating a large, flat load area. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 410 liters (14.48 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to a maximum of 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and hydraulic power steering. The vehicle’s suspension consists of a spring strut setup at the front and a coil spring arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The Scenic I RX features disc brakes on all four wheels. The vehicle rides on 215/65 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Scenic I RX |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 dTi (98 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2003 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 98 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2000 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F9Q |
| Engine displacement | 1870 cm3 (114.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 19:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2010 kg (4431.29 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 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 | 4425 mm (174.21 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm (103.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| 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 | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
