The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase I) 1.6 16V Ethanol 7 Seat, produced between 2009 and 2010, represents Renault’s offering in the compact minivan (or multi-purpose vehicle – MPV) segment. This generation of the Grand Scenic, the third iteration of the model, was designed to appeal to families seeking a versatile and spacious vehicle. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scenic range – and particularly the Grand Scenic – was a popular choice in Europe, known for its innovative features and practical design. The Phase I models, like this 1.6 16V Ethanol variant, established the core characteristics of the third generation, focusing on interior space, modularity, and a comfortable driving experience. The availability of an ethanol-compatible engine was a notable feature, reflecting growing environmental awareness and the promotion of biofuels in certain European markets.
Renault Grand Scenic III: A Detailed Overview
The Grand Scenic III built upon the success of its predecessors, offering increased refinement and a more contemporary design. It distinguished itself from the standard Scenic by providing seating for up to seven passengers, making it a practical solution for larger families. The Phase I models introduced a redesigned interior with improved materials and a more driver-focused layout. The 1.6 16V engine, capable of running on either gasoline or E85 ethanol, was a key component of the lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. This model aimed to provide a compelling alternative to traditional station wagons and smaller SUVs, emphasizing practicality and versatility.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase I) 1.6 16V Ethanol 7 Seat is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the K4M. This naturally aspirated engine produces 110 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and 151 Newton-meters (111.37 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine’s ability to run on E85 ethanol – a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline – was a significant selling point in markets where biofuels were readily available. This flexibility allowed owners to take advantage of potentially lower fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 9.7:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 13.1 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 9.6 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Grand Scenic III (Phase I) boasts a distinctive minivan silhouette, characterized by its elongated body and generous glass area. It’s a five-door vehicle offering seating for seven passengers across three rows. The interior is a key highlight, designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The second and third-row seats can be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a vast cargo area. With all seats folded, the trunk space expands to an impressive 2063 liters (72.85 cu. ft.), while the minimum trunk capacity is 208 liters (7.35 cu. ft.). Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4560 mm (179.53 in), width 1845 mm (72.64 in) including mirrors 2077 mm (81.77 in), and height 1675 mm (65.94 in). The wheelbase measures 2769 mm (109.02 in). The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an elastic beam arrangement at the rear. The Grand Scenic III prioritized interior space and modularity over sporty handling, aiming to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience for families.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Grand Scenic III (Phase I) |
| Type | 1.6 16V (110 Hp) Ethanol 7 Seat |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 177 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 151 Nm @ 3750 rpm (111.37 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4M |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1444 kg (3183.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2074 kg (4572.39 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 208 l (7.35 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2063 l (72.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4560 mm (179.53 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2077 mm (81.77 in.) |
| Height | 1675 mm (65.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2769 mm (109.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Front overhang | 888 mm (34.96 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 903 mm (35.55 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.29 m (37.04 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 296 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 274 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/ 60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |





