The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase I) 2.0 16V, produced between 2009 and 2011, represents a significant iteration in Renault’s popular minivan lineup. Positioned as a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Grand Scenic aimed to provide family-oriented transportation with a focus on practicality, space, and comfort. This generation, specifically the Phase I model with the 2.0-liter engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), was primarily marketed in Europe, where the demand for MPVs remained strong. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and features provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Renault Grand Scenic III: An Overview
The Grand Scenic III built upon the success of its predecessors, offering increased interior space and improved refinement. The “Grand” designation signifies the availability of seven seats, making it a viable option for larger families. The Phase I models, like the 2.0 16V CVT, were characterized by specific styling cues and engine options that differentiated them from later revisions. The vehicle’s design prioritized a comfortable ride and user-friendly features, catering to the needs of everyday family life.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Grand Scenic III (Phase I) 2.0 16V is a naturally aspirated 1997cc (121.86 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces 140 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and 195 Newton-meters (143.82 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. Power per liter is rated at 70.1 Hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), offering smooth and stepless gear changes. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.4 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.8 seconds. The Grand Scenic III 2.0 16V has a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 183 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.7 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase I) is a five-door minivan designed to maximize interior space and versatility. Its exterior styling is characterized by a flowing silhouette and a distinctive front end with Renault’s signature grille. The vehicle’s most notable feature is its spacious interior, capable of accommodating up to seven passengers across three rows of seats. The third-row seats are typically best suited for children or shorter adults. The interior design emphasizes practicality and comfort, with a focus on ergonomic controls and ample storage compartments. Key features include a multi-function steering wheel, air conditioning, and an audio system. Safety features, typical for vehicles of this era, include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and front airbags. The Grand Scenic’s rear seats can be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large cargo area. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 208 liters (7.35 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to a maximum of 2063 liters (72.85 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and an elastic beam arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride quality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Grand Scenic III (Phase I) |
| Type | 2.0 16V (140 Hp) CVT 7 Seat |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 183 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 Nm @ 3750 rpm (143.82 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M4R |
| Engine displacement | 1997 cm3 (121.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.1 mm (3.55 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1505 kg (3317.96 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2135 kg (4706.87 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.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | automatic transmission CVT |
| 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 96H |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase I) 2.0 16V CVT 7 Seat, while not a vehicle commonly found in the US market, represents a well-rounded and practical MPV that catered to the needs of European families. Its combination of space, comfort, and reasonable fuel efficiency made it a popular choice in its segment.
