The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase II, collection 2012) TCe (130 Hp) is a compact minivan produced by the French automaker Renault. Introduced as part of the third generation of the Scenic range, the Grand Scenic offered seven-seat capability within a relatively compact footprint, making it a popular choice for families in Europe. This particular iteration, the Phase II model from 2012, represents a mid-life refresh of the III generation, incorporating styling updates, revised equipment levels, and powertrain refinements. While not officially sold in the United States, the Grand Scenic exemplifies the European preference for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) designed for practicality and versatility.
Renault Grand Scenic III: A Family-Focused MPV
The Grand Scenic III occupied a significant niche in the European automotive market, catering to buyers seeking a spacious and adaptable vehicle for family transportation. It competed with other MPVs such as the Citroën C4 Picasso, Peugeot 5008, and Volkswagen Touran. The “Grand” designation signifies the extended wheelbase and seven-seat configuration, differentiating it from the standard five-seat Scenic. The Phase II update brought subtle cosmetic changes, improved interior materials, and enhancements to the vehicle’s technology and safety features.
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Renault Grand Scenic III TCe (130 Hp) is powered by a 1.4-liter, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the H4J. This naturally aspirated engine produces 130 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 190 Nm (140.14 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2250 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 93.1 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 10.9 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg) on a combined cycle, with urban consumption at 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) and extra-urban at 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.4 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Renault Grand Scenic III is a five-door minivan characterized by its flowing lines and distinctive Renault family styling. The Phase II model features revised front and rear fascias, updated headlights, and new interior trim options. The vehicle’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a flexible seating arrangement with individual, sliding second-row seats and a third-row bench that can be folded flat into the floor when not in use. This configuration allows for a versatile cargo space ranging from 564 liters (19.92 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to 2063 liters (72.85 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded.
Key features of the 2012 Grand Scenic III TCe include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electric power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, and rear disc brakes. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front. Standard equipment also included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels offered features such as navigation, panoramic sunroof, and parking sensors. Safety was a key consideration, with the Grand Scenic III achieving good ratings in Euro NCAP crash tests.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Grand Scenic III (Phase II, collection 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | TCe (130 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 2250 rpm (140.14 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H4J |
| Engine displacement | 1397 cm3 (85.25 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 73.1 mm (2.88 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1481 kg (3265.05 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2169 kg (4781.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 688 kg (1516.78 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 564 l (19.92 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) |
| Length | 4573 mm (180.04 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2770 mm (109.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.29 m (37.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 96 H |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
