The Renault Grand Scenic III (Phase III) 1.6 dCi is a compact minivan produced by the French automaker Renault from 2013 to 2016. Part of the third generation of the Scenic range, the Grand Scenic offered seven-seat capability, appealing to families seeking a versatile and practical vehicle. This particular variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 130 horsepower, was primarily sold in European markets, where compact MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) were highly popular. The Phase III update brought styling revisions, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology compared to earlier iterations of the Grand Scenic III.
Renault Grand Scenic III: A Detailed Overview
The Grand Scenic III represented Renault’s continued commitment to the family vehicle segment. It aimed to provide a spacious and comfortable interior, combined with reasonable running costs and a relatively compact footprint for ease of maneuverability. The Phase III model specifically focused on refining the existing platform and addressing customer feedback, resulting in a more polished and competitive offering within its class. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications and features provides insight into the European automotive landscape of the early 2010s.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Grand Scenic III 1.6 dCi is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the R9M. This engine produces 130 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a substantial 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to both power output and reduced emissions. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5 kg/Nm. This translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.1 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 10.5 seconds. The Grand Scenic III 1.6 dCi has a maximum speed of 195 km/h (121.17 mph). A key feature of this engine is the inclusion of a Start & Stop system, designed to improve fuel economy in urban driving conditions, and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to minimize harmful emissions, meeting Euro 6 standards.
Design & Features
The Renault Grand Scenic III is a five-door minivan, characterized by its practical and family-oriented design. Its most notable feature is its seven-seat configuration, offering flexibility for larger families or those needing to transport passengers occasionally. The Phase III update included subtle styling tweaks to the front and rear fascias, along with revised interior trim. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a modular seating system that allows for various configurations to maximize cargo space. With all seats in place, the trunk offers 564 liters (19.92 cu ft) of space. Folding down the rear seats expands this to a substantial 2063 liters (72.85 cu ft). Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Higher trim levels offered features such as navigation, parking sensors, and upgraded upholstery. Safety features, crucial for a family vehicle, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Grand Scenic III (Phase III) |
| Type | 1.6 dCi (130 Hp) FAP stop&start 7 Seat |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 116 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | R9M |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 15.4:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2249 kg (4958.2 lbs.) |
| Max load | 649 kg (1430.8 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) |
| 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 | 4573 mm (180.04 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2077 mm (81.77 in.) |
| Height | 1645-1671 mm (64.76 – 65.79 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2770 mm (109.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 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 brakes | Ventilated discs, 296 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 274 mm |
| Tires size | 205/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |





