Renault Grand Scenic 1.6 16v

We purchased this seven seat version of the scenic which is a new addition to the Renault range and has the name "Grand Scenic" , Dynamique model which is fitted with the 1.6 VVT 16V petrol engine, fuel comsuption is pretty good averaging around 32 MPG, whas been better but I do a lot of local driving in a built up area
After driving a 15 year old car for the past year the Grand Scenic was a luxury to drive, the drivers seat has a large range of movement, both vertically and horizontally and together with a fully adjustable steering wheel (up/down and in/out) will adapt to a range of drivers needs.The engine is responsive and will give you plenty of power in the lower gears, but seems to hit a point around 40 MPH where it is a bit slow at accelerating, but once over 50 MPH it again will give you power when you need it.but a disasvantage is it struggles on hills with seven people in it making me think that the 1.6L engine is a bit under powered for the car when fully loaded!, in hindsight I would have chosen the 2.0L version.

I really find the automated windscreen wipers, which change speed depending on the amount of rain on the screen, and headlights are really useful so that you can concentrate more on your driving than to remember to turn the lights on and mess around with the windscreen wiper controls (both can be turned to manual control) ,also has an automatic handbrake (not on all models) that is a god send making hillstarts virtually impossible to rollback, as it releases itself when you pull of so you can have both hands on the steering wheel giving greater control of the car.
Ample storage with a large glove box which is air cooled, under seat storage draws on the front seats only and under floor storage compartments, four in total, to hide away items from view and various little cupboards in the rear boot space, which with the foldaway seats in use it still has a relative large capacity compared to others in its class

The middle row of seats are all independent with reclining capability and movement back and forth, the third row of seats are really only suitable for younger children as they are fixed and offer no movement so leg room is a bit restricted, however they are very easy and quickly folded/unfolded out of the floor space with a one handed operation, on the plus side all seats are fitted with adjustable headrests and lap and diagonal seat belts.

What I like about Renault is that when they re-design their vehicles they pull out all the stops and make dramatic changes with no exception for the Scenic, the new design is a real eye catcher. But on the other hand as it is a new model this year they have got teething problems as with any other manufactures new models.
These are a few problems I have discovered since owning the car.

The opening of the glove box is a bit restricted with a front passenger in the seat and the front pillars reduces visibillity, this might be just because of the position I have my seat.
The fabric panelling in the boot space has before fuzzy with the foldaway seats being in constant use but this is only cosmetic.
It has had some annoying rattles. There also has been some problems mechanically but nothing major , just rattles from the engine, but again are annoying, The dealer has replace the cambelt/pulleys to attempt to rectify this rattle but so far have been unsuccesful.

When I decided to buy a new car I shortlisted the choice between a Vauxhall Zafira and the Renault Grand Scenic , the scenic comes with more items fitted as standard and in my opinion offers more room in the passenger compartment and better value for money