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The first Renault Scenic rolled off the production line of the French manufacturer in 1996, reached staggering heights of acclaim and won the title of European Car of the Year in 1997. The Renault Scenic was the first of its kind in Europe and featured a five-seater design based on the chassis of a hatchback but with a high roof, giving it the practicality and look of an MPV.
The latest model is the second generation of the Scenic line. Both new and nearly new Renault Scenic models share similarities with the Renault Megane. Under the bonnet, the Renault Scenic was mechanically identical to the Megane hatchback with its four different engine types, until 1999 when the Renault retooled the front styling of the Renault Scenic and introduced 16-valve engines.
Renault underestimated the popularity of the Scenic model and anticipated only producing 450 per day in the company's Douai plant. The reality is that production rose to 2500 vehicles a day to keep up with public demand. That demand still fuels the purchase of used Renault Scenic cars with its overall, streamlined design in a trend-setting MPV.
Development was also under way at Renault for a four-wheel drive and the result was a 4WD derivative of the original Scenic, the RX4. Featuring part-time on-demand 4WD, Renault also completely re-engineered the rear suspension. With a higher ride, the RX4 had larger wheels and an increased suspension travel. Production ceased in 2003, when the next generation of the Renault Scenic debuted. Renault does not currently propose to manufacture a 4WD version of the new model.
In 2009, Renault launched the new Renault Scenic and Renault Grand Scenic. New models take their cues from Renault styling and incorporate the card keyless immobilizer and an automatic parking brake. In 2011 the model won Car Buyers best MPV, achieving impressive performance for excellent value.