A well thought-out interior, innovative tech and an impressive long range for an EV are just a few of the features that scooped the Renault Scenic The Sun’s Family Car of the Year award.
But could it cut the mustard (French or British) with an active family and hard-to-impress teenagers putting it through its paces?
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Here’s the lowdown on my extended Test.
Driving Experience
Over the months I had the Scenic on test, the lasting impression was that it certainly lives up to the name tag. It’s a serene drive across all types of terrain.
From a half-term trip to the West Country where we blasted down the M4 and M5 without the need for a pit stop, to a longer trek to the tip of Cornwall, we pushed the Scenic to the limit in terms of distance, weight and durability.
As a result, it rose to the challenge, negating any fears that EVs can’t be the versatile plug-ins that so many British families are looking for.
While the acceleration is good, with a 0-62mph of 7.9 seconds, it won’t win any drag races.
On motorways, it sits well at 70mph, with sound thrust on overtakes and lane changes. The brakes are solid and, around town, the ride held firm over pot-holed roads.
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There’s a drive mode for every whim. Eco mode naturally slows the car to optimise battery performance, capping speed and dialling down in-car features.
All hail to its minimalist ways, which were particularly effective during a major motorway diversion.
A slightly longer route meant I might have been looking at an additional charging stop.
But I arrived home with 20 miles to spare and no range anxiety – job done!
For less frugal days, Comfort was the mid-range setting that became my default.
Sport provides that extra bit of power when required, and Perso is for those who want (and have the time) to create their own setup.
Battery Range
We’ve been treated to the Iconic Long Range 220 HP version, meaning that, in theory and on a full charge it can reach a range of 369 miles. This is pretty decent and, in my experience of EVs, gives it competitive appeal.
A larger battery size (87 kWh versus the standard model’s 60 kWH) does, however, come at an £8,000 price uptick, so one to factor into purchase budgets.
The Scenic’s output matched up well to the claimed range. In the colder months, it’s full charge only hit the 330 miles mark, but this is acceptable and more than adequate.
Similarly, on mid to longer journeys, it kept to the indicated range when driven in the 50-60mph territory.
Any closer to 70mph and this began to drop off, but only as
expected, so not a point to fret over.
Cool Tech
Want suave design vibes? You got it. The tech was a tantalising teen dream. Sounds by French legendary electro-pop guru Jean-Michel Jarre and a rear-view mirror that can run as a video screen were the order of the day.
Throw in the Solarbay panoramic glass roof, which can darken or lighten on demand, and the awesome AC in the back and front sections of the cabin to dial up the chill factor, and we beat the heatwaves.
With the 12” multimedia touchscreen (portrait in shape so it feels like a large phone) and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system to boot, me and my gang were spoiled.
Family Friendly Features
As passengers in the back, my teens were impressed with the arm rest that keeps on giving. It unfolds to offer drinks holders, USB ports and a smart phone/tablet holder.
The boot area also had a surprise in-store. Prise up the easy-to-lift floor mat and you discover a whole new storage section. Excellent for boots in the winter, wetsuits in the summer and the dog kit whatever the season.
The Rivals
Renault is pitching the Scenic E-Tech into a cluster of new mid-sized EVs that have launched in the last year or so.
Key rivals for the family-friendly vote come from the Kia EV3, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq. All offer sleek designs and impressive cabin features, which the Scenic stands up well to.
The Tesla Model Y is also in this herd of contenders, but Elon’s recent political distractions has damaged his appeal to UK buyers.
Final Verdict
Making the switch to an EV might not yet be the right choice for regular families in the UK, but it is one that will start to become more familiar.
With an on-the-road price of just over £45,000, the Renault Scenic E-Tech could be considered a relatively expensive option, but it is the full package.
It’s therefore not difficult to see why it was also crowned European Car of the Year 2024.
Winning these accolades from experienced car reviewers is one thing, but surviving a few months with my clan is another.
The Scenic stepped up to the mark here too, so add that to its trophy cabinet.
Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic Long Range – key facts
Here’s everything you need to know about The Sun’s Family Car of the Year:
- Price: £45,495
- Acceleration: 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds
- Battery: 87 kWh
- Top Speed: 105 mph
- Power: 220hp
- Range: 369 WLTP
