The 2003 Scenic Range

2001 was another record year for the Renault Scénic sales in the UK with 40,412 examples sold in 2001 accounting for 24.8% of the mini-MPV market and a 15.8% increase over its performance in 2000. This is proof that although a number of other manufacturers have now entered the mini-MPV arena, customer demand for the original Scénic remains strong, so much so that demand across Europe has actually increased in 2002.

For 2003 Renault is updating the Scénic range with the addition of an automatic transmission for the popular 1.9dCi model, adding the option of satellite navigation.

2003 Scénic Collection

The Scénic range continues with the designations Authentique, Expression, Expression Plus, Dynamique, Fidji, Dynamique Plus, Privilège and Privilège Monaco, with these models fitting into the three collections Freeway, Sport and Elegance. Each collection is aimed towards the needs of particular buyers - hence Freeway offers versatility and style at an accessible price, Sport provides more dynamic equipment like alloy wheels, while the Elegance Collection spoils customers with top of the range luxury equipment like uprated Hi-Fi’s and leather upholstery.

The Freeway Collection

The Freeway Collection of 2003 Scénic comprises three models - Authentique, Expression and Expression Plus.

The entry level Authentique is available with three engines - the 95bhp 1.4 16V and 110bhp 1.6 16v petrol engines and the 80bhp 1.9dTi turbo diesel engine. Authentique features all the standard safety features of ABS with electronic brake distribution, driver, front passenger and front lateral airbags plus curtain airbags, three-point seatbelts for all rear passengers and ISOFIX child seat anchorages on the outer rear seats.

Standard equipment includes remote central locking, electric front windows - with driver side one-touch operation - electrically operated door mirrors, double optic headlamps, body coloured door mirrors and bumpers, ‘smart’ windscreen wipers that regulate themselves to the speed the vehicle is moving, a 60W Radio Cassette HiFi with six speakers and fingertip remote control, and rear accessory power point.

Next in line is the Expression featuring three petrol engines - 1.4 16V, 1.6 16V (with the option of the proactive automatic transmission) and the 120bhp 1.8 16V - plus two diesel units - 1.9dTi 80 and the 105bhp 1.9dCi common-rail diesel engine. The 1.9dCi engine also now benefits from the option of a Proactive automatic transmission with manual flickshift override. Standard equipment on the Scénic Expression includes:

Air conditioning, which is also linked to Scénic’s unique coolbox at the base of the centre console, trip computer (excluding 1.9dTi), under seat storage for driver and front passenger and sliding and reclining rear outer seats in addition to the sliding centre rear seat fitted to all Scénics, electric heated door mirrors, body coloured boot and door handles and exterior temperature indicator.

Expression Plus, as the name would suggest, adds Renault’s Pack Plus which comprises of:

60W Multi-CD Radio Cassette with six speakers and fingertip remote control, two electric tilt and slide sunroofs and an opening tailgate window. If these items were added individually they would cost £950 whereas the extra cost to the customer of the Pack Plus is £600 on top of Expression prices.