The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) 1.9 D, produced between 1999 and 2000, represents a significant evolution in the compact minivan segment. As Renault’s entry into the burgeoning leisure activity vehicle (LAV) market – known as the minivan or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in the US – the Scenic aimed to provide a practical and versatile alternative to traditional hatchbacks and sedans. While not initially sold in the United States, the Scenic became a popular choice in Europe, known for its innovative design and focus on family-friendly features. The Phase II update brought refinements to the original Scenic, enhancing its appeal and solidifying its position as a key player in its class.
Renault Scenic I (Phase II): A European Compact Minivan
The Scenic I, and specifically the Phase II iteration, was designed to cater to the needs of modern families. It offered a spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and a range of practical features. The Phase II models benefited from minor cosmetic updates and improvements to the interior trim and equipment levels. The 1.9 D variant, powered by a diesel engine, was particularly popular in European markets due to its fuel efficiency and suitability for long-distance travel. This model offered a balance between practicality, affordability, and reasonable performance for its intended purpose.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) 1.9 D is equipped with a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the F8Q. This naturally aspirated engine produces 64 horsepower at 4500 rpm and 118 Nm (87.03 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2250 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and is particularly well-suited to highway cruising. The engine’s precombustion chamber injection system, common for diesel engines of that era, contributes to its fuel efficiency. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 18.9 seconds, and the vehicle has a maximum speed of 152 km/h (94.45 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 19.9 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 10.8 kg/Nm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) is a five-door minivan with a practical and functional design. Its compact dimensions – 4168 mm (164.09 in.) in length, 1719 mm (67.68 in.) in width, and 1609 mm (63.35 in.) in height – make it relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments. The vehicle offers seating for five passengers and boasts a versatile interior. A key feature of the Scenic is its modular seating system, allowing the rear seats to be folded, tumbled, or even removed completely to create a larger cargo area. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 410 liters (14.48 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front disc brakes, with discs also used for the rear brakes. The steering is rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels with 185/65 R15 tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Scenic I (Phase II) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 D (64 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 18.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 18.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 18 sec |
| Maximum speed | 152 km/h (94.45 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 19.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 64 Hp @ 4500 rpm |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 2250 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F8Q |
| Engine displacement | 1870 cm3 (114.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1275 kg (2810.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 410 l (14.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1800 l (63.57 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4168 mm (164.09 in.) |
| Width | 1719 mm (67.68 in.) |
| Height | 1609 mm (63.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2580 mm (101.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Rear track | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Scenic I (Phase II) 1.9 D, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package for families seeking a practical, versatile, and fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Its innovative design and focus on functionality helped to establish the Scenic as a benchmark in the compact minivan segment in Europe.
