The Renault Scenic I RX 2.0i (140 Hp), produced between 2000 and 2003, represents Renault’s initial foray into the compact minivan (or multi-purpose vehicle – MPV) segment. This first generation Scenic, designated the RX trim, was a pivotal model for Renault, establishing the brand as a key player in the burgeoning European market for family-focused vehicles. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scenic I was a significant vehicle in Europe, offering a practical and relatively affordable alternative to larger, more expensive MPVs. It distinguished itself with its innovative interior packaging and focus on passenger comfort, features that would become hallmarks of subsequent Scenic generations.
Renault Scenic I RX: A Detailed Overview
The Scenic I RX aimed to provide a versatile and spacious vehicle for families, blending the practicality of a station wagon with the maneuverability of a hatchback. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a vehicle capable of handling daily commutes, school runs, and weekend trips with ease. The RX trim level, equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, offered a balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice within the Scenic lineup. The Scenic’s success helped define the compact MPV segment and influenced vehicle design trends throughout Europe.
Engine & Performance
Powering the Renault Scenic I RX 2.0i is a naturally aspirated, 1998 cc (121.93 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine, designated the F4R. This engine produces 140 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 189 Nm (139.4 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 10.5 kg/Hp (95.6 Hp/tonne). The engine’s performance translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 180 km/h (111.85 mph). While not a performance vehicle, the 2.0-liter engine provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The engine requires 5.3 liters (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) of engine oil and 7 liters (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Renault Scenic I RX is a five-door minivan with a seating capacity of five passengers. Its design prioritized interior space and practicality. The body style is characterized by a relatively high roofline and a short, sloping hood, maximizing headroom and cargo capacity. A key feature of the Scenic I was its modular interior, allowing for flexible seating configurations. Rear seats could be folded down or even removed entirely to create a larger cargo area. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 410 liters (14.48 cu. ft.), expanding to a substantial 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was becoming increasingly common on European vehicles. The steering system is a hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion setup, providing responsive and precise handling. The vehicle rides on 215/65 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Scenic I RX |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 i (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 year |
| End of production | 2003 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg, 8.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg, 29.7 UK mpg, 10.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 189 Nm @ 3750 rpm (139.4 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | F4R |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1465 kg (3229.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1990 kg (4387.2 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 | 4425 mm (174.21 in.) |
| Width | 1775 mm (69.88 in.) |
| Height | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2620 mm (103.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Renault Scenic I RX 2.0i, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, space, and reasonable performance for families in the early 2000s. Its success paved the way for future generations of the Scenic, solidifying Renault’s position in the competitive MPV market.
