The Renault Scenic II (Phase I) 1.4 i 16V, produced between 2003 and 2006, represents Renault’s second generation of the compact minivan, a vehicle segment the Scenic pioneered in Europe. Positioned as a family-oriented vehicle, the Scenic II aimed to provide practicality, comfort, and a degree of style within the increasingly competitive European market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scenic series was a significant player in the European multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) landscape, offering an alternative to traditional station wagons and larger vans. This particular variant, equipped with a 1.4-liter gasoline engine producing 98 horsepower, was designed for economy and everyday usability.
Renault Scenic II (Phase I) 1.4 i 16V: An Overview
The Scenic II marked a substantial evolution from its predecessor, featuring a more refined interior, improved build quality, and a wider range of available features. Phase I models, like the 1.4 i 16V, established the design language and core characteristics of the second-generation Scenic. The vehicle’s focus remained on maximizing interior space and versatility, catering to the needs of families and individuals requiring a flexible and practical vehicle. Its five-door configuration and five-seat layout were standard, with a strong emphasis on modularity and storage solutions.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Scenic II 1.4 i 16V is powered by a 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the K4J. This naturally aspirated engine produces 98 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 127 Nm (93.67 lb-ft) of torque at 3750 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it was designed to provide adequate power for everyday driving conditions. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 13.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at 174 km/h (108.12 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers combined (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 173 g/km, meeting Euro 3 D4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Scenic II Phase I boasts a distinctive minivan silhouette, characterized by its tall roofline, short overhangs, and large windows. The design prioritized maximizing interior space and visibility. The interior was a key selling point, offering a modular seating system that allowed for various configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo. Features included a split-folding rear seat, numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, and a user-friendly dashboard layout. Safety features for the era included driver and passenger airbags, ABS brakes, and seatbelt pretensioners. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs) contributes to its manageable handling characteristics. Trunk space is a notable feature, ranging from 430 liters (15.19 cu ft) with the rear seats up to 1840 liters (64.98 cu ft) with the seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Scenic II (Phase I) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 i 16V (98 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2003 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 173 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 174 km/h (108.12 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 D4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.5 kg/Hp, 74.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.4 kg/Nm, 96.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 98 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 127 Nm @ 3750 rpm (93.67 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4J |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 70 mm (2.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1880 kg (4144.69 lbs.) |
| Max load | 560 kg (1234.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1840 l (64.98 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4259 mm (167.68 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2087 mm (82.17 in.) |
| Height | 1620 mm (63.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm (105.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1514 mm (59.61 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1514 mm (59.61 in.) |
| Front overhang | 851 mm (33.5 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 723 mm (28.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 130 mm (5.12 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 280 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 270 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Scenic II (Phase I) 1.4 i 16V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, versatility, and affordability within the European MPV segment. Its focus on family needs and efficient operation made it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and functional vehicle for everyday use.
