The Renault Scenic III (Phase I) 1.6 16V (110 Hp) Ethanol, produced between 2009 and 2010, represents Renault’s continued commitment to the compact minivan segment. The Scenic, a nameplate first introduced in 1996, quickly became a popular choice in Europe for families seeking a practical and versatile vehicle. The third generation, launched in 2009, aimed to build upon this success with improved styling, enhanced interior space, and a focus on fuel efficiency. While not officially sold in the United States, the Scenic III was a significant model in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Touran and Citroën C4 Picasso. This particular variant, powered by a 1.6-liter engine capable of running on gasoline or E85 ethanol, offered a flexible fuel option appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking to reduce fuel costs.
Renault Scenic III: A Detailed Overview
The Scenic III Phase I marked a substantial evolution in the Scenic’s design and engineering. Renault aimed for a more sophisticated and modern aesthetic, moving away from the more rounded styling of its predecessor. The interior was completely redesigned, focusing on improved ergonomics, increased storage space, and a higher perceived quality of materials. A key feature of the Scenic III was its panoramic sunroof, which extended almost the entire length of the roof, creating a bright and airy cabin environment. The Phase I models, produced from 2009 to 2010, represent the initial iteration of the third-generation Scenic, with subsequent phases introducing further refinements and updates.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Scenic III 1.6 16V (110 Hp) Ethanol is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the K4M. This engine is notable for its flex-fuel capability, allowing it to run on gasoline, E85 ethanol, or any blend of the two. When running on E85, the engine produces 110 horsepower (82 kW) at 6000 rpm and 151 Nm (111.37 lb-ft) of torque at 3750 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a naturally aspirated configuration. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 12 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 8.7 kg/Nm. The engine displacement is 1598 cm³ (97.52 cu. in.), with a compression ratio of 9.7:1.
Design & Features
The Renault Scenic III Phase I is a five-door minivan designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers. Its body style prioritizes practicality and versatility, offering a spacious interior and a large cargo area. The exterior design features a distinctive front end with Renault’s signature grille and headlight design. The panoramic sunroof is a defining feature, enhancing the sense of spaciousness within the cabin. Inside, the Scenic III boasts a modular interior with sliding rear seats and a folding front passenger seat, allowing for flexible cargo configurations. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4343 mm (170.98 in) in length, 1845 mm (72.64 in) in width, and 1624 mm (63.94 in) in height. The wheelbase measures 2702 mm (106.38 in), providing a stable and comfortable ride. Trunk space ranges from 437 to 522 liters (15.43 to 18.43 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, and expands to 1837 liters (64.87 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Scenic |
| Generation | Scenic III (Phase I) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 16V (110 Hp) Ethanol |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| 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) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 151 Nm @ 3750 rpm (111.37 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K4M |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1877 kg (4138.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 557 kg (1227.97 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 437 l (15.43 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1837 l (64.87 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 | 695 kg (1532.21 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4343 mm (170.98 in.) |
| Width | 1845 mm (72.64 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2077 mm (81.77 in.) |
| Height | 1624 mm (63.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2702 mm (106.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1546 mm (60.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Front overhang | 888 mm (34.96 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 753 mm (29.65 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.05 m (36.25 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 296 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 260 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/ 60 R16; 205/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |


