Since its launch in 1996 the Renault Scénic has been the benchmark compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) by which all others are measured. The Scénic was originally built to appeal to those who wanted all the practicality of a MPV, but could not accommodate the larger size and higher price of such vehicles as Renault’s own Espace. Renault underestimated the sales impact that the Scénic would have — predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day. In fact, the compact MPV class did not exist until Renault created the Scénic and production for the first generation would eventually peak at nearly 2500 cars a day. Since its launch 3.3 million units have been sold worldwide.

Now, 13 years later, the third generation Scénic and Grand Scénic have just arrived on our local shores. By all accounts the Scénic seems to have lost none of the appeal that’s made it the de facto ‘mum’s taxi’.

Keeping up appearances is certainly no burden in the new Scénic. Renault say their new compact-MPV “heralds a fresh approach to MPV design. Using compact forms, taut lines, distinctive rear lights and sporty front-end looks derived from the new Mégane, the latest generation Scénic creates a new benchmark for this class”. We agree and enjoy the car-like styling of the new models.

As per Renault and Scénic’s heritage, safety is of paramount importance and it will come as no surprise to learn of the standard safety features such as ISOFIX anchorages for the rear seats and full-three-point safety belts for third-row occupants in New Grand Scénic, six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), emergency brake-force distribution (EBD) and electronic brake assist (EBA). Optional safety extras include electronic stability control (ESC) with CSV understeer control. What you may not know however, is that Euro NCAP, the organisation that assesses the safety of new cars, introduced a new overall car safety rating earlier this year. Areas under scrutiny are Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and the new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new, more stringent regulations, the Renault Grand Scénic has still managed to achieve a maximum 5-star rating.

Other standard features for safety and convenience include automatic headlight activation, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front fog lamps and electric folding mirrors. Inside the list continues with a MP3-compatible CD tuner with RCA socket and fingertip control, Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, air-conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, electric windows and electric power steering.

As if the list of features hasn’t been long enough already, the new Scénic and Grand Scénic 1.9dCi diesel models, are equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated Carminat TomTom navigation, 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, Plug & Music multimedia terminal and rear parking sensors. Additional optional features include 17-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof.

In terms of performance, buyers will have the choice of two engines, either a 1,6-litre 16-valve petrol, or a 1.9 dCi turbo-diesel. Although Renault say “the 1,6-litre 16-valve engine has been developed to deliver greater torque and flexibility at low revs”, we sampled the engine in the new Mégane and would have to say the turbo-diesel is far better suited to the task.

The 1,6-litre produces 83 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 151 N.m of torque at 4 250 r/min. Matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11,7 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 185 km/h. Renault claim a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 7,5 l/100 km.

In contrast, the 1,9dCi turbo-diesel engine produces 96 kW and a healthy 300 N.m of torque from 1750 rpm. Paired with the same 6-speed manual gearbox it hauls the Scénic from zero to 100 km/h in 10,6 seconds and the Grand Scénic in 11,5. Top speed of the diesel in both models is 195 km/h. But perhaps the best parts of the diesel engine are those which can’t be seen. Renault has added a few technical refinements that include a redesigned variable geometry turbocharger equipped with curved blades, to deliver swifter response and acceleration, as well as new seven-hole injectors that provide a finer, more efficient fuel delivery and more effective combustion. The result is a particularly refined and responsive diesel engine with no notable turbo-lag. In addition, fuel efficiency remains around 5,5 litres/100 km, ensuring an admirable potential range from the 60-litre fuel tank.

The Renault Scénic shares the same horned sub-frame front suspension arrangement as the new Mégane, as well as a closed-profile rear beam suspension for enhanced body-roll control and steering precision. True to its DNA then, the Scénic and Grand Scénic comfortably seat 5 and 7 passengers respectively, with space for their luggage, while providing a firm ride and reassuring handling characteristics.

Speaking of luggage, the Scénic has a maximum capacity of 1 837-litres, while the Grand Scénic is capable of swallowing 2 063-litres. Adding to the practicality of the Scénic are the 86-litres of storage throughout the cabin, including four underfloor compartments, four under-seat drawers, six map pockets, two aviation-style tables, an 11-litre glove-box and a further nine litres in the sliding centre console – the new Grand Scénic takes that tally to a remarkable 92 litres. Although these various storage compartments may not sound exciting in themselves, their inclusion is a testament to the ergonomics with which Renault designs its vehicles.

The quality of the interior is very good and offers a feeling of solidity. Easy to use controls, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, as well as seat height adjustment make for a comfortable journey. Headroom is cavernous, while ample legroom is found in both the front and rear. The one thing we aren’t too excited about is the new LCD screen, housing, among other information, the tachometer. A higher contrast ratio would be better, although it is reportedly customisable – just ask your kids, they’ll sort it out. We also happened to travel with a stiff cross-wind at times, which served to highlight how well the cabin is insulated against engine, tyre and wind noise.

Overall the Scénic continues to provide an incredibly safe, stylish and practical MPV at a reasonable price. Our choice would be the 1,9dCi Scénic for its nippy performance but the Grand Scénic provides the best carrying capacity for a few pennies more.

The Renault Mégane II was launched in South Africa in 2003 and marked a completely fresh start. There was very little resemblance between it and the outgoing Mégane I (Phase 2) at the time – the design of the Mégane II having been inspired by Renault’s Avantime ‘MPV-Coupé’. The Mégane II was voted European Car of the Year for 2003, and achieved a 5-star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, the first small family car to do so.

So, six years on, does Mégane III represent a similar jump as that of Mégane II from Mégane I? After spending some time with both the hatchback and coupé variants we think so, and here’s why.

The most obvious change to the Renault Mégane is that of the styling. Gone are the ‘love it, or hate it’ angular looks of the previous generation, which have now been replaced by a steeply tapering roof-line, slightly longer wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks and flowing lines from any angle you view the car. Distinguishing the 3-door coupé from the 5-door hatch are the prominent front air scoops and rear haunches, along with a different set of tail-lights and rear ‘diffuser’. The coupé also benefits from a sportier chassis setup with stiffer springs and dampers, as well as a 12 mm lower ride height and a 30 mm lower roll centre compared to the hatchback.

Inside, both Mégane models feature an instrument panel with analogue rev counter alongside a digital speedometer, housed in a soft-touch dashboard that has a quality feel to it. Standard equipment on both the coupé and hatch includes heated electric folding mirrors, one-touch electric windows with anti-pinch control, variable electric power steering, Renault card remote control with remote central locking and factory-fitted immobiliser; automatic dual-zone climate control; Bluetooth connectivity incorporated in the MP3-compatible sound system; cruise control; and rain and light sensors. An integrated Carminat TomTom satellite navigation system comes standard on all but the base models and is operated via a joystick control in the centre console. In addition, the sound system has been given special attention by Arkamys, a French-based company specialising in digital signal processing, who have developed 3D sound qualities for the Mégane’s 140-Watt 8-speaker sound system.

The interior of the Mégane III Hatch offers comfortable and supportive seats, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, plenty of headroom in the front, although limited in the rear for taller passengers, adequate leg room in the rear and enough luggage capacity – 405-litres for the hatch and a class leading 377-litres for the coupé. The fit and finish of the interior and its components is very good and of a high quality. Differentiating the coupé from its larger 5-door sibling are sportier, more supportive front seats and Renault’s ‘Easy Entry’ access to the rear. The theory is that two passengers should be able to travel in the back, however a quick glance your shoulder may leave you thinking the 5-door hatchback would accommodate passengers far more willingly.

Under the hood, buyers have the choice of a 83 kW 1,6-litre petrol, 96 kW 1,9-litre diesel or a 96 kW 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol motor – which will arrive in January 2010. We sampled the 1,6 petrol in the Mégane Coupé and the 1,9 diesel in the Mégane Hatch.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 1,6-litre petrol in the new Mégane Coupé was not what we expected. The 83 kW at 6 000 rpm and 151 N.m of torque at 4 250 rpm produced by the little 1,6 left us wanting more. But it’s no fault of the engine, in fact it’s performance figures are on par with others in its class. The Mégane ticks all the boxes a sporty coupé should – a slick 6-speed gearbox, precise steering, capable handling, firm ride, and even a sporty exhaust note. However, like a French super model, once you get to know her and a chance to look past the make-up and haute couture fashion, you find an ordinary girl who’s great fun to be with, make no mistake, it’s just that she’s not going to whip out the handcuffs or lingerie and give you a thrill. What are we saying? Well, the coupé is a great car but its look and feel elude to above average performance, when actually it’s a bit shy in this department. The 1,4-litre turbocharged engine should remedy this when it arrives as the Mégane Coupé TCe in January 2010. With 96 kW and 190 N.m of torque it should provide the bite to match the bark. And of course, lets not forget the ‘white hot’ Mégane RS, which should arrive in the 2nd quarter of 2010.

Powered by Renault’s updated 1.9 dCi turbodiesel engine, the Mégane Hatch we drove cruised effortlessly thanks to the 300 N.m of torque available from as low as 1 750 rpm. Changes to the diesel motor include a redesigned variable-geometry turbocharger with curved blades for swifter response, as well as new seven-hole injector nozzles for a finer, more efficient fuel spray. The result is a silky smooth turbo’d engine, with no hint of turbo-lag, that we could detect, and which Renault claims, offers fuel consumption of 5.1 l/100km. With a slightly softer ride than the coupé, a refined and torquey diesel, the Mégane makes for a supremely comfortable, not to mention stylish, family hatch.

Safety is synonymous with Renault and as with Mégane II, Renault has once again achieved the highest rating not just in the passenger car segment, but also as the safest vehicle in any category, based on the latest Euro NCAP crash tests. Setting new standards in both active and passive safety, New Mégane boasts six airbags (including two twin-chamber thorax/groin airbags), twin side-impact sensors, dual seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, as well as new-generation head restraints. The coupé gains an additional Pelvis Restraint Cushion (PRC) anti-submarining airbag on both front seats. ABS anti-lock brakes with Emergency Brake Assist are standard, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with understeer control is available as an option.

Overall, the new Renault Mégane offers a classy alternative to the likes of Corolla, Auris, Focus, Jetta and current Astra, and all while retaining prices not far off the model it replaces.