RENAULT, Scenic E-Tech (Latest Model)

The latest UK Scenic line-up centres on the 87kWh Long Range battery and a single front motor producing approximately 217bhp. Official WLTP range reaches around 381 miles in Techno specification, falling slightly with the larger wheels and equipment of Esprit Alpine and Iconic versions. In everyday mixed driving, roughly 285–330 miles is realistic in favourable conditions, with colder motorway use requiring a more conservative estimate.

Recent pricing places the Techno at around £36,995 before grant support, with some newer model-year listings showing different grant-adjusted prices. Esprit Alpine adds sportier visual details, while Iconic gains the richer equipment and finish. Earlier Scenics included a smaller-battery option but the current British range increasingly concentrates on the larger battery. That is welcome because the Scenic’s greatest strength is combining family space with serious travel range. Techno supplies most of the substance without the highest trim's extra expense.

The Scenic's cabin combines a pleasantly airy atmosphere with a dashboard that feels more considered than theatrical. The portrait-oriented centre display works alongside a clear digital instrument panel, while Google-based navigation is a genuine advantage when plotting charging stops and looking for live traffic information. Renault also retains useful physical controls, avoiding the need to prod a screen for every everyday function.

The front seats provide good support and the materials are attractive, especially in the richer specifications. Families will appreciate the storage compartments, charging points and rear-seat armrest with useful accessories. Some cabin trim is less luxurious than it initially appears but the atmosphere is modern and welcoming. Large windows and the available panoramic roof help the sense of space. It feels like an interior intended for people travelling together, rather than one designed merely to look dramatic under showroom lights.

The Scenic drives with a calm assurance that suits its family-car responsibilities. Acceleration from the 217bhp motor is brisk rather than outrageous, with enough power for overtaking and merging onto busy motorways. The steering is accurate, the body is controlled and the car feels reasonably agile for something carrying a large battery beneath the floor. It does not have the poise of a smaller Renault 5 but it never feels clumsy.

Ride comfort is generally pleasing on sensible wheel sizes, although larger alloys can make potholes and poor repairs more noticeable. The cabin is quiet at a cruise and the supportive seats help on longer journeys. Regenerative braking is adjustable, which allows the driver to suit the car's behaviour to traffic conditions. The Scenic is not designed to be thrown enthusiastically through bends; its strengths are measured responses, comfort and the ability to arrive after a long journey feeling calm and relaxed.

Renault quotes as much as 381 miles on the WLTP cycle, a competitive figure for a family SUV. In practice, an 87kWh Scenic should manage roughly 285–330 miles in varied temperate driving; winter motorway use may reduce that to approximately 245–285. The advantage is that a large chunk of ordinary weekly mileage can be completed before a recharge is needed. Those estimates still depend heavily on speed, temperature and wheel size.

DC charging peaks at around 150kW and a 15–80 per cent top up takes roughly 37 minutes in favourable conditions. That is acceptable rather than spectacular and alternatives with 800-volt hardware can recover range faster. AC charging at up to 11kW is supported, while a typical UK home wallbox will need around thirteen hours for a near-empty battery. Using a cheap overnight tariff brings the cost per mile down considerably but the large battery makes expensive public electricity a noticeable expense on long trips.

The Scenic measures 4,470mm long, around 1,864mm wide excluding mirrors and 1,571mm tall, making it slightly shorter than some family SUVs without feeling cramped inside. Its 2,785mm wheelbase creates generous rear legroom and two tall adults can sit comfortably behind average-height front occupants. Three children fit more readily than three broad adults but family use is well catered for.

A 545-litre boot is a significant strength, expanding to approximately 1,449 litres when the seats are folded. It is large enough for a pushchair, holiday luggage and the unpredictable collection of things that follow a family everywhere. A raised loading lip is worth noting when lifting heavy items and there is no enormous front compartment to compensate. Rear access is easy, storage is thoughtfully arranged and child-seat installation is relatively painless. In everyday practicality, the Scenic is one of the strongest cars in this size class.

The Scenic includes a broad collection of safety aids covering emergency braking, lane assistance and driver monitoring, with some additional features reserved for higher trims. Its predictable handling and good forward visibility contribute to a reassuring experience, even when weather conditions deteriorate. Some alerts are more vocal than necessary but the underlying systems are useful on motorway journeys and in busy traffic.

Renault's modern electric platform and battery management systems are promising, although the current Scenic remains too young for definitive decade-long reliability judgements. Software updates and completion of recall work deserve attention, particularly on early-build examples. The cabin feels solid and the electric drivetrain avoids many combustion-engine service items. Battery warranty cover adds some protection. Still, a buyer planning extended ownership should examine charging history, warning messages and service records rather than relying solely on the brand's increasing EV experience.

The Scenic has remembered what made the name valuable: room for people and their belongings, with enough comfort to make a long journey pleasant. The 87kWh model adds an impressive electric range without making the car excessively large. It is not the quickest-charging or sharpest-handling SUV but families will appreciate the sensible details long after the styling has ceased to be a novelty.