2013 Renault Grand Scenic 1.6L dCi 6MT FWD (130 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2013 Renault upgraded the Grand Scenic lineup along with its smaller sibling, the Scenic, and added some interesting new options for the drivetrains.

Renault had dominated the MPV segment for almost two decades, and it did that by keeping its vehicles ahead of the competition. While it wasn’t the best-looking nor the most potent minivan on the European market, its sales were high thanks to its safety scores and friendly interiors. For the 2013 model year, the Grand Scenic received more options that were not available on other minivans on the market.

Renault knew that a facelift had to be noticed from the outside, so it went on to create a new front fascia. Thus, the car received e redesigned lower bumper that included LED daytime running lights incorporated into the lower scoops. In addition, the bumper also incorporated an upper grille, which hosted the automaker’s badge in the middle and a chromed horizontal slat. Despite having a mere 5 cm (1.96″) longer wheelbase, it was 24 cm (9.44″) longer due to the extended rear overhang.

Inside, the Grand Scenic featured a new screen hosted on the dashboard atop the center stack. Its R-Link infotainment system was accessible via a small joystick placed on the center console in front of the armrest. Like its predecessor, the facelifted version was available with bucket seats at the front and a split-folding bench for three in the middle. As an option, the Grand Scenic was available with three rows of seats, increasing the overall capacity to seven occupants.

But the most significant changes were performed under the car’s skin. There was a new range of engines available and, most importantly, an XMOD version, which featured an electronically-controlled differential at the front, so it could tackle some mud and snow situations better than most of its competitors.