2013 Renault Scenic 1.2L TCe 6MT FWD (130 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Renault refreshed the third generation of the Scenic lineup in 2013, and besides some aesthetic upgrades, it also added new options for the drivetrains.

The French MPV dominated its market segment for almost two decades. But Renault tried to master it and keep it ahead of its competitors. Even though it wasn’t the most powerful or the best-looking minivan from Europe, its sales were high thanks to its high safety scores and friendly interior. On top of that, the car was available with a wide choice of engines. But, in 2012, the automaker improved the Scenic, and thus the final four years on the market for this generation sold well.

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.

Inside, the 2013 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 rear.

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 transformed the Scenic from a regular, road-oriented minivan into a crossover able to go on unpaved roads. Even if it wasn’t an all-wheel drive version, thanks to its electronically-controlled differential at the front, it could tackle some mud and snow situations better than the rest of its siblings.