The 1st generation Scenic compact van was introduced in 1996 under the Renault brand, but initially it was called Megane Scenic, which indicated that it belonged to this family of cars with a separate body type. As a result of the modernization carried out in 1999, the car acquired an updated design, other engines, and also "spun off from the Megan" - it became "just Renault Scenic".
In total, until 2003, about 2.8 million compact vans were produced, after which a second generation model appeared.
The first "Scenic" belongs to the compact van class, and its overall dimensions are as follows: 4168 mm in length, 1609 mm in height and 1719 mm in width. The front axle is located at a distance of 2,580 mm from the rear axle, and a 120 mm ground clearance can be seen under the underbody of the car.
On the "Scenic" of the 1st generation, petrol "aspirated" engines with a volume of 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 liters were initially installed, producing 75, 90 and 115 "horses", respectively, as well as a 1.9-liter diesel unit, the power of which varies from 65 to 99 forces per depending on the modification. In tandem, they were offered "mechanics" for five gears or a 4-speed "automatic".
After the restyling of 1999, Renault Scenic got more powerful 16-valve engines, which replaced the 8-valve ones. The power line of the car began to include units with a volume of 1.4-2.0 liters with a return from 95 to 140 "horses". The diesel part was replenished with a 1.9-liter engine generating 102 horsepower.
On the front axle of the "first Scenic", an independent suspension with McPherson struts is used, on the rear - a semi-independent scheme with a torsion beam. Disc brakes are installed on each of the wheels (the front ones are ventilated).
This first-generation French compact MPV has a number of advantages, including economical engines, reliability, low-cost maintenance, a spacious interior, good interior transformation performance, high seating position, large luggage compartment and confident road behavior.
But Renault Scenic was not without its drawbacks - a harsh suspension, satisfactory sound insulation, cheap interior materials and a long warm-up of the cabin on frosty days.
