29 Mar 04
The Grand Scenic, like its smaller sister model, drives much like a van: you sit very upright with the dash around you, rather than in front, and the dash-mounted gear stick can feel a bit too close. Underway, refinement levels are good, with the exception of some wind noise around the A-pillars. The biggest 1.9-litre turbodiesel suits the Grand Scenic best of all, delivering relaxed and responsive performance over a broad range of conditions. And the Grand Scenic handles with composure, greeting over-enthusiastic cornering speeds with safe understeer. It's not very involving to drive, though, without much in the way of steering feel and feedback. In short, the Grand Scenic can't dynamically match the likes of Ford's excellent Focus C-MAX, or the Golf-underpinned SEAT Altea. It is, though, a more practical and spacious alternative to these two.
With double optic headlights, a key-card ignition, electric windows and heated electric mirrors, 'airplane-style' fold-up tables and two 12v power points even base Authentique models are crammed with useful kit. Three ISOFIX child seat mounting points, six airbags, ABS brakes with electronic force distribution and emergency assist make up the standard safety provisions. Moving up to an Expression model adds front fogs, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, a CD player, air conditioning, rear window sun blinds and body-coloured mirrors and door handles. Dynamique cars wear 16-inch alloy wheels and gain a leather steering wheel and Thatcham-approved alarm. Top-spec Privilege models get a six-CD multichanger (mounted under the front passenger seat), part-leather seats, folding wing mirrors and illuminated vanity mirrors. Every Grand Scenic comes equipped with deadlocks and an immobiliser to thwart car thieves.
Priced between £14,613 for the 1.6 Authentique and £19,113 for the 1.9 dCi Privilege, the Grand Scenic costs £1000 more than its Scenic counterpart.
