Renault Scenic XMOD (2013 – 2016) Review

Renault Scenic XMOD (2013 – 2016) At A Glance

3/5

+More practical than a crossover but with rugged looks. Comfortable and easy to drive. Well equipped.

-Confusing infotainment system. Some materials could be better. Not a true all-wheel drive.

Insurance Groups are between 18–24
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

With its black plastic bumpers, upright styling and silver roof rails the Renault Scenic XMOD looks a lot like a crossover SUV – but it’s much closer to a regular Scenic MPV in terms of its practicality and driving dynamics. That means it’s a sensible family car, but with a dash of extra pizzazz.

It’s not all style over substance. Renault has fitted a system called Grip Xtend to the XMOD to help it cope with mud, grass and snow. The car still has front wheel drive, but software helps improve traction in slippery conditions – and drivers can alter the system depending on the road surface. Traction is further helped by standard fit mud and snow tyres.

The engine line up mirrors that of the Scenic, with three petrol engines and two diesels, ranging in size from 1.2-litre to 1.6-litre. None of the engines is particularly powerful, but the top dCi 130PS diesel manages to blend reasonable performance with low emissions of 114g/km and economy of 64.2mpg.

Regardless of what's under the bonnet the XMOD is a reasonable car to drive – ride comfort is generally quite good unless road surfaces are particularly rough, while the steering is well-weighted and the gearchange slick.

More impressive is the practicality. There’s a lot of space in the back row and the boot has a substantial 437 litres of space, extendable to 1837 litres with the middle row tumbled forward. For a growing family it’s ideal and would be a wiser choice than most similarly priced crossovers if practicality is a top priority.

For those who want the everyday usability of an MPV with some of the style and prestige of a crossover or SUV the XMOD is worth a look. It comes well equipped and is competitively priced compared to both MPVs and crossovers, plus it’s spacious and easy to drive. 

Real MPG average for a Renault Scenic XMOD (2013 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

40–60 mpg

MPGs submitted

18

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Need a reliable used family car - any suggestions?

"We have a 2012 Ford Focus estate that my wife wants to get rid of and replace with something with a higher seating position. We have shortlisted two cars: 2013 Scenic XMod 1.6 diesel with 60,000 miles on the clock - £7k 2007 Toyota Rav4 2.2 D4D XT5 with 86,000 miles on the clock - £6k Can you help? The car needs to pull a caravan (of 1300kg weight) five or six times a year. It will also need to be a family car for us and our one year old and get the wife to and from work, six miles away. Any advice would be gratefully received."
The Scenic has the better engine. The Renault 1.6dCi 130 was introduced in the Scenic in 2011 and is now fitted to the Mercedes C200, Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar among many others. It was state of the art, manifold in head when it was launched, I have not heard of problems with it, and I am presently running one myself in a Kadjar. Expect high 40s mpg.
Answered by Honest John

When should I service my car?

"The first service on my Renault Scenic is due after 20,000 miles. A Renault mechanic suggested its a good idea to change the oil before that milestone - my present mileage is about 11,000. What do you think? "
Absolutely right. Every car engine needs an oil and filter change at least every year or every 10,000 miles whichever comes first.
Answered by Honest John
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