New Car Road Test - Renault Scenic Oasis Special Edition Range

Renault's Scenic is deservedly a class-leader in the mini-MPV sector and to keep it on top, Renault have introduced a series of Oasis special edition models.

Prices for the special edition variants we look at here start from £15,920 for the regular Scenic Oasis which seats up to five.

A long wheelbase seven-seat Grand Scenic Oasis is also available with prices starting at £16,920, but most will settle for the regular model, offering as it does a usefully larger cabin space.

Based on the existing Expression trim level, the Oasis comes with £1,250 of extra equipment for an additional £300. The added extras include the Hands-Free Renault Card that automatically opens the doors when in close proximity to the vehicle and allows the driver to start the car by pressing a start button rather than fumbling for a traditional key.

Other additional equipment includes a 6-CD changer, alarm, electronically folding door mirrors and a fixed-glass panoramic sunroof. Other standard equipment featured includes a 60W RDS radio/single CD with fingertip remote controls, ABS brakes with EBD, Brake Assist, air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, automatic headlamps and rain sensing windscreen wipers.

For customers wishing to specify their Scenic Oasis to an even higher level, several options are available which include cruise control with speed limiter at £250, metallic paint at £350, an opening tailgate window at £150, parking sensors at £250 and "Sleep Safe" child head restraints at £50 each.

Petrol buyers of the standard Scenic Oasis get the choice of a 111bhp 1.6-litre VVT with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Three diesel engines are available however - a Euro IV 86bhp 1.5-litre, a 106bhp 1.5-litre or the pick of the entire bunch, the 130bhp 1.9-litre dCi. The 1.5 106 and 1.9-litre models are fitted with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard while the smaller capacity model makes do with a five-speed box.

The Grand Scenic version offers the same 1.6-litre VVT 111bhp petrol engine and two diesel units, the 1.5-litre dCi 106bhp engine and the 1.9-litre dCi 130bhp unit. The petrol model comes with a five-speed box while the two diesels feature the six-speed transmission.

FASTFACTS

CAR: Renault Scenic Oasis special edition range

PRICES: £15,920-£19,120 - on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 4E-8E

CO2 EMISSIONS: 137-192g/km

PERFORMANCE: (1.9dCi) Max Speed 119mph / 0-60mph 9.6s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (1.9dCi) (urban) 38.7mpg / (extra urban) 53.3mpg / (combined) 47.1mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & curtain airbags / seatbelt pre-tensioners / ABS with emergency brake assist

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4259/2087/1621mm