1996 Renault Megane Scenic Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Renault Megane Scenic (1996-1999) ranges between 1220 kg and 1290 kg (2689 to 2844 lbs), depending on the specific configuration and trim level. Its maximum permissible weight, which includes passengers and cargo, varies from 1770 kg to 1840 kg (3903 to 4056 lbs). This weight range ensures the vehicle can comfortably carry a full load while maintaining its handling and safety characteristics, typical for a compact minivan designed for family and utility use.

The Renault Megane Scenic boasts a generous luggage capacity, ideal for family trips and cargo needs. With the rear seats in their upright position, the luggage compartment measures 410 liters (14.5 cubic feet), providing ample space for everyday shopping and smaller loads. When the rear seats are folded down, the available space expands significantly to 1800 liters (63.6 cubic feet), enabling the transport of larger items such as furniture, sports equipment, or camping gear. This flexible configuration is one of the key features that made the Scenic popular among compact minivan buyers.

The Renault Megane Scenic has a ride height or ground clearance of 120 mm (4.7 inches), which provides a reasonable balance between road-hugging stability and the ability to handle slight obstacles or uneven terrain encountered in everyday driving or light off-road conditions. The roof load capacity is rated at 80 kg (176 lbs), which allows the vehicle to safely carry roof-mounted cargo such as luggage boxes, roof racks, or sports equipment, expanding its versatility for active families and leisure activities.

The standard rim size for the Renault Megane Scenic (1996-1999) is 14 inches, which is typical for a compact minivan of this era. The tire sizes available for this vehicle include 175/70 R14 and 185/70 R14. These tire sizes offer a balance between ride comfort, handling, and fuel economy, suited to the Scenic’s family-oriented drive dynamics. The relatively narrow width helps with lower rolling resistance while still providing adequate traction and safety for typical driving situations.

The Renault Megane Scenic, with its length of 4134 mm (162.8 inches), width of 1719 mm (67.7 inches), and height of 1675 mm (65.9 inches), generally fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage, which typically measures about 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide, 4800 mm (189 inches) long, and 2100 mm (82.7 inches) tall. Its compact length and moderate width allow easy maneuverability within typical residential garages. However, considering the height of 1675 mm (65.9 inches), there is sufficient clearance under most garage doors, though it is always good practice to check specific garage dimensions as they can vary.

As the Renault Megane Scenic was introduced as a new compact minivan variant built on the Megane platform, it did not have a direct predecessor in Renault’s lineup in the same segment. Compared to the base Megane hatchback of the same era, the Scenic offers significantly greater height (1675 mm vs roughly 1400 mm), slightly larger width, and a longer body to accommodate its minivan functionality and increased interior space. When compared to similarly sized minivans like the Volkswagen Sharan or Opel Zafira introduced around the same time, the Scenic is more compact in length but offers competitive interior flexibility and luggage capacity, establishing it as a practical choice for urban family transport.

In the late 1990s, the Renault Megane Scenic distinguished itself in the compact minivan segment with its clever interior packaging, flexible seating, and competitive luggage capacity. Its 410 liters (14.5 cubic feet) of luggage volume with seats up and 1800 liters (63.6 cubic feet) with seats folded offered more versatile cargo space than many competitors in a similar footprint. Compared to rivals such as the Citroën Xsara Picasso or the Opel Zafira, the Scenic focused more on an increased roof height and practical storage solutions, appealing especially to families requiring day-to-day utility combined with compact dimensions for city driving.

The 1996-1999 Renault Megane Scenic features a design focused on passenger safety and comfort, with a reinforced body structure aimed at safeguarding occupants. The vehicle includes safety features typical for its time, such as front airbags (depending on variant), ABS brakes, and good crashworthiness for the segment. Its tall, upright design maximizes interior space and visibility, while wide-opening doors facilitate easier access for passengers and cargo. The Scenic was also celebrated for its ergonomic cabin design, which contributed to a comfortable driving experience and functional family transport.

The Renault Megane Scenic offers a comfortable ride optimized for family use, with a suspension setup tuned to absorb most road imperfections while maintaining stable handling. Despite its taller minivan stature, the Scenic provides predictable and composed behavior in corners, helped by a well-balanced chassis and modest curb weight ranging between 1220 and 1290 kg (2689 to 2844 lbs). Ground clearance of 120 mm (4.7 inches) is adequate for urban and suburban road conditions but does not cater to off-road driving. Overall, the Scenic balances comfort, practicality, and everyday usability to meet the needs of small families and active lifestyles.