Renault has removed the Renault Grand Scenic MPV from its UK portfolio, following the five-seat Renault Scenic's departure last year.
The departure of the formerly popular people carrier, confirmed to Autocar by a Renault UK spokesperson, also comes after the Koleos large SUV met the same fate last week. The decision to remove the seven-seater was taken prior to that and the Covid-19 pandemic, however.
Both models remain on sale in other European markets, with the French brand’s UK range realigned to “better meet the needs of customers”. Although no UK-specific figures have been released, Renault sold just over 76,000 Scenics and Grand Scenics across Europe in 2019 – less than half the number it sold back in 2011.
The sales decline reflects that of the wider MPV sector in favour of SUVs, with a number of manufacturers including Ford, Toyota and Vauxhall having exited the segment in recent years. All three of those brands are now reliant on larger, van-based models to satisfy the multi-passenger fleet markets.
The original Scenic launched in 1996 and is widely credited with igniting the compact MPV sector. In 2003, the five-seater was joined by a seven-seat Grand Scenic, sitting beneath the Espace (which itself left the UK in 2014). At the MPV market’s peak in 2004, Renault shifted 320,000 Scenics and Grand Scenics in Europe.
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Not that surprised
Inevitable if you look at the low numbers, quite surprised how they manage to sell anything in the UK - the new Clio isn't flying out of showrooms despite being a decent new model with buyer apparently preferring the cramped Fiesta. Citroen seem to offer a few niche models, C3 Aircross and a few others. Peugeot must be pinning everything on the 208 being a success or it's curtains for them. Only things that seem successful are the incessant SUV styled cars with huge wheels and towering front architecture. It's becoming rare to see a 4 door saloon these days and normal hatchbacks on the road.
Inevitable but sad.
I can't say that I am shocked, the unstoppable rise of the SUV. I am so out of tune with the decisions of the UK car buying public. I think I have more in common with the Japanese who still seem to appreciate truly practical even quirky cars. Edgy and aggressive seems to be the norm here. Renault will cease to exist here soon if they keep culling their range. I'm still mourning the axing of the passenger version of the Kangoo, I told you I was out of touch. By accident I spotted this week that the Kangoo is sold in Japan (only as a car not a van) and seems to have a bit of a cult following. So Renault will send a right hand drive Kangoo half way round the world, but not across the Channel.
Correction - meant Scenic, not Megane
Ooops