Use the scroll bars on the right to view pictures of the Scenic and Grand Scenic

Renault's new Scenic now brings even more cabin space than before and greater comfort. It also handles like a sedan.

Renault says this MPV has long been Europe and South Africa's favourite compact MPV, with worldwide sales of 3.3-million units since its launch in 1996.

The 'standard' Scenic has a fresh, sporty design derived from the new Megane. The large intakes on the skirt and L-shaped rear lights give it a distinct styling.

The Grand Scenic steps up the class and has more elements of elegant limousine with its sweeping, soft curves and what Renault calls its 'boomerang' tail light clusters.

The new model is 80mm longer than its predecessor (70mm for the Grand Scenic). In fact Renault says its seven-seater model has more space for passengers in the third row than any other MPV.

The driving position is now less upright and more closely mimics a sedan because of the raised floor tilt of the steering wheel. The cabin is bright has a broader field of vision because of changes in the A-pillar position.

There's stowage space aplenty, including four underfloor compartments, four under-seat drawers, six map pockets, two fold-down tables, an 11-litre glovebox and a further nine litres in the sliding centre console.

As with all its new models, Renault is packing in the technology. A customisable colour TFT dashboard-mounted screen, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated Carminat TomTom navigation system (on Dynamique models), and an audible rear parking sensor are just a few of the items you can expect to find inside.

Two engine options are available. A 1.6-litre, 16-valve unit with a claimed maximum power of 83kW and 151Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.5 litres/100 km.

Both models can be fitted with an updated 1.9 dCi turbodiesel engine that has 96kW and 300Nm on tap. Renault calls it the "frugal" engine because of its claimed 5.5 litres/100 km consumption.

It's a safe as houses too ? the Grand Scenic received a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating and a host of stability and braking technologies are built in.

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