What's the news?

Renault has now announced pricing and specification details for its updated Scenic model range. The Scenic and Grand Scenic are priced from £19,155 and are only available in the 'Dynamique TomTom' trim level, while the new rugged-looking Scenic XMOD offers an additional entry-level 'Expression' version, as well as a lower starting price of just £17,955.

Exterior

All three models bear Renault's new design language, with the revised front end of the Scenic and Grand Scenic comprising of a bigger badge and new grille. The rough-and-ready-looking XMOD gets even more styling enhancements however, featuring new bumpers front and rear as well as an exclusive alloy wheel design - available in either 16- or 17-inch forms. Both the Scenic and Grand Scenic get 16-inch alloys as standard, as well as rear parking sensors. Two new colours join the Scenic pallet too: Saffron Yellow for the XMOD and Dune for all three models.

Interior

Equipped with the Dynamique TomTom trim level, all three versions of the new Scenic get dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, plus a Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation system. Seven upgrade packs are also available and Renault reckons the BOSE+ Pack is the most desirable. Scattered among the upgrade list is an electric panoramic sunroof, a sliding centre console, a rear parking camera and automatic high-and-low beam headlights.

Mechanicals

Five engine options are available in the new Scenic; made up of three petrol and two diesel units. The most popular engine is likely to be the 1.5-litre dCi 110 Stop & Start unit, which achieves 68.9mpg, emissions as low as 105g/km of CO₂ and an equally low Benefit-in-Kind rate of just 16 per cent. Also offered is the updated 1.2-litre TCe 130 petrol engine with Stop & Start, featuring a 15 per cent fuel economy improvement over the previous unit.

Exclusive to the XMOD is Renault's Grip Xtend system. Made up of 'Road', 'Loose Ground' and 'Expert' settings, the setup will use its traction control system to make sure the exclusively two-wheel-drive XMOD gets where it needs to go. All-year-round mud and snow tyres are also available.

Anything else?

Order books are open for all three models across the Renault dealership network. The XMOD is on sale from £17,955; the Scenic from £19,155; and the Grand Scenic from £20,355. Apart from the entry level Expression version, prices for the Scenic and Scenic XMOD mimic each other when equipped with the Dynamique TomTom trim level; despite the XMOD's added extras.

James Giddings - 19 Jun 2013