What's all this about?

We've got some pricing and specification details for the UK line-ups of the two new, closely-related Renault MPVs, the fourth-generation Scenic and Grand Scenic.

OK, give me a starting price and first order date.

Fine: December 1st, £21,445.

Um, OK, expand on that, if you please.

That's better. The Scenic, of course, is a five-seater and the Grand Scenic can accommodate seven. We won't go into full details on the design and chassis - we've done two preview news pieces on each model which explain more - but we will quickly say that there are two 1.2-litre turbocharged TCe petrols (115- or 130hp) and three dCi diesels: a 1.5-litre with 110hp, a 1.6-litre with 130hp and, er... a 1.5-litre again, albeit with a fulsome 160hp. Transmissions are a manual gearbox or an efficient dual clutch (EDC) unit. Following the launch models in December, there will be a Hybrid Assist part-electric option from spring 2017 on the dCi 110 unit. Trim lines follow the same Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav gradings that Renault customers will be familiar with.

What do you get on an Expression+?

Active Emergency Braking System with Pedestrian Detection is standard across the range, bolstering Renault's dedication to safety and proving to be a good start for the Scenic/Grand Scenic twins. Expression+ buyers will also benefit from Visio active safety (incorporating Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Automatic High/Low Beam lights), an electronic parking brake, LED daytime running lights, roof rails (on the Grand Scenic only), dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors, a leather steering wheel, 4 x 20W DAB radio, AUX input with Bluetooth, a seven-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, cruise control, a speed limiter and a height adjustable driver's seat. Phew! All that is part of the standard specification on the entry-level model.

Impressive stuff. Can you step me up the range, then?

Sure can. Dynamique Nav brings in parking sensors front and rear, fatigue alert for the driver, a hands-free keycard for entry and exit, five-mode drive profiles, an extra 13-litre storage compartment in the centre console with four USB ports, an Arkamys 3D Sound 4 x 35W DAB radio, R-Link2 infotainment incorporating satnav, rear-seat fold-down tables mounted on the back of the front seats, door mirror puddle lighting and some chrome exterior detailing.

What does the S add to Dynamique Nav?

The screen in the dashboard swells to an 8.7-inch portrait item on the Dynamique S Nav, while a colour head-up display, rear parking camera, panoramic roof, tinted glass in the back and - on the dCi 160 EDC model only - an 11-speaker Bose sound system are drafted in. All sounds very classy.

And the Signature Nav?

Carbon Black leather upholstery with a Nappa leather steering wheel, electrically operated front seats, full LED headlights with a 'See Me Home' function and front foglights with cornering illumination complete the range-topping Signature Nav models.

Sounds comprehensive - are there any options?

Yes, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot and Safe Distance warnings, Hands-Free Parking and 360-degree parking sensors can all be added, as can six 'high-value' equipment packages.

So, can I ask what the expanded pricing structure is?

Yes, the Scenic Expression+ starts at the £21,445 mentioned above, with the Dynamique Nav beginning at £22,945, the Dynamique S Nav £24,945 and the Signature Nav £26,445. Want the two extra seats of the Grand Scenic? Then add £1,930 to any of the prices above. The most expensive model of all is therefore the Grand Scenic dCi 160 EDC Signature Nav at £32,445.