Air-conditioning and panoramic sunroofs are now standard on all models across the range and improvements for the driver and passengers include hands-free unlocking (just carry the Renault keycard in your pocket), MP3 radio-CD compatibility and extra tints on the windows.

Automatic parking brake, rain sensors, light sensor automatic activation, and a sliding centre console are among some of the other features also available.

Safety is an important feature with Renault because of the high rate of family ownership and child usage, and the Scenic fiveseater and Grand Scenic sevenseater get six airbags on all models, a sophisticated Bosch anti-lock braking system, an electronic brake force distribution system and brake assist with automatic activation of hazard warning lights.

The Scenic has a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The visual changes include new bumpers, headlights, rear lights, alloy wheels and wheel trims.

The materials used in the three levels of interior trim have been improved and five new body colours have been introduced.

In the engine line-up there are three common rail diesel engines and three 16-valve petrol engines.

The 1.5-litre 106 bhp diesel with a six-speed gearbox is one of the greenest in its class with C02 emissions of 144 grams per kilometre and a fuel economy of 5.4L/100 km (52.3mpg) in mixed driving.

This engine is available in the seven-seater Grand Scenic.

There is also an 84 bhp version of this engine for the five-seater Scenic.

The 1.9-litre diesel gets a new 130 bhp output (up 30 bhp) with the option of a new automatic gearbox, which has less vibration. There is also the choice of a two-litre (150 bhp) diesel engine with automatic transmission.

The line-up of petrol engines goes from a 1.4 (100 bhp) fivespeed, to a 1.6 (110 bhp) six-speed, up to a two-litre (135 bp) sixspeed manual or automatic. The 1.4 is the entry level in the Scenic while the Grand Scenic enters at 1.6.

The two-litre models in both petrol and diesel will be small sellers.

The pricing of the new Scenic 2007 range has been reviewed to be more competitive.

They start at 23,650 for the Scenic and at 27,100 for the Grand Scenic. In the introductory models, there is in fact a reduction of 300.

Bill Cullen, chairman of Renault Ireland says, "No one can match our prices when you take into consideration air conditioning and sunroofs are standard equipment."

Renault is now targeting the Opel Zafira, the long-time leader in this league, and hope to regain the top spot with the Scenic. But it is a segment that now has models from Ford with the CMAX and S-MAX and Korean offerings such as the Kia Carens.

This will be a fiercely fought segment of the market in the coming year.

In terms of road holding and travelling comfort the new Scenic and Grand Scenic benefit from electric power steering which gives greater precision with its car-like qualities.

Seating is very comfortable, always a high point with Renault, and the driving position gives a good commanding view of the road.

There are plenty of storage spaces and lots of cargo room which can be increased depending on the rear seating arrangements.

The 1.5-litre diesel, which develops 240 Nm or torque at 2000 rpm, will be the best-selling diesel in the Irish market.

Meanwhile, the 1.6-litre petrol, which develops 152 Nm or torque at 4250 rpm, is expected to be the top-selling petrol unit.