Renault Scenic evolves into 'crossover'

The car that invented the compact MPV segment in 1996 will become a Nissan Qashqai alternative in the UK when a new version is unveiled in Geneva in March.

The Renault Scenic XMOD has raised ground clearance and a rugged styling kit, similar to the Scenic Conquest that was produced between 2006 and 2009.

But Renault in the UK is now repositioning the five-seat Scenic to tackle the compact crossover market, while a revised seven-seat Grand Scenic will be unveiled soon.

It comes with what Renault calls a Grip Xtend taction control system. Although the XMOD is two-wheel drive, there is a choice of three settings for braking and acceleration response depending on the road surface.

The dashboard includes the Renault R-Link seven-inch touchscreen multimedia system. The top-of-the-range version of XMOD includes a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium-capped pedals and gear lever knob and new interior features.

Full prices and specification will be revealed closer to the car's arrival in the UK later this year.