Having confirmed that hybrids will not play a part in the Renault range, the French manufacturer has equipped its Scenic range with the economical new 1.6 Energy dCi 130 engine.
Capable of a decent 128bhp and a hefty 236lb/ft of torque, the new diesel engine replaces the outgoing 1.9-litre but adds performance and fuel economy while reducing CO2 emissions.
And they're some figures. Even in a sizeable car like the Scenic, or even larger Grand Scenic fuel economy is well over 60mpg combined, with carbon dioxide emissions under 120g/km.
That means improvements of 20 per cent and over 30g/km respectively at 64.2mpg and 115g/km in the Scenic, with figures for the larger Grand Scenic only slightly less impressive.
Even the 62mph sprint comes up in 10.3 seconds in the five-seat Scenic, with the car never feeling sluggish.
It will noticeably pull in sixth gear, meaning that there's performance throughout the rev range - up to a high 5,000rpm - and plenty of room for overtaking and there's very little turbo lag.
There's nothing peaky about the torque either, there's a smooth progression through the revs and the manual gearchange is silky and relaxed.
Renault has put a wealth of innovative technology, some of it derived from F1, into the new Energy DCI engine in an effort to wring every extra torque and MPG out of it.
The result is that the Scenic boasts the lowest emissions and best fuel economy and performance of any MPV with a similar-size engine in the UK.
The Scenic range features stop-start as standard, with Renault putting a lot of work into refinement, meaning engine start-up is fast, vibration-free and hushed.
More generally, driving is relaxed and great for people who will spend a lot of time on the road. Steering is well-weighted for low- and higher-speeds.
Drivers will welcome to improved running costs, not just in terms of less visits to the pumps, but in Benefit-In-Kind ratings and road tax too.
BIK is down by 13 per cent, while road tax is now in Band C - meaning zero to pay in the first year and £95 in successive years.
Inside the Scenic will comfortably swallow five plus luggage, while the Grand Scenic will add two more seats, best used for children.
The interior looks smart and sufficiently different from competitors, but while it also feels fine with plenty of soft-touch plastics, it doesn't feel as well put together as the Ford C-MAX.
Overall this is all very impressive though. Those headline figures seem achievable from our brief drives in both cars, meaning running costs for the ability to transport seven in style and comfort are lower than ever.
Both Scenic and Grand Scenic will go on sale with the new engine in Dynamique TomTom trim levels priced at £20,900 and £22,200 respectively, with first deliveries are expected in July 2011.
