RENAULT'S seven-seat Grand Scénic has always been a car that delivers practicality, excellent safety and generous specification, which are high on the priority list of potential buyers with families.

With the smaller five seat Scenic it is Europe's most popular MPV and more than two million have been sold.

You would expect the latest makeover of the MPV to supply more of the same successful formula and it does with additional interior space, comfort, style and performance.

The latest version also offers sharper styling and even more generous equipment specification and practicality than its predecessors.

It is also bigger in all aspects - longer, taller and wider with increased wheelbase and cabin dimensions. There is also excellent legroom for both second and third row passengers.

The engines are also more of the same in terms of lower fuel consumption and ever-lower carbon dioxide emissions as the French firm and its partner Nissan aims to play its part in tackling climate change.

New standard kit on the single grade Grand Scenic Dynamique includes LED daytime running lights and rear parking sensors.

The car is a good looker in what is not a particulary attractive part of the market.

The front end has been reworked with new bonnet, wings, bumper and headlight styling and at the rear, the boomerang-shaped light clusters also have a new look.

The Grand Scenic features 40 stowage spaces totalling 83 litres and has a huge boot capacity of 564 to 2,063 litres, depending on the seat configuration.

There are also four underfloor compartments at the front, two in the second row and 4.5-litre drawers beneath the driver and front passenger seats.

Safety on Renaults has always been top drawer and provisions, include highly rigid body shell, six airbags, large disc brakes all-round, ABS and assisted braking technology, stability and traction control, plus understeer control.

The interior is airy and roomy while the controls, concentrated around the steering wheel, are  robust, logical and easy to use and there is high-quality soft touch materials throughout the cabin.

There are four engine choices available, two petrol and two diesel, including for the first time, from April, the 1.2 TCE 115 petrol and 1.5 dCi 110 Stop & Start, which emits just 105g/km.

Also available is the powerful 130bhp 1.6 dCi 130 with a claimed economy of 64.2 mpg and low CO2 of only 114g/km replacing the  1.9 dCi 130 and a 1.6 VVT petrol engine.

Complementing this on the 110bhp diesel is the Efficient Dual Clutch, or EDC automatic transmission which returns a claimed 60.1 mpg.

An engine to suit most pockets and purses, whether the entry level petrol or the higher priced diesel for those who do more miles. None are the cheapest in their category, but they are laden with kit.

Prices range from £17,915 to £22,200.

Standard equipment is lavish and includes a satellite navigation system, 4x20W radio CD with fingertip remote control, auto parking brake, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, speed limiter and aux input connection for portable music players.

Other features includes leather bound steering wheel,with height and reach adjustment, TFT screen dashboard display with Ecodrive information and a choice of display colours plus front and rear electric windows and front door mirrors.

The climate system also features an air quality sensor that with a filter preventing dust/pollen particles and contaminants entering the cabin

On the road, the diesels are refined capable performers that offer decent acceleration with little evidence of clatter except on start-up.

Handling, for a vehicle designed for comfort rather than sporting prowess, is surprisingly good and it feels well planted on corners thanks to suspension improvements that reduce body roll and improve steering.

Wind and road noise is well suppressed in the well appointed cabin and occupants enjoy a quiet drive.

The comprehensive specifications can be further enhanced with the optional Luxe Pack, which introduces premium features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a nine-speaker BOSE sound system and the new Visio System by Renault with lane departure warning and automatic high/dipped headlight beam control.