There’s a good chance that when you think of the term ‘Mom’s taxi’, the image of a Renault Scenic comes to mind, and for good reason. It was arguably the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that began it all, but regardless, Renault have still sold over 3.9 million units since it first entered production in 1996. The 2012 Renault Scenic range, which is ‘Phase 2′ of the third-generation, has been updated to keep the popular MPV at the front of after-school pick-up points.

Beginning with the styling, the five-seater Renault Scénic has been given a slightly sportier look with the introduction of a more aggressive front-end that includes sleeker headlamps, a louvered front grille, chromed accents with gloss black surrounds and a set of LED daytime running lights. The seven-seater Grand Scénic’s front-end features a more elegant appearance, with wider horizontal lines for the bumper and grille, complemented by chrome detailing, as well as the new LED daytime driving lights.

Inside, the Scenic’s retains all the versatility that has helped to make it so popular. The practicality of the flexible seating system, in both the 5- and 7-seater models, is complemented by an array of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including beneath the floor.

The Scenic also benefits from new technology in a number of areas. The Grand Scénic Dynamique features dual-zone climate control, electrically operated and heated front seats, and Renault hands-free card for convenient access. The range-topping Grand Scénic 2.0 dCi Bose, which, as the name suggests, features a Bose premium sound system, together with park distance control, a rear-view camera, Xenon headlights, as well as windscreen that is better insulated from temperature and noise.

Safety technology includes ABS brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Emergency Brake force Distribution (EBD), as well as ESP stability control with Hill Start Assist (HSA). The passive safety measures include driver and front passenger airbags, combined with side and curtain airbags.

Luxury and convenience features continue to include the Carminat TomTom Live navigation system, a Bluetooth-enabled audio system, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, as well as front and rear park distance control. The Scénic’s instrument cluster has been updated to include the new engine Stop/Start and HSA functions, along with an Eco Assistant, a new air quality and toxicity indicator, and a range of driver-selectable display options.

One of the biggest changes, however, is the introduction of a new 1.6-litre dCi ‘Energy’ turbo-diesel engine. The new 1.6 dCi Energy replaces the previous 1.9 dCi unit and is the first of a new generation of efficient powerplants that benefits from Renault’s expertise in Formula One. Some 230 million euros have been invested in the development of the new engine, which Renault say is the world’s most powerful engine of its size with a maximum power output of 96 kW. Peak torque is a generous 320 Nm at 1 750 r/min. At the same time, its combined-cycle fuel consumption is 20 percent better than the 1.9 dCi at 4.4 L/100 km. CO2 emissions are just 114 g/km.

The 2.0 dCi engine is now paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Scenic 2.0 dCi Auto has 110 kW available at 4 000 r/min and 360 Nm of torque from 2 000 r/min. The familiar 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol engine remains unchanged in the 5-seat Scénic Expression, with 83 kW and 151 Nm torque.

Prices include a 5-year/100 000 km service plan and 5-year/150 000 km warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance.

Renault has released a bunch of photos of its updated five-seater Scenic and 7-seater Grand Scenic minivans as the company prepares to launch the range across Europe. New engines, together with hi-tech equipment and cosmetic updates round out the changes for the new Scenic and Grand Scenic models.

New bumpers, light lenses and grilles give the Scenic and larger, seven-seat Grand Scenic a fresh look. LED daytime running lights have been added and there is extra gloss black and chrome exterior trim. Two new colours – Azzurro Blue and Damask Red – are available.

Interior changes are minor but include new upholstery and an optional Bose audio system. Optional extras include Renault’s Visio System, which combines a lane departure warning system with an automatic headlight function that detects the lights of nearby vehicles and/or street lighting. Hill Start Assist is now standard on all versions.

Under the bonnet, two new engines are available. The Energy dCi 110 produces 81 kW and 260 Nm of torque. It averages 4.1 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. A slightly more powerful version develops 96 kW and returns 4.4 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol Energy TCe 115, on the other hand, is 20% more fuel efficient than the current 81 kW 1.6-litre 16-valve engine and produces 85 kW and 190 Nm of torque. The most powerful petrol engine is a 2.0-litre unit with 104 kW linked to a CVT, while on the diesel front, it’s the dCi 160, a 2.0-litre engine with 119 kW offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Prices and specification for the 2012 Scenic range are yet to be confirmed, but we’d expect only a small increase over the current model.

Since its launch in 1996 the Renault Scénic has been the benchmark compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) by which all others are measured. The Scénic was originally built to appeal to those who wanted all the practicality of a MPV, but could not accommodate the larger size and higher price of such vehicles as Renault’s own Espace. Renault underestimated the sales impact that the Scénic would have — predicting that it would be a niche model with only 450 produced a day. In fact, the compact MPV class did not exist until Renault created the Scénic and production for the first generation would eventually peak at nearly 2500 cars a day. Since its launch 3.3 million units have been sold worldwide.

Now, 13 years later, the third generation Scénic and Grand Scénic have just arrived on our local shores. By all accounts the Scénic seems to have lost none of the appeal that’s made it the de facto ‘mum’s taxi’.

Keeping up appearances is certainly no burden in the new Scénic. Renault say their new compact-MPV “heralds a fresh approach to MPV design. Using compact forms, taut lines, distinctive rear lights and sporty front-end looks derived from the new Mégane, the latest generation Scénic creates a new benchmark for this class”. We agree and enjoy the car-like styling of the new models.

As per Renault and Scénic’s heritage, safety is of paramount importance and it will come as no surprise to learn of the standard safety features such as ISOFIX anchorages for the rear seats and full-three-point safety belts for third-row occupants in New Grand Scénic, six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), emergency brake-force distribution (EBD) and electronic brake assist (EBA). Optional safety extras include electronic stability control (ESC) with CSV understeer control. What you may not know however, is that Euro NCAP, the organisation that assesses the safety of new cars, introduced a new overall car safety rating earlier this year. Areas under scrutiny are Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Pedestrian Protection and the new area of assessment: Safety Assist. Under the new, more stringent regulations, the Renault Grand Scénic has still managed to achieve a maximum 5-star rating.

Other standard features for safety and convenience include automatic headlight activation, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front fog lamps and electric folding mirrors. Inside the list continues with a MP3-compatible CD tuner with RCA socket and fingertip control, Bluetooth cellphone connectivity, air-conditioning, cruise control with a speed limiter, electric windows and electric power steering.

As if the list of features hasn’t been long enough already, the new Scénic and Grand Scénic 1.9dCi diesel models, are equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated Carminat TomTom navigation, 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, Plug & Music multimedia terminal and rear parking sensors. Additional optional features include 17-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof.

In terms of performance, buyers will have the choice of two engines, either a 1,6-litre 16-valve petrol, or a 1.9 dCi turbo-diesel. Although Renault say “the 1,6-litre 16-valve engine has been developed to deliver greater torque and flexibility at low revs”, we sampled the engine in the new Mégane and would have to say the turbo-diesel is far better suited to the task.

The 1,6-litre produces 83 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 151 N.m of torque at 4 250 r/min. Matched to a 6-speed manual gearbox, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11,7 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 185 km/h. Renault claim a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 7,5 l/100 km.

In contrast, the 1,9dCi turbo-diesel engine produces 96 kW and a healthy 300 N.m of torque from 1750 rpm. Paired with the same 6-speed manual gearbox it hauls the Scénic from zero to 100 km/h in 10,6 seconds and the Grand Scénic in 11,5. Top speed of the diesel in both models is 195 km/h. But perhaps the best parts of the diesel engine are those which can’t be seen. Renault has added a few technical refinements that include a redesigned variable geometry turbocharger equipped with curved blades, to deliver swifter response and acceleration, as well as new seven-hole injectors that provide a finer, more efficient fuel delivery and more effective combustion. The result is a particularly refined and responsive diesel engine with no notable turbo-lag. In addition, fuel efficiency remains around 5,5 litres/100 km, ensuring an admirable potential range from the 60-litre fuel tank.

The Renault Scénic shares the same horned sub-frame front suspension arrangement as the new Mégane, as well as a closed-profile rear beam suspension for enhanced body-roll control and steering precision. True to its DNA then, the Scénic and Grand Scénic comfortably seat 5 and 7 passengers respectively, with space for their luggage, while providing a firm ride and reassuring handling characteristics.

Speaking of luggage, the Scénic has a maximum capacity of 1 837-litres, while the Grand Scénic is capable of swallowing 2 063-litres. Adding to the practicality of the Scénic are the 86-litres of storage throughout the cabin, including four underfloor compartments, four under-seat drawers, six map pockets, two aviation-style tables, an 11-litre glove-box and a further nine litres in the sliding centre console – the new Grand Scénic takes that tally to a remarkable 92 litres. Although these various storage compartments may not sound exciting in themselves, their inclusion is a testament to the ergonomics with which Renault designs its vehicles.

The quality of the interior is very good and offers a feeling of solidity. Easy to use controls, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, as well as seat height adjustment make for a comfortable journey. Headroom is cavernous, while ample legroom is found in both the front and rear. The one thing we aren’t too excited about is the new LCD screen, housing, among other information, the tachometer. A higher contrast ratio would be better, although it is reportedly customisable – just ask your kids, they’ll sort it out. We also happened to travel with a stiff cross-wind at times, which served to highlight how well the cabin is insulated against engine, tyre and wind noise.

Overall the Scénic continues to provide an incredibly safe, stylish and practical MPV at a reasonable price. Our choice would be the 1,9dCi Scénic for its nippy performance but the Grand Scénic provides the best carrying capacity for a few pennies more.