WE all know Renault is pretty good with fully electric vehicles: think Zoe, Twizy and if you’re into your commercials, there’s the Kangoo ZE and Master ZE.

But hybrid electrification? Hmmm, we’ve not been there.

Until now.

So say hello to the all-new Scenic and Grand Scenic Hybrid Assist models now available in the UK in a brand new hybrid guise that promises excellent value for money, good equipment levels, and reduced running costs.

The Scenic has been around for quite some time now and we can see no reason why this latest model won’t maintain its position as a popular choice for both private and business users. The Scenic range has always been popular because it offers flexibility, space, and an enjoyable driving experience to suit most budgets.

The fact that it is available in both five and seven seat versions is an added bonus.

This new hybrid version combines the existing dCi 110 diesel engine with a 10kW electric motor tucked away under the bonnet.

As well as providing a welcome boost of torque which improves acceleration the new hybrid system also incorporates an energy recovery system similar to that found in the Renault F1 car that provides extra energy for the electrical systems and recharges the 150Wh independent battery that drives the motor.

More than the small boost in power, the real benefit of the hybrid system is the class-leading emissions of just 94g/km – a big improvement for such a sizeable car – and fuel economy of up to 80mpg.

For anyone considering a practical MPV these figures represent a considerable saving on running costs compared to the more traditionally powered Scenic range.

The new Hybrid Assist version is available in three trim levels – Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, and Signature Nav – each boasting an impressive array of standard equipment.

You may have guessed from the names Renault has chosen that satnav is standard on all the new hybrid versions.

Regardless of which model you choose you also get a long list of equipment that includes:

• Automatic lights and wipers;
• Dual-zone climate control;
• DAB media system with Bluetooth;
• Seven-inch touchscreen controls;
• Adaptive cruise control; and
• Speed limiter.

The Visio active safety system is also standard and provides lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, emergency braking system, and pedestrian recognition system.

And that’s just the standard list.

Opt for the Dynamique Nav and you add:

• parking sensors at both ends of the car;
• Fatigue Alert to monitor your driving;
• handsfree keycard;
• driving mode selector with five settings;
• extra USB ports; and
• design touches like puddle lighting under the door mirrors and chrome details on the side windows, tailgate and front grille.

The Dynamique S Nav takes it further with:

• an improved 8.7-inch touchscreen;
• colour head-up display;
• rear parking camera;
• extra tints on the rear and side windows; and
• a panoramic glass roof with electric sunblind.

If you’re feeling a little bit luxurious the Signature Nav adds leather upholstery, electrically-operated front seats, and full LED headlights to the mix. There are also further options on the list but with an already impressive standard specification we completely understand if you don’t see the need.

The all new Scenic does offer an awful lot for what is, relatively speaking at least, not a lot of money. Prices for the hybrid Scenic start at £21,605 while the larger Grand Scenic is yours from £25,055.

This constitutes a premium of around £1,000 over the price of the standard dCi110 models but this is offset by the improvement in fuel economy and a reduced rate of VED in the first year.

The all-new Scenic range is sufficiently practical and well equipped to provide everything the average driver wants in a new car, and the reduced fuel consumption and emissions, plus a company car tax rate of just 20%, means the hybrid technology should provide a healthy incentive for a growing number of company car drivers who want the practicality of an MPV without a large tax bill.