New car news

28 February 2007 - 15:00

Plus ca change?

Remember the Megane Scenic RX4? Renault must do, because it has avoided that woeful car's name for its SUV-ed version of the current Scenic.

Instead, it has chosen the name 'Conquest', which sounds suitably adventurous and go-getting.

We'll get a good look at the Conquest at Geneva next week, but before then Renault tells us it is trying to be a 4x4 with off-road ability.

What that really means is that the Conquest is for those who drive on poorly maintained roads and enjoy the raised driving position of an SUV, which Renault claims improves the on-road ability of this car.

But don't panic, you'll still be able to incur the wrath of eco-warriors thanks to the Conquest's 20mm ride height increase and butch body addenda.

Inside, there's some orange trim to make it look a little different to the standard Scenic.

You can order a Scenic Conquest from June 1 with a choice of two diesel and two petrol engines, and prices start at £16,765.