RENAULT'S fourth-generation compact new SUV Scenic and Grand Scenic range is now available with a dCi 110 Hybrid Assist powertrain, which the company say offers even lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The dCi 110bhp Hybrid Assist engine is available on both Scenic and Grand Scenic and can be ordered now, priced from £25,055 with first deliveries in August.

The newcomers to the Scenic range mark Renault's first foray into hybrid assisted engine technology and it features a 10kW electric motor located under the bonnet that works in combination with the internal combustion engine.

The benefit is a claimed fuel return of 80.7mpg with a CO2 rating of 94g/km.

The motor is powered by a 48-volt 150Wh battery located behind the second row seats for Scenic or in the spare wheel housing for the Grand Scenic.

Alongside the economic benefits, it also improves pick-up at low speeds providing a boost of acceleration, particularly at low revs of even around 1,000rpm regardless of the gear.

It provides up to 70Nm additional torque in certain situations. During deceleration, the motor generation unit recovers energy for use by the vehicle's electrical system and for storing in the systems independent battery.

It also works in association with the internal combustion engine when the driver re-accelerates.

The new range of Scenic hybrids is available in three trim levels - Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav and Signature Nav.

Passive safety features as standard across every version in the range include six airbags, seat belts with load limiters and pre-tensioners at the front, side impact protection bars and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the two outer rear seats. Active safety features on each version in the range include emergency brake assist, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control with traction and understeer control and hill start assist.