RENAULT has confirmed pricing and specification for the first two models in the new Scenic Conquest range, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, priced £17,945 for the 2.0 VVT 136 and £19,135 for the 1.9 dCi 130.

A further two engines will be added in September to the city-country wagon.

Scenic Conquest has been designed with leisure pursuits and the great outdoors in mind, with the best of both worlds that an SUV (sport utility vehicle) and a compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) can offer.

The car retains all of Scenic's impressive interior practicality and flexibility, while its bold and rugged styling resembles that of an off-roader, without the weight gain and fuel economy penalty of four-wheel drive.

The chunky styling features on Scenic Conquest are not just for show. Beneath the skin, its chassis has been adapted to suit a wide range of conditions.

With 20mm higher ground clearance than a standard Scenic and strengthened suspension, whether it's tackling high kerbs and giant potholes in the city or muddy tracks in the country, the newcomer is equally at home in either environment.

This message will be emphasised further with the new car's ad campaign: "It's a city country thing."

You couldn't mistake Scenic Conquest for any other member of the Scenic family.

At the front, the lower part of the bumper has a protective black graphite coating while the radiator grille and air intake have been revised and a satin chrome-finish skidplate shields the engine. At the rear, the black graphite bumper incorporates a satin chrome-coloured skidplate.

Scenic Conquest's profile also reveals its fondness for off-road adventure. Chunky rubbing strips protect the side bodywork, the wheel arch inners are coated in black graphite and it has robust door sill guards.

Finished in chrome and black, the longitudinal roof bars are ideally suited to transporting outdoor leisure equipment. The alloy wheels add a touch of sporty style, while the headlights are distinguished by their dark lens covers.

Scenic Conquest's bold appearance is completed by a chassis that has been modified to cope with life away from the beaten track. In addition to the increased ground clearance and twin skidplates, the suspension has been modified to improve comfort on rough terrain.

The front and rear dampers have an increased range of travel and smaller anti-roll bars have been fitted.

Finally, the special settings of the ESP (electronic stability program) and ASR (automatic slip regulation) traction control enhance Scenic Conquest's all-terrain character.

Scenic Conquest is available with a choice of two economical, powerful and refined powerplants, 2.0 VVT 136 and 1.9 dCi 130. A further two will be added in September.

Scenic Conquest has all the interior adaptability and stowage facilities that have forged the success of the Scenic range, including a rear row of individual seats which can be slid forward, back, folded or removed completely, plus rear aviation tables and underfloor storage.

The high level of standard equipment sees Conquest models benefit from several items of equipment over and above the Dynamique models on which they are based, including a bespoke interior, ESP, longitudinal roof bars and rear parking proximity sensors.

The passive safety features for Conquest mirror those in the rest of the Scenic range, which carries a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The Scenic Conquest comes in a choice of ten body colours, including one exclusive to this new model, Cayenne Orange.