Off-road Scenic is back

It's been four years since the all-wheel-drive RX4 was sold in the UK, but Renault is now set to head back off the tarmac.

These are the first pictures of the new Scenic Conquest, debuting at the Geneva Motor Show. While it's a spiritual successor to the 4x4 version of the original Scenic, the RX4 badge has been dropped because the Conquest is front-wheel drive only.

That won't stop the car travelling across the Channel, however, and Renault plans to make the first deliveries of right-hand-drive variants in June. Aimed at motorists who want the looks and flexibility of an SUV without the expensive running costs, the new model has plenty of visual impact.

Riding 20mm higher than the standard compact MPV, it sports a beefy bodykit, roof bars, 16-inch alloys and a choice of 10 exterior colours, including the new Cayenne Orange shade shown here. Buyers can pick from 108bhp 1.6 and 133bhp 2.0-litre petrol units, and 104bhp 1.5 and 128bhp 1.9-litre dCi diesels. The newcomer will go on sale alongside the standard Scenic and Grand Scenic.

The Conquest will cost £500 more than the equivalent Dynamique trim. As a result, entry-level variants will weigh in at £16,715, with top-of-the-range models priced at £18,915.

Specifications for UK cars are still being finalised, yet all versions will get the same visual extras, with strengthened suspension fitted as standard. Parking sensors are set to be included on all versions. The Conquest is on display at Geneva alongside four other new Renault model variants. Clio fans get their first glimpse of the Rip Curl special, while the flagship F1 Team R27 supermini is also unveiled. The oil-burning Renaultsport Mégane dCi lines up beside the Espace Tech Run - a technology-packed limited edition.