Initial details have been announced for the revised 2012 Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic ranges, including new styling and new, more economical engines.

On the outside, the new cars will have LED daytime running lights as standard, as well as gloss black and chrome features and details. Renault calls the new front end `both modern and status enhancing'.

Under the skin the Scenic duo will benefit from new engines including a 1.5 dCi 110 Stop & Start diesel, which is broadly similar to the existing 1.5-litre dCi diesel but with an engine cutting function for use in traffic, and energy recuperation technology.

It records a CO2 output of 105g/km, and claimed fuel economy of 68.9mpg. Despite that, it has more torque than the older version by 15lb.ft, at 192lb.ft.

From spring, that engine will be joined by the 1.2 TCe 115 lightweight turbocharged petrol engine, which will ultimately replace the thirstier 1.6 VVT 110 engine. CO2 emissions will be 135g/km and fuel economy is 49.6mpg.

The petrol engine might be less economical than the new diesel, but is likely to cost significantly less and with diesel currently costing around 10p more per litre at the pumps, the petrol will make more financial sense for buyers doing less than about 18,000 miles per year.

Electronic updates include headlights that switch from dip to main beam automatically, and a lane departure warning system. However, as final specifications have not been confirmed yet, it's not clear whether these systems will be standard.

Hill Start Assist will be standard, however. It prevents the car from rolling backwards on a slope during the moment when a driver takes their foot off the brake to move it to the clutch.

Orders will be taken from February 1, with deliveries starting in March. Full details are set to be released closer to the time.