It is hard to believe that it is a decade since Renault launched the Scenic and started an explosion in sales of compact people carriers.

Ten years on, the model is going strong and set for a further shake-up next month octoberwith the introduction of a series of changes to the range and the launch of a third model.

More of that later, but a recent spell in a Grand Scenic comfortably underlined just why Renault has dominated the compact MPV sector so long.

Comfort is a key feature of the seven-seater Grand Scenic, which has three separate seats in the second row rather than a bench seat. This both improves comfort for second-row passengers and also allows access to the third row, without all the second-row occupants having to leave the vehicle.

The two seats which form the third row individually fold flat into the floor, giving a really useful amount of luggage space, or a handy extra pair of seats.

It is that adaptability to cope with many different needs that has helped the Scenic remain such a success.

The car is more than a simple seat-stuffed children transporter - indeed Renault's research shows half of all owners have no children at home.

Solid, well-built and good to drive, with plenty of ingenious interior design tweaks, what the Scenic offers are all the features of a grand tourer: wider track, longer wheelbase, and reduced overhangs bringing greater space for the interior and easier parking.

The test model was powered by Renault's superb 130 horsepower turbo-diesel engine, which had grunt to spare while coping with the rigours of a long, late-night journey down the lorry-packed M6 on the return leg of trip from Ireland via Stena Line's port at Holyhead.

More than one million Scenic IIs have been produced at Renault's factory in northern France since its launch less than three years ago in 2003. The total number of Scenics sold actually tops the two million mark.

Next month, Renault launches a new five-seater version of the Grand Scenic with the room underneath the floor usually given over to the third row of seats freed up to serve as stowage space.

Also coming are two new engines - a flagship 2.0 dCi 150 horsepower and the first diesel automatic option, using the 1.9-litre 130 horsepower engine.

The new models will have revised exterior styling, that includes LED rear lights and new front and rear bumpers, new interior trims and enhanced cabin quality and new options including extra tinted windows, front and rear parking sensors and MP3 compatibility.

Auto facts Renault Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi

  • Price: £20,415
  • Insurance group: Eight
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 47.1mpg
  • Top speed: 118mph
  • Length: 449.3cm/176.9in
  • Width: 181cm/71.2in
  • Luggage capacity: Seven cu ft (with seven seats in place)
  • Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gallons/60 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 159g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles