Renault is planning to regain leadership of the compact MPV sector by offering its next Scenic in a choice of body lengths.

Set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September as part of an all-new Megane range, the standard Scenic will be joined by a stretched version called the Grand Scenic and capable of seating seven people.

A Renault spokesman said: 'The move to be the first manufacturer to offer a compact MPV in two forms is our response to the Vauxhall Zafira, which has been a tremendous success even though our research continues to show that relatively few buyers need seven seats.

'Because the next Espace will move further upmarket, this will be a less costly alternative to the current car.'

Based on a platform that will be shared by Nissan, Renault's alliance partner, the new Scenics will join five more Megane models at the Paris show, all destined for the UK market - three and four-door hatchbacks, a four-door saloon, a sport tourer estate and a coupe-cabrio featuring a power operated folding metal roof.