What Car? Q&A - What's the difference between Scenics?

Q: Please could you explain the difference between a Renault Megane Scenic and a Renault Scenic, as I have seen both advertised but I cannot tell one from the other?
Kevin Castle, via e-mail

A: The original Scenic (launched in 1996) was based on the Renault Megane chassis and, as a result, was badged the 'Renault Megane Scenic'.

It found a niche in the market not previously catered for, and was sold as a variant of the Megane rather than a model in its own right.

When the time came for a minor face-lift in 1999, the car's success led it to be named simply the 'Renault Scenic', although there remained a small 'Megane' badge on the boot of the car, indicating its ancestry.

This is still the case on the current breed of Scenics. Although the current model continues to share its styling and chassis with the Megane, it is now considered a model in its own right.