We had a Renault Scenic RXE 1.6 16V for over 2 years, and would have been more than happy to keep it for longer, were it not for the family outgrowing the car!

The Renault Scenic is in our opinion still the best car in the mini-MPV market. The styling was updated in 2000, and the range of engines and trim levels available is very impressive.

One of the big advantages of the car is the versatility of the interior space. We can take the family on holiday (2 adults, 2 children, all the luggage and space to spare), get the Christmas tree in another day, and transport two 90x200 bed slats plus two mattresses the next.

Interior comfort is another of the Scenic's plus points. The seats are comfortable and supportive, the ride is smooth and quiet, and the extras of the RXE model (e.g. air conditioning, lumbar supports, 6 CD changer) further enhance the driving experience. The only (small) criticism is the position of the gear lever and the angle of the steering wheel, which together make for a slightly van-like driving position. It is easy enough to get used to, though, and once you have done a few hundred miles in the Scenic, you won't know the difference (until you get into another car, that is!).

The 1.6 (102 bhp) engine is adequate for the car, no more and no less. Were we to order another Scenic, we would probably go for the 1.8 litre engine (which was not available back in Jan 2000). However, the 1.6 never felt overworked and was quiet and smooth both in town and on longer journeys, with acceptable fuel consumption to go with it.

Reliability over the 2+ years was excellent; we only had one problem with one of the ignition coils which was rectified free of charge.

So what are the alternatives? In our opinion, there are not that many. If you do not need seven seats, then there is no reason to go for the Vauxhall Zafira (which we also took for a test drive but which put us off with its sombre, black interior)
. The looks of the Citroen Picasso are not to everyone's taste, and it seems too much of a "me-too" car. Speaking of taste, there is the odd-looking Fiat Multipla - practical maybe, but not for the faint-hearted...

All in all, the Renault Scenic is a well-rounded car, and the 1.6 engine model in RXE trim offers everything that onc could ask for from a spacious family car.