DESIGN & ENGINEERING

FOR a long time MPVS were little more than boxes on wheels, designed with space rather than style in mind. But Renault has gone for bold with the latest Scenic, and it turns far more heads than its slightly frumpy predecessor.

Surprisingly, all models get large-diameter 20-inch alloys, while Dynamique and Dynamique S versions feature extra chrome trim. Buyers wanting to stand out more can specfiy a contrasting roof finish, which costs anything from nothing to £1,045 depending on the colour and the trim level of your car.

Under the Scenic’s daring lines is the Renaultnissan CMF-CD platform that first appeared on the latest Nissan Qashqai and also underpins Renault’s Kadjar and Mégane. It has a conventional suspension layout of independent front struts and rear torsion beam, while the engines are mounted transversely and drive a six-speed manual gearbox, or a twinclutch automatic with either six or seven ratios.

Climb aboard and you’re greeted with a stylish and well constructed interior that takes design cues from the Mégane hatchback. Ahead of the driver is a set of attractive TFT dials, while a tall centre stack houses the infotainment and heating controls.

Regardless of spec, the interior is packed with topquality materials, which combine with the slick look to give the car a similarly upmarket feel to the Citroen.