Testing Renault’s mid-size people carrier.

Just over two decades ago, in 1996, Renault created the small people carrier market when it launched the Scenic.

The car world is different now. Basically, it’s full of people who prefer SUVs to MPVs – people carriers.

Renault has responded by making its design more radical, coming up with one of the prettiest people carriers yet.

The latest model was introduced at the end of last year. Its bold styling is helped by 20in wheels that fill the arches and give it a solid, chunky appearance.

The Scenic is a five-seater (for those who need more, the Grand Scenic offers seven seats). Prices start at a little over £20,000 and stretch to around the £28,000 mark.

There’s a choice of five engines: a 1.2 litre petrol with 115 or 130bhp and 1.5 or 1.6 litre diesels with 110, 130 or 160bhp.

One of the Renault’s strong suits is equipment – the list of standard kit is as long as your arm.

All cars get alloy wheels, climate control, keyless entry and Bluetooth, while Dynamique Nav adds sat-nav, parking sensors and sunblinds in the rear.

Higher-spec versions gain things like Bose stereo, larger touchscreen display, leather seats, panoramic glass roof and LED headlights.

I drove the 130bhp diesel in Dynamique S Nav trim, with a price tag of £28,605.

There’s a more powerful diesel at the top of the range but the 130 does 0-62mph in a decent 11.4 seconds and returns 61.4mpg.

Inside, there’s a pleasingly minimalist design that still manages to fit in enough storage space for family travel.

Clever touches abound, such as a centre console that slides back to reveal the cup holders.

Rear space isn’t class leading – headroom is a little pinched – but it’ll do for all but the tallest of passengers and there’s a good-sized boot.

Ride quality is firm, perhaps due to those 20in wheels, and there’s a bit of road noise too. Visibility is excellent, however, thanks to a huge windscreen.

While the people carrier market isn’t the behemoth it once was, there’s still plenty to play for. Citroen’s Picasso is an excellent car, while Ford has a strong range of MPVs. Kia, Toyota and Seat produce contenders and even BMW has entered the fray with the 2-Series.

With its good looks and excellent standard equipment list, the Scenic has done enough to secure a seat at the table.

“Inside, there’s a pleasingly minimalist design that still manages to fit in enough storage space for family travel