Scenic's new route to more flexibility

Now Renault is leading the way in proving that stylishness has a place among people carriers. Arguably better looking than the hatchback version on sale already, the new Mégane Scenic appears certain to shake up the market it invented in 1996.

Looking more like a shrunken Espace, this second-generation Scenic promises improved load-lugging ability and more comfort, plus a better ride and handling. We took the wheel of what will probably be the best seller, a well equipped 1.9-litre diesel, likely to cost ΂£16,000. If the newcomer is as good as Renault claims, the Scenic could well become our car of choice in this class, beating the versatile Vauxhall Zafira, especially when the seven-seater arrives next year.

Looking at the spec, the 1.9 direct-injection diesel model will be a tempting proposition when it goes on sale in September. And with 300Nm of torque available from only 2,000rpm, expectations are high. After gaining access with a credit card-sized key, the interior comes as a pleasant surprise. A more reclined, car-like seating position means drivers will no longer feel as if they are at the wheel of a double-decker bus.

Front seat occupants enjoy 2.6cm more headroom and a similar increase in elbow room, while the back chairs slide for either a bigger boot or additional legroom. Innovative new details include a second rear-view mirror, so parents can keep an eye on the kids, and a 15-litre storage box, which can be moved between the front and rear seats. What's more, the back row of chairs can be removed, although they are heavy and awkward to put back.

On the road, a wider track and longer wheelbase result in a lower centre of gravity and greater stability. The car no longer pitches and rolls like its predecessor, yet the ride is not hard either, thanks to a supple suspension set-up.

The electronic parking brake takes some getting used to. Renault says the feature frees up floorspace, but the entry-level car must make do with a conventional handbrake. A five-speed gearbox is available for the smaller-engined models, while the 1.9 comes only with a six-speeder. In top, the engine cruises at 70mph, with the digital rev counter hovering around the 2,250rpm mark, and only slight wind noise around the door mirrors mars the Scenic driving experience.

There's also a 1.5-litre dCi engine and three petrol versions on offer. Competition in this segment is hotting up: the all-new Ford Focus-based C-Max arrives soon, Volkswagen's Touran has recently come on the market and a revised Citroen Picasso is due out at the beginning of 2004. Despite this, the Scenic should fare well in a cut-throat sector. The moment of truth will come when the Scenic faces the Zafira on the test track for the first time!