People power

But for the growing family it could be money well spent because it provides seven seats, one of the few people carriers to do so in today's demanding market.

This new model is the latest to join the Scenic range launched last year and, with a starting price of £14,613 on the road, is a grand more than the five-seater.

For those who until now have lived sheltered lives, it is a well-known fact of motoring history that Renault pioneered the people carrier, and has paid the price ever since. Almost all other manufacturers have latched on to the design, consequently Renault designers and engineers have to work hard to keep a step ahead of all others.

It is not easy. Grand Scenic is as adaptable as earlier Renault multi-purpose vehicles, but more so. Its two extra seats, making up the third row, can be individually folded into the floor, and this allows the seating arrangement to be converted into one to suit most families.

To change the seating plan is quite easy, just one hand is needed to fold away a seat, swiftly and efficiently and without any knuckle-grazing or twisted spine. And owners will not have to move the head restraint, either.

Providing the extra seating has been managed by adding another five centimetres to the car's wheelbase.

Getting in or out of the back row is also relatively easy, by tilting one of the individual side seats in the second row forward. Providing three individual seats means that not all those sitting there need to get out as in, for example, the Vauxhall Zafira. The second or middle row of seats are mounted on slides so the amount of legroom can be varied to meet the stretching out demands of most people.

To add to the convenience, the luggage area can be reached and used via an opening tailgate window, particularly useful in car parks or nose-to-tail street parking.

In its seven-seat mode, the Grand Scenic still provides the largest luggage area in its class, about 200 litres. With five seats in use, the luggage area can be boosted to more than 600 litres, and with just the front seats needed, the carrying space shoots up to 1,920 litres.

But there is more to the Grand Scenic than seven seats: it also comes with an electronic parking brake which frees up space between the front seats for an electric sliding unit incorporating arm rests, courtesy lamps, useful power point, a couple of cup holders and a storage bin. The ability to slide backwards or forwards means that it is also within reach of passengers in the middle row of seats.

Renault says that by providing two distinct Scenic models, owners pay only for what they want, citing the inconvenience met by buyers of the Volkswagen Touran which only comes in the larger size even if only five seats are all that are wanted.

There will be four trim levels available, the Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. On top of these, there will also be the chance to stipulate an optional pack of extras, adding climate, handling, comfort, convenience and luxury features, all described as money-saving bargains.

The entry-level Authentique range offers one petrol engine, an 115bhp 1.6-litre 16v VVT, and one diesel, the 100bhp 1.5-litre economical and clean common rail unit, both matched to a five-speed gearbox. Prices range from £14,613 to £16,213 on the road. A manual air conditioning system can be added for another £500.

Moving on, the Expression range adds a six-speed manual 1.9-litre diesel 120 and, with added specification, prices start at £15,613 topping at £17,613.

The biggest engine and transmission choice will be with the Dynamique model, which Renault expects to be the best seller, with five versions. There is one additional engine, the 136bhp 2.0-litre 16v petrol linked to either six-speed manual, or four speed automatic with clutch less gear lever override, gearbox.

Dynamique prices range from £16,113 to £18,313.

Finally, there is the Privilege range of four models, the flagships, with added specification and prices from £17,113 to £19,313.

Updated: 16:44 Thursday, March 11, 2004