Euro NCAP awarded the Scenic a maximum five-star crash-test safety rating and it comes with a long list of safety kit as standard including ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), adaptive front airbags, front side thorax airbags built into the seats and curtain airbags to protect both front and outer rear seat passengers. Three-point Isofix child seat anchorage points are provided on the outer rear seats and on the front passenger seat while a ‘Sleep Safe’ headrest, designed to protect the head and neck of six to 10-year-old children in the event of impact, is also available as a factory-fit option on all models.

First introduced on Espace, these help to keep youngsters upright in their seatbelt should they fall asleep and also cushions the head in a side impact. , including optional airbags for rear passengers. A fold-down rear headrest, which must be used with a booster seat, aids child protection and there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points throughout. The immobiliser and deadlocks will take care of security.

The Scenic is one of the most practical people carriers around and has an abundance of stowage. The best feature is a sliding central unit – not only does it offer a deep storage box but also comes with two cupholders, a second power point and twin integrated armrests. It is a £250 option but we think it’s essential for family buyers. Elsewhere there are underfloor cubbyholes in the front and back along with concealed storage under the door armrests.

All three rear seats slide individually and can be folded and tumbled forward to increase boot space, but disappointingly they do not fold completely flat like many people carrier and look ugly when flipped up. Boot space with the seats in place isn’t great with just 430 litres and many people carrier of this size offer more.