Possibly. Although the Rafale is by no means perfect, it is a tempting choice given its size and price. Ignore the cash price and instead consider the monthly finance costs, something that Renault does very well indeed, and you’re getting an awful lot of car for the money.

The interior is a pleasant place to be with quality that’s for the most part good, and we appreciate the use of physical controls for certain functions instead of burying them in a touchscreen. The rear armrest is a great idea for entertaining easily bored kids (or adults), and space is good, too.

The boot isn’t quite as impressive as it looks on paper, but there’s still a useful amount of space and flexibility. It’s also frugal and grippy, but never feels like something that relishes being driven hard. An engine that’s unpredictable in its responses and not quite punchy enough doesn’t help.

Ultimately, a Skoda Kodiaq is a much more sensible choice in this class. If you do want something that drives sharply and has plenty of space, don’t discount the SEAT Tarraco.

What we like

The interior is well put together and spacious, with reasonable boot space, too. It doesn’t drink a lot of fuel or make a lot of noise when you’re careful, and it’s well equipped.

What we don’t like

It just isn’t that much fun to drive, and the powertrain can be indecisive. Our biggest complaint is that the ride is overly stiff.