• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    No idea at all. The car is practical, sensible, comfortable. Not sure if I could live up to any of those criteria.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Family and friends seem to like it. I have a friend with a bad back, and after travelling with me, he sold his 'low-down' saloon and bought a 'high-up' Scenic.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    I was going to upgrade to a Mercedes B type next, but then I read the reviews and compared them to the reviews of the Scenic. I think I might stay with the Scenic - it's alot more economical than the MB and I think I can live without the kudos of the three-pointed star!

    What are you likely to buy next?

    I will probably be very boring and buy whatever version of the super-economic Scenic that comes out next. 58 miles to a gallon of diesel is superb coming from a comfortable, quiet and comodious car like a Scenic.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchise

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    September 2005

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Not really sure. They offered me the terms I wanted and were able to supply the car.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I wanted maximum fuel economy and a slightly more luxurious environment - without having to pay a premium for a 'badge'.

    What was the dealer like?

    Adequate. I've had it serviced at a main agent who have been very relaible and helpful.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Remarkably neutral. I used to drive a large 4x4 thingy that sat high up off the road and I loved the elevated viewpoint. Well the Scenic is not quite that high, but the raised driving position does give distinct road-view advantages. Unlike the 4x4, I found that I could drive the Scenic 200 miles and emerge untired and ready for business. I can cruise at 80 without forcing the engine on motorways, or I can tootle on country B roads at 45 still in fifth gear.

    What's it like to park?

    Parking is fine, there's not a lot of extension behind the rear window or in front of the farthest point of the wing that you can see, so the Scenic slides sideways relatively easily. No need for parking sensors.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nothing has gone wrong. Other people seem to have had plenty of things large and small go wrong, whereas I have had nothing go wrong at all. Must be a 'Monday' car.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The diesel engine is superb. It's most forgiving about being dumped into fifth gear at 25 mph and returns exceptional economy - 58mpg is a reasonable average on a tank fll.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The 'comfort pack' of electric sunroof, six-change cd player and one or two other bits. The power sunroof is great, it encourages me to open it at every opportunity, knowing that it won't be a fag to close it quickly! The LED speedo and instrumentation is great. I just wish it was easier to switch from miles to kilometres than it says in the handbook.