In the past, the Scenic has always felt like a scaled-down Espace rather than a hatchback built as a people carrier, which has helped create an upmarket feel inside. However, this Scenic has no new Espace to draw on so much of the interior is Megane-like. Renault also said it wanted to create the impression of a more conventional driving position for this version of the Scenic.

A higher floor and more vertical steering wheel position have helped achieve this, while windscreen pillars moved further back have helped create a better view of the road at junctions and roundabouts. Strides made with the quality of materials and the finish in the Megane are evident in the Scenic and a large glass area combined with interesting trim colour combinations make the interior of the Scenic a pleasant environment.

The Scenic is roomier than before, while a longer wheelbase gives rear seat occupants improved knee room. All modes come with air conditioning – even the entry level Extreme – while all versions from second-tier Expression upwards come with four electric windows. Sound insulation is excellent and the diesel versions are impressively quiet.