When tested by independent experts at Euro NCAP, Renault Scenic XMOD levels were found to be high at five stars.

Overall the results were impressive, with a 91 percent score for adult occupancy and 99 percent for safety assist systems. Still high-scoring but somewhat less impressive were the 76 percent rating for child occupancy and a 42 percent score for pedestrian safety.

Usefully, all three rear seats have ISOFIX mounting points for child seats giving additional flexibility about where children can be positioned within the car.

In addition to the passive safety systems like deformable crumple zones six airbags, there are a number of active safety features available, depending on the chosen trim level.

Renault’s ‘Visio’ system monitors whether the car is wandering out of the lane it’s travelling in. Do so without indicating your intentions and an alarm beeps as you straddle the line. It’s a little sensitive but the pitch of the sound isn’t too annoying.

Automatically dipping main beam lights are welcome at night time, cutting the light and preventing it from dazzling other road users as it detects them.

More recent technological developments such as blind spot monitoring and radar-guided cruise control are not available on the Scenic XMOD but it remains a safe environment for families to travel in.

To maximise its capabilities as a medium-sized people carrier, Renault Scenic XMOD practicality levels are notably high.

Sliding, reclining and folding forwards the three individual rear seats is a simple and painless process, increasing the boot space from an already spacious 470 litres to a positively vast 1,870 litres. Neat touches abound like the convenient locations of the seat release handles through to the magnet that holds the middle seatbelt fastener against the roof.

On high specification Scenic XMODs the front passenger seat also folds forwards. It might be something you only use once or twice a year after a visit to a DIY store but when you use it you’ll wonder how you coped without it.

Storage cubbies and pockets for belongings are dotted all around the interior, many with lids on to keep opportunist prying eyes at bay. Kids in the back will especially find the lidded wells under their feet great hidey holes for various electronic devices they seem to be otherwise permanently attached too. In all there’s 71 litres of space in addition to the boot capacity.

Additional carrying capacity is provided with a pair of standard roof rails although the satin metallic finish on the ‘Bose Pack’ models could be prone to scratching. If you’re a tower, it’s worth noting that the XMOD can pull along up to 1,300kg.

Despite its lofty interior, the exterior dimensions of the XMOD ensure it’s easy to manoeuvre and park. At 4.37m long it’s only seven centimetres longer than the regular Megane hatchback.