The Grand Scenic does without the 1.4-litre petrol engine used in the smaller Scenic, instead using the 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrols and 1.5, 1.9 and 2.0 turbodiesels. The 130bhp 1.9 diesel is the best of the bunch thanks to plenty of low- and mid-range shove and a six-speed gearbox with well chosen ratios. You can specify the 1.9 diesel with a four-speed auto gearbox, or a six-speed with the 2.0-litre diesel.

Renault has added 50mm to the wheelbase of the Grand Scenic over the smaller version and it helps to make the ride even cushier over all sorts of broken surface. Body lean is kept in check and the Renault grips well through corners, although the steering could do with more feel.

The Grand Scenic does not suffer as much from wind noise at speed as the smaller version, but the 2.0-litre petrol engine is still noisy when worked hard. A better bet are the punchy 1.9 or 2.0 turbodiesels. Road noise is not a problem and all occupants can take part in the same conversation without raised voices.

The Grand Scenic is competitively priced against its seven-seat rivals, and discounts mirror those for the five-seat Scenic. Low running costs and insurance groupings make it a sound bet for private buyers. Average depreciation means the Grand is not likely to hang on to any more of its value than the smaller Scenic.

The materials used throughout the Grand Scenic’s cabin are of a high quality, and the interior feels very durable and up to the rigours of family life. The engines are tough, but there have been some electrical glitches with the five-seat model.

It’s no surprise the Grand Scenic scores well here. Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability and six airbags are standard. Deadlocks are fitted to all Grand Scenics.

The driver is afforded plenty of adjustment in the seat and at the two-way adjustable steering wheel to give an excellent driving position. All-round vision is superb, too, which makes reversing the Grand Scenic very simple. The clearly laid-out dash is easy to use and there are many storage cubbies spread around. Some drivers might wish for longer arms to adjust the electric wing mirrors, however.

The Grand can seat seven, and there’s decent space for those in the third row. These two seats fold completely flat into the boot floor and are easy to put in place and stow away. The middle three seats can be individually removed or slid back and forth, although the headroom in the middle row is a little tight. You can also specify your Grand Scenic with just five seats - and benefit from an extra 40 litres of boot space - for £250 less than the seven-seat version.

Four trim levels are available, and all but the base models have air-conditioning as standard. Six-speed manual gearboxes are fitted to the 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol and 1.9 and 2.0 turbodiesel models, the others having five-speeders. All models have electric front windows and remote central locking. The third row of seats is included in the list price.