Renault Scenic 1.6

We bought our Renault Scenic 1.6 Sport Alize last year from Holland, but it didnt arrive until mid-december, so it was first registered as a January 2001 model.

Having it parked in the garage for those few weeks were agony - I was itching to drive it, so found myself sitting in and making engine noises quite a lot!!

I even drank less than usual on New Year's Eve, so that I would not be too intoxicated on the 1st! And the wait was well worth it. The car is quite simply, the best family transport available. Ok, it is not as spacious as the Espace or Galaxy class, but I think they are a bit too big, and certainly well out of our price range.

The Scenic is perfect. It drives like a regular saloon, but is so comfortable and roomy inside. And so practical.

I bought a new city bike a few weeks ago, on the spur of the moment, and found myself with the wife and two kids in tow. No problem. Front wheel off the bike, one rear seat removed and placed in the boot, and the new bike just slotted down the side. Excellent. Then, I had to collect a 28" television (boxed) to take to my parents house. I imagined having to fold down the seats, but no - it fitted in the back without having to remove the parcel shelf. As my last car was a KA, you can imagine how impressed I am with that sort of load space!

The kids love the middle seat folded down, and the picnic trays on the backs of the seats. And I dont have to keep shouting at them not to put their feet on the backs of my seat. I am 5'11" and with my seat in a comfortable position, there is acres of room in the rear. Headroom is great too. My wife likes the fact that she can raise the height of the driver's seat, giving her the best driving position she has ever experienced.

There are cubby holes galore. There is so much practical use of space. My only gripe is that there is no-where to put a cup for the driver or passenger (whilst stationery at MacDonalds, of course), other that the top of the dash. Oh, and the fan sometimes takes a while to clear the windscreen; but I suppose this is the coldest weather we should face during the year, and the screen is very large.

So, if you are reading this, and are in two minds, perhaps looking at the ugly box zafira too, or the hideous Fiat or peugeot offerings, all I can say, is that you will NOT be disappointed if you opt for the Scenic.