THERE'S certainly lots of fun to be had in the latest Renault Scenic.

You can play hide and seek, musical chairs or even an unorthodox version of Treasure Hunt - where you don't actually have to drive anywhere.

And all because there are 40 separate stowage spaces, ranging from the four underfloor compartments and chilled glovebox to the half dozen pockets on the front seatbacks and sliding centre unit.

New Scenic as Renault likes to call it is the third generation of a vehicle that pioneered the compact MPV concept when it was originally launched in 1996.

Since then close to 3.5 million Scenics have been sold and the latest, available since last summer, is the fourth model from the New Megane programme, following the hatch, coupe, and Grand Scenic.

Of course much has changed in 14 years so it's no surprise that the present Scenic is not only a longer, more spacious car, but also an appreciably better looking one.

That's down to the more elegant lines, distinctive rear lights and sporty face reminiscent of the Megane Coupe.

Not that this is a case of style over substance because the overall build of the Scenic is also now of a higher quality too.

The Scenic comes with a choice of eight engines - three petrol and five dCi diesels -plus four trim levels, graded Extreme, Expression, Dynamique Tom Tom and Privilege Tom Tom.

The tested TCe 130 unit is one of three making their debut in the Scenic and has been described as an object lesson in downsizing in that it's both fuel efficient and green.

Despite only being a 1.4-litre powerplant this Turbo Control Efficiency petrol engine packs the punch of a 1.8-litre unit, with 130bhp at 5,500rpm, and torque to match 2.0-litre car.

It's fuel return was only just short of the official 39.8mpg mark and is up there with the best for running and servicing costs - the oil filter should only need changing every 18,000 miles and air filter/spark plugs every 36,000 miles.

Inside, the Scenic is a welcoming environment with ample space for five and individual seating all round.  In fact each of the rear ones can be slid back or forward, folded or removed, though the latter function isn't to be recommended if you don't like lugging heavy furniture round.

Safety provisions see six airbags, large disc brakes all round and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution on every car while there's a decent amount of kit as standard too.

Dynamique Tom Tom also includes a 5.8-inch colour screen satnav integrated into the dashboard, which also gives traffic info, alternative routes, speed camera locations and points of interest.

You also get features like a child minder mirror, second row sun blinds, front and rear reading lights, cruise control and aviation tables on the front seat backs.