ALL people carriers major on practicality and space of course, but one of the first on the market was the Renault Espace in 1984.

It was soon followed by the smaller Scenic and Grand Scenic models and these were continually updated and then replaced by newer versions.

The latest to bear the name are beautifully sleek and svelte on the outside, and immensely practical on the inside with a high level of standard equipment.

They even have the look of an SUV coupe crossover from some angles, with a fairly low roof line and smooth surfaces flowing from front to back.

The standard Scenic has five seats and a large boot, while the Grand Scenic has a longer body to give seven seats - but with all of them in use, luggage space is more limited.

This latest model was introduced in 2016 has a very wide range of smooth and quiet petrol and diesel engines.

They are all very easy and car-like to drive and the almost vertical rear helps tremendously with parking.

Both models are easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, with most having parking sensors and all having a tight turning circle.

All the figures here are for the five seat Scenic because the engines are also used in the Grand Scenic, but will obviously give slightly lower economy.

Latterly, petrol engines are both 1.3 turbos with 115 and 140bhp. The lower powered unit covers the 0 to 60 miles an hour sprint in 10.9 seconds and is capable of 52 miles per gallon while the 130 sprints to 60 in 9.8 seconds and will also do 52mpg.

The 1.3 litre is refined and quiet and despite its diminutive size, is more than man enough for the weight and size.

Diesels start with the well-known 1.5 that comes with 110bhp or a later version with 115. The 110 gets to 60 in 12 seconds while returning an excellent 70 miles per gallon, and the 115 brings the sprint down to 11.6 seconds and is still capable of the same economy.

Then comes a 1.6-litre dCi with either 130 or 160bhp. The 130 will reach 60 in 11 seconds and cover 62mpg, while the 160 brings the sprint down to 10.4 and maintains the same economy.

Finally, there is a diesel/electric hybrid that uses the 1.5-litre diesel plus a battery pack and electric motor. The battery is not a plug-in, but charges when decelerating or from the diesel when cruising, and the electric motor assists the diesel for more power when needed.

This is the economy king of the range, managing an excellent 80mpg in the government figures.

Normal transmission is a six speed manual, but a very good twin clutch automatic is also available on some models and standard on others. The hybrid is the only one I know of that comes with a standard six speed manual ‘box rather than an auto.

Both models have much to recommend them including easy access, loads of space and extra practicality over a conventional hatchback.

Petrol models are cheaper because the diesels are more sought after, but weigh up whether it is worth you spending the difference if you're not going to cover many miles.

Many diesels will have covered longer mileage for the same year and of course, the diesel itself is now a lot more expensive than petrol.

Scenics hold the road well and handle with great safety despite quite soft suspension. There's huge space both for legs and luggage in the five seater, but things are cramped in the rear two seats of the Grand model.

The high seating position gives a great view for adults and children, keeping little ones much happier over longer trips than in some other cars, and comfort is excellent over most surfaces.

Equipment in mid-range Dynamique Nav models includes an alarm, sat nav, steering wheel remote controls, traction control, climate, parking sensors, cruise, and excellent seat and column adjustment.

Pay about £13,050 for a '19 19-reg 1.3 TCe Dynamique Nav, or £16,150 for a '20 20-reg 1.5 Blue dCi in Signature trim.

You'll have to pay about £1,300 more for the Grand Scenic of the same year and trim.