IF SUCCESS were rated according to how improved a new model is, then the Scenic II – in six-speed manual mode anyway – deserves to be showered in champagne. Renault has engineered a compact family hatchback with exceptional space, safety and practicality attributes mixed with style, value, driver enjoyment and refinement. So if you’re in the market for cars like a VW Golf, Toyota Camry, Ford Falcon or Nissan X-Trail but yearn for something different then you could do a lot worse than take the Scenic for a spin. Better still, borrow one for a few days: only then will its lifestyle-enhancing abilities become clear.