FROM a car maker's point of view there's almost as much skill in discovering a new sector in the market as there is in designing a totally new car. There are a few historic examples that go back the best part of half a century.
Renault claims to have started off the family hatchback trend with the 16 way back in the mid Sixties, but that was hotly disputed by Austin - if they were to defend themselves - who brought out the little A40 a couple of years earlier.
Then there was the ground-breaking Range Rover at the start of the Seventies. The first luxury off-roader was to spawn countless copycat designs.
Renault was at it again a decade or so later when it hit the headlines with the brilliant Espace. Before then the initials MPV meant nothing and all cars were regarded as 'people carriers'.
Once again the French used their innovative skills and produced a mini-MPV, the Scenic, which offered all the lifestyle treats of its big brother back in 1996. But they soon had the rest of the pack chasing, with especially strong competition from the ingenious seven seater Vauxhall Zafira.
Now, seven years later, Renault has moved the game on with the second generation Scenic - smarter, more coherent and soon to be joined by a stretched version which will have seven seats.
Based on the latest angular-looking Megane, the design has allowed much more cohesive styling - no longer does the Scenic look like a poshed-up bread van.
The new shape disguises its considerable height which enables five people to sit comfortably with loads of legroom within the compact external dimensions.
Prices start at just under £13,000, but the model I drove with 1.9 litre, 120 bhp turbo diesel power, twin glass sunroofs and 60 watt CD player comes in at £18,113.
The diesel engine is a joy - not only at the pumps where you will squeeze 45 miles out of each gallon - but also it's a pleasure in the cut and thrust of city driving and swift motorway running. It hits 60 in under 11 seconds and can clock 117mph maximum. Impressive for a family lounge on wheels.
I'm less of a fan of the "Hands-free Renault Card" which is basically a key-less ignition. Sensors detect that you have the card with you and allow you to start the engine at the press of a button - except the computer's reactions tend to be on the sluggish side and it can take longer to start than the tried and tested old method.
If you want a job doing... do it yourself, I reckon.
Better news is the automatic parking brake which comes on when the engine is switched off. It also frees up space between the front seats. Great idea.
It goes without saying that the new Scenic has more trays than Macdonald's and cup-holders galore, but best of all you don't feel you need to have one of those stupid 'Baby on Board' signs glued to your back window to drive it!
FAST FACTS
Renault Scenic 1.9 DCi Privilege
Price: £18,113
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,870cc 4 cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 117mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 48.7
Insurance group: 7
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 12yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint