Hello Brendan,

Well, as to the Renault Grand Scenic, we’ve driven both it and its mechanically-identical sibling, the five-seat Scenic, and we didn’t find the gearbox that bad. True, Renaults used to have poor shift linkages, but they have improved markedly over the years. The Ford might still have the slicker transmission, however, and it really is down to personal taste; if you didn’t like the Renault’s gearbox, you didn’t like it.

If you’re looking for a seven-seat SUV, the Peugeot 5008 is most definitely one of the strongest choices you can make, while you ought to look at the two massive yet great value Koreans – the Hyundai Santa Fe (about to be replaced, so you might get a great deal on it) and the Kia Sorento (recently refreshed, has the seven-year warranty). But another option would be the terrific Skoda Kodiaq. Superb Volkswagen Group drivetrains, capacious and clever cabin, loads of kit, great driving manners and a strong reputation for reliability, plus Skoda’s blooming badge cred means residuals are impressive. Give it a whirl.