Taking the Scenic route

The Renault Scenic RX4, the people-mover that was meant to be launched in New Zealand in June last year, has finally landed.

Its late arrival was mostly put down to demand for the model in Europe, which put back right-hand-drive production.

The RX4 is a rough-and-tumble, four-wheel-drive variant of the bestselling, mid-range people-mover.

What's it like? Take the regular front-drive Scenic, add full-time 4WD and independent rear suspension, raise the body height and plaster it with tough-looking plastic cladding and you've got the RX4.

It comes in seven colours, has all the usual Renault bells and whistles and costs $41,990. Safety equipment includes four airbags.