I'd also recommend the Scenic, we have a 00 model with a 1.4
engine - this is our second Scenic, our 99 model was very
badly damaged in a head on collision (we were stopped at the
time and a guy hit us doing about 20/30 mph). We were both
fine, the car took all of the impact - the other guys air bags
went off ours didnt (guess the impact wasn’t hard enough for
our bags to go). Our car wasn’t written off, it just needed alot
of work so we opted to get a newer model rather than wait for
parts, etc.
We went for the scenic for 2 reasons - height and safety.
Both of which played a very important part when we were hit.
If you are looking for a safe, comfortable and reliable car then
I would certainly recommend the Scenic, they're rock solid.