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Friday, 19th of March 2010

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MPVs

MPVs rated by performance, ride and handling, build quality and reliability, safety and security, space and practicality plus ownership and value.

Skoda Roomster

S 1.4 TDI - The Roomster is the least known of the current model line up at Skoda even though it has been an integral part of their family for several years and in many ways it’s easy to see why. There’s no doubt... read more

Ford Galaxy

2010 - The Galaxy gains a new turbo petrol engine and twin-clutch gearbox, while the diesel engine line-up is also revised. Upgraded trim levels bring more standard equipment, but the Galaxy’s impressive sev... read more

Ford S-MAX

2010 - The only people carrier to mix decent flexibility with genuine sporting flair, the Ford S-Max now comes with a revised range of fine turbodiesel engines. There’s also a new turbo petrol that uses a su... read more

Peugeot 5008

2.0 HDi 150 Exclusive - The start of the new decade sees Peugeot with a revised corporate logo and the new 5008 on sale in the UK. As a compact MPV, this 7-seater goes head-to-head with the already established Picasso, Grand... read more

Renault Grand Espace

Initiale dCi 175 - Renault was the first carmaker to bring an MPV to European roads when it first launched the Espace in 1984. Now in its fourth generation, the trailblazing Espace has become a template for an entire se... read more

Peugeot 5008

- Peugeot has pitched the prices of the 5008 keenly against its rivals, so it should be on compact MPV buyers’ shopping lists. It’s also likely to hold its value as well as a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, w... read more

SEAT Altea

Sport 2.0 TDI CR manual - Launched back in 2004, the Altea was SEAT’s fresh take on the small family MPV. With innovative styling and a slightly sporting demeanour it was heralded as being more than ‘just a family workhorse’. ... read more

Volkswagen California

T5 - Volkswagen has successfully been building camper vans for over 50 years, with the iconic split-screened T1 and bay-windowed T2 from the 60s and 70s now fetching big bucks in the used market. The curre... read more

Peugeot 807

Executive HDi 170 - Born out of a joint venture between Fiat and Peugeot/Citroen this people carrier has had several manufacturer badges placed on its grille over the past few years. Currently available in both the Peuge... read more

Citroen C3 Picasso

- For a high-sided MPV with a relatively short wheelbase, the C3 Picasso is remarkably composed on all types of roads and in all conditions. There’s decent grip and poise, and the steering is light yet ... read more

Nissan Qashqai+2

1.5dCi n-tec - Like VW’s Touareg, the Qashqai is named after desert-dwelling nomadic tribe, but unlike the Saharan Touaregs, the Qashqais hail from South Western Iran. What you may not know is that the new Qashqai n... read more

Renault Scenic

1.5 dCi - Renault’s Megane-based Scenic compact MPV is popular in the mid-sized C segment (which includes cars such as the Focus, Astra, Golf, etc). In that part of the market, MPVs constitute 30% of sales acro... read more

Mazda 5

2.0d Sport Luxury - Do you have a large family but still hanker after a little bit of the ‘zoom-zoom’ philosophy? The second generation Mazda 5 Sport has athletic good looks and enough room for six (seven at a push) with... read more

Kia Sedona

2.9 TS Auto - Big, Bulky, and bold the largest Kia available in the UK provides large families the space to travel in comfort, with enough style, gadgets, and appeal to belie its value for money price tag. Availabl... read more

Toyota Verso

1.8 Valvematic & 2.0 D-4D T Spirit - Versos used to be an MPV derivative of existing Yaris, Corolla and Avensis models, but the new Verso is a model in its own right. However, with so many competent mid-sized MPVs already scrapping for m... read more

Volkswagen California

- The California is the modern incarnation of the classic VW camper. Based on the Transporter van/Caravelle MPV, it is a full factory-designed and produced vehicle (rather than a conversion) and is powe... read more

SEAT Alhambra

2.0 Tdi Ecomotive - Named after the famous Moorish palace in Granada, Spain, the SEAT Alhambra is the third component of the Spanish marque’s Ecomotive range of greener vehicles. Although the car hasn’t changed aesthetic... read more

Fiat Qubo

1.4 petrol & 1.3 MultiJet - Small MPVs are few and far between. With good headroom, easy access and a raised seating position they’re ideal for young families and senior citizens alike. Toyota’s slightly odd-looking Yaris Verso ... read more

Dodge Journey

2.0 CRD SXT manual - Some cars are difficult to pigeonhole, and at first glance the Dodge Journey is one of them. If you want the functionality of a 7-seat MPV combined with the rugged looks of a 4x4, but without the comp... read more

Ford S-MAX

Titanium 2.2 TDCi - Ford reinvented the MPV when it introduced the S-max back in 2006. Not only was it the first people carrier to feature Ford’s Kinetic styling, but it also boats an extremely clever interior with what’... read more

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

320L CDI SE - Cars like the A-Class and the CLS-Class didn’t exist until Mercedes started selling them. And there never was, and still isn’t, anything quite like the R-Class. Being an unique mix of SUV, MPV and lux... read more

Volkswagen Golf Plus

Bluemotion - The Golf Plus hasn’t been a huge seller for Volkswagen since its introduction in 2005, mainly because the original Golf is such a competent car. But increasing pressure on manufacturers to lower emiss... read more

Nissan Qashqai+2

- The Qashqai has won over scores of buyers since its introduction in 2006 and now the chunky, funky Nissan has sprouted an extra row of rear seats to cater for larger families. Mechanically it’s much t... read more

Fiat Multipla

1.9 Eleganza - In 1998 I was on the very first press driving launch of Fiat’s new Multipla. Back then it was original, spacious, practical, surprisingly good to drive, and weird. In 2006 it was given a makeover and ... read more

SEAT Altea

XL 2.0 TDI Stylance - SEAT prides itself on making cars with flair, passion and spirit – cars for customers who want to stand out from the crowd. You may or may not agree, but on a more practical level, the Altea XL is an ... read more

Ford Galaxy

1.8TDCi 125 Zetec - Ford’s practical, functional and successful Galaxy MPV was first launched in 1995. Eleven years on saw the release of a re-engineered, second-generation Galaxy with fresh exterior styling and an all-n... read more

Ford Focus C-MAX

- The C-Max blends reassuring safety and space with a great ride and good performance. When you add all its good points together you are left with a great all-round MPV.... read more

Volkswagen Sharan

- The Volkswagen Sharan is now showing its age and rivals in the MPV segment are now well ahead, especially in regards to seating. However, the engines are strong and the ride is good.... read more

Citroen C4 Picasso

2.0 Hdi - The Citroen C4 Picasso is a fine-looking, compact MPV that is practical, roomy and excellent to drive. The interior is an arresting site with quality materials and clever design features.... read more

Chrysler Grand Voyager

2.8 CRD Limited - The Grand Voyager brings nothing new the MPV table but it is impossible to grumble about the amount of space that it offers. The sliding doors and vanishing seats are excellent but the Grand Voyager i... read more