Volkswagen Touran mini MPV (2010-2015)

The Volkswagen Touran MPV is a no-nonsense people carrier that with its boxy body makes no attempt to hide its practical appeal. A family favourite that ranges in price from just under £20,000 to just under £30,000, it’s available in S, SE and Sport trim with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines.

Inside, you get a seven-seat layout as standard but can opt for five seats and a bigger boot if you want. All the engines in the range are economical, while the Touran handles well and is easy to drive. The suspension is relatively firm but not so much that the Touran is uncomfortable for passengers.

The Ford Grand C-MAX is sportier and the Citroen Picasso’s cabin layout is a bit more adaptable, but the Touran is a fantastic all-rounder.

Crucially, the interior is robustly built and feels like it can cope with the worse family life can throw at it. Quality is excellent throughout and there’s loads of storage.

The three individual middle-row seats slide, recline and tumble forward independently, while the extra row-three seats fold flat into the boot floor when not in use.

There’s plenty of safety equipment, while even the cheapest S model has air-conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a digital DAB radio.

With 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rails and body coloured door trims and handles, the SE model looks more upmarket, while inside you get Bluetooth, extra storage, a leather steering wheel and automatic wipers.

The most expensive Sport model comes with even more generous standard equipment, including two-zone climate control and chrome exterior trim, which gives the Touran an executive look.

Our choice of engine is the 1.6-litre TDI as it offers all the performance you need with good fuel economy. As far as trims go, we recommend the SE trim thanks to standard Bluetooth, front and rear park sensors and cruise control.