Best buys: Large MPVs

Best in class 

Seat Alhambra

There is actually dwindling competition in the large MPV class these days, as car makers seem keen to abandon the big seven-seater concept in favour of more compact machinery. That shouldn't take anything away from Seat's scooping victory here though – as far as big, multiseat cars go it's right up with the best, and temptingly well priced too. Not a lot of choice in the range – 2.0-litre TDI diesel is effectively what you're going to go for, but it's hugely spacious and those sliding side doors are just brilliant when you're in a tightly confined car park. Is it a bit of a bus to drive? Yes, but never mind the driving quality, feel the width. Best one: Alhambra 2.0 TDI 115hp S for €38,995

Also consider

Ford Galaxy

Yes, there is an entirely new Galaxy coming very shortly and yes, it will be far more sophisticated and have lower fuel economy and emissions than the current car. That doesn’t mean that the outgoing Galaxy should be shunned though – if you’re in the market for something that’s as roomy as an out-house but doesn’t drive like one, then the Big Gal’ has still got it where it counts. Just beware the 1.6 TDCI engine – it keeps your tax bills down but will struggle with hills if there’s full load on board.

Opel Zafira Tourer

This is a bit of an oddly over-looked car, in sales terms, and that’s a shame as it’s one of Opel’s better recent efforts. Designed to compete with the likes of the S-Max, it’s possibly been hamstrung by sticking to the Zafira name, which pegs it to a smaller, less sophisticated vehicle. The Tourer is far more upmarket than the Zafira ever was though, with lovely, spacious individual seats in the rear (even if the third row is strictly a kids-only zone) and a very well set-up chassis. Nice car, and worthy of more attention.

Worth waiting for

Ford S-Max

Based on the same chassis as the impressive new Mondeo, the S-Max doesn’t actually look all that different to the outgoing model, but while it’s sticking to the style, thankfully it’s also sticking to the dynamic recipe. Once again, this is the go-to MPV for those who are not prepared to give up on steering sharpness and dynamic brilliance. New interior looks a little plain though, but the upmarket Vignale version should be a winner for all those who miss Ford’s old Ghia trim… Launches: Late summer 2015

Underrated 

VW Caddy Maxi Life

Yes, it’s a van but don’t let that put you off. What, after all, is an MPV anyway other than a posh van? Do away with the poshness and maximise the value, we say and the Caddy Maxi Life is probably the best proponent of that. For the same cost as a basic version of a car-based MPV, you can have a fully-specced Caddy with buckets of room, seats for seven and, when you fold them al flat, the carrying space of, well, a van. Not as sophisticated as a car-based people carrier? No, but the gap is more slender than you might think.