Best buys: Compact MPVs

Best in class

Opel Meriva

This is not a class where dynamism nor sensual styling counts for much. Compact MPVs are for those needing space and utility, on a tight-ish budget. Good job then that the Opel Meriva goes about its task with a touch of flair. Those rear-hinged doors are genuinely different and make such tasks as loading kids into car seats (surely the raison d'être of any MPV) so much easier on your lower back than conventional doors. The interior is a bit of a button-fest but it's all very high quality and the new 1.6 diesel engine is a bit of a cracker. It gets pricey very quickly though, so beware the options list. Best one: Meriva 1.6 CDTI 100hp SE for €23,495

Also consider

Citroen C3 Picasso

Getting on a bit in terms of age now, and up for replacement soon but the C3 Picasso has something that almost every other small MPV lacks – character. Charm, too, thanks to that genuinely attractive styling. Space inside is perhaps not quite the best, but there’s room for kids in the back and the squishy seats and gentle suspension settings maximise the comfort levels, which is surely the best setup for a family car.

Fiat 500L

Yes, it really does look like that. Taking the dinky little Fiat 500’s styling and, apparently, bloating them with a bike pump is not a recipe for a truly god looking car, but like that old Fiat MPV, the Multipla, it’s best to look past the styling and instead savour the interior – which is hugely spacious, comfy and well made. It’s no ball of fire, dynamically, but you can have it with seven seats, if you go for the even-amore awkward-looking 500L MPW.

Worth waiting for

BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

The debate over whether or not BMW should even be making a compact, front-drive MPV is largely moot now – it’s here whether the traditional car enthusiast brigade wants it or not. The fact is it’s a hugely successful bit of work. Smooth to drive, refined, spacious and beautifully made. The Gran Tourer seven seat version arrives soon, to create a new section in the Venn diagram between premium and practical. It is crazy expensive compared to any of its mainstream rivals though. Launches: July 2015

Underrated

Hyundai ix20

Yes, it’s a taller version of the old i20 hatchback (which wasn’t the most exciting of starting points) and yes it’s pretty ‘vanilla’ when it comes to compact MPV innovation. There are no trick doors or clever seats here. For all that though, the ix20 makes a decent fist of providing maximum space, comfort and usability for a not-massive price. It’s fine to drive, with an easy-going ride quality and the usual Hyundai robustness should ensure it survives years of your kids’ attempts to disassemble it.