Large cabin, large boot, rides smoothly, excellent value for money – what more can we say? Oh, just that in 2013 and 2014 What Car? named the C3 Picasso its ‘best budget MPV’. Enough said.
The Prius+ is a bit cramped in the third row, but this is the only non-diesel on the list. The petrol-hybrid engine means low emissions and lower running costs that help offset the initially higher price.
What this lacks in excitement it makes up for with rather stylish design touches throughout, as well as high levels of kit. The interior is large, practical, stylish and just the place for seven people to spend time.
It isn’t brilliant value for money and the levels of refinement could be higher, but this is one of the very best mini-MPVs. The large areas of glass bring in lots of light, plus there’s loads of room in the rear for both passengers and luggage. A large cabin for its exterior dimensions makes this a practical choice.
On the plus side you have Toyota’s well-deserved reputation for build quality and reliability. The Verso is also comfortable and easy to live with, which aren’t exciting qualities but they are very practical. However the engine is not the most refined you’ll find and, with the third row of seats up, the boot space is definitely compromised.
The name sounds like a rather frisky thing for an MPV, but you can indeed fit three children in the back of the Active Tourer’s body. There’s plenty of space in the high-quality, refined cabin and even with the eight-speed auto box fitted, we still managed over 50mpg.
There’s a lot to like here, with a refined, comfortable ride aided further by the dynamic ride control that is standard on the 2.0-litre model. It handles well, and has a roomy, adaptable interior with a flexible seating arrangement.
The Zafira has been around for a while, and is a stalwart of the MPV market. That’s because it’s a decent size and drives and rides well. On the other hand that also means it’s getting a bit long in the tooth so it’s not that refined and the seating could be more versatile. On yet another hand that means you can haggle some decent discounts, so we’ll hand that one to you.
The diesel engine is refined and sips fuel at better than 50mpg. The Carens is not a wonderful driving experience, but you do get the important sevens: seating for seven and a seven-year warranty.
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