10/11/09

Useful cars that'll do a big job without costing too much to buy or to own. Here's our pick from a crowded and talented pack1: Citrn Berlingo Multispace
Prices £11,385-£15,065
All-new Berlingo has grown a size over the original, now offering more than enough space for five adults and a huge space for their luggage. As before, the Multispace is based on a van, so there’sa tough, no-nonsense air about it that we can’t help but like. It’s not remotely cool but then it makes no effort to be. Rather than that, it’s comfortable, utterly practical and a great thing to have in your life if you’ve pets, kids, bikes or any combination of the three that need transporting. Diesel-engined Berlingos cost a bit more, but they are worth it because they are so much better to drive. Top-level Berlingos such as VTR and XTR are now well equipped but base-level VT lacks air conditioning and fold-everyway rear seats. Verdict ****

2: Skoda Roomster
 Prices £10,750-£14,850
The Roomster may look as if the designers of its front and back halves never met, or even spoke. But if you can get past that, it’s a practical and appealing little bus. The front panels and dash are adapted from the Fabia supermini, while the tall and spacious rear is bespoke. It drives neatly and its suspension smothers the bumps but reversing in car parks can be tricky because the Roomster suffers sizeable blind spots. The smallest engines, a 1.2 petrol and 1.4 diesel haul the car so well that it’s hardly worth buying the bigger alternatives, although the little’uns are noisy at speed. Cheapest models are well priced but look a bit bare and lack air conditioning. Verdict ****

3: Citrn C3 Picasso
Prices: £11,795-£15,895
Who says that affordably-priced MPVs must all be box-shaped and boring? With the cute-looking C3 Picasso, Citrn has shown what can be done. Sure, it ds all the usual tricks MPVs play - like seating five comfortably, packing away their luggage and giving them no end of trays and tables for their stuff. It runs the Roomster close for space but can't equal its Berlingo big brother. But it is also pretty good to drive. It's smooth riding on the move but without the slushy softness that Citrns once had, which means that it corners neatly and steers accurately. Models towards the cheaper end of the range make the real bargains, although we know many buyers are tempted by the alloy wheels, plush seat trim and climate controlled air conditioning that comes as standard on the top-ranking Exclusive models. The car is at its best with the diesel engines - the 1.6s with 90bhp or 110bhp - for their fuel economy and strong low-revs urge. Verdict ****