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I am in the market for an MPV. I find that as I want an MPV I don't want one that looks like a car. I have been reading about the SMAX but feel that it is too much like a car but in saying that I could be persuaded. I have also looked at the Mitsubishi Grandis (??) but again too much like a car. I have three young kids and they all need car seats and I am therefore looking for space. I also want a bit of luxury as I am used to executive saloons and also a bit of performance. I am lead to believe the Espace 2.0 dci Initiale is the best bet. However as I have not been in this market before Iam looking for some advice. Would welcome all commets.

There are going to be four main players as far as you are concerned.

1.  Ford Galaxy  -  Sister car to the SMAX, but bigger and visually more MPV like.

2.  Chrysler Voyager  -  Big full sized US MPV.

3.  Renault Espace / Grand Espace -  As you've already found out, good all rounder.

4.  Kia Sedona - Budget MPV, not a great drive but spacious.

Another left field choice if something more van based and "Full Sized" lights your candle, would be a VW Caravelle?!?!

The only way is to go and play, then you will find what ticks the right boxes for you.

Best of luck.

What about a Mercedes Viano, comes in 6,7 or 8 seats.

I had a Mitsubishi Grandis on trial for a day, but in the end did not go for it as at the time a diesel was not available. They now have the 2 litre diesel from VW, so should be good on economy with space to spare for the kids etc. Actually the car was very good.

I have an issue with Renaults, so I am not the one to offer advice, although I have run two Laguna sport tourers.

Why not do what James Read has done and plump for a mighty 4x4 in order to get all the kids gear in, he has three kids and can't cope with anything less.

Jon Hardcastle:

Why not do what James Read has done and plump for a mighty 4x4 in order to get all the kids gear in, he has three kids and can't cope with anything less.

Now, now.  Very funny, but you know he gets upset!

TegTypeR:

Now, now.  Very funny, but you know he gets upset!

Ooops sorry, did I say that out loud. It's only a bit of fun.

I've had two Espace MK4's since 2003  (Lagunas before that) and have loved both of them and not had a single problem so far (apart from recalls twice). We have three kids too and often have one of our mothers to stay and Au Pairs for summer so needed at least six seats. The rear seats in the normal Espace are ok but they're not great for adults.

We do driving holidays and just came back from Rotterdam fully loaded with six people and a jumbo roofbox. The car handles long trips with skill. The only thing I really don't like about the car is that the heating controls are on the drivers door so my wife has to ask me to adjust the temperature etc. This is an ergonomic disaster. But that's the only black mark against it.

I wouldn't buy an Espace at the moment because the Mark 5 is not too far away and it'll be a cracker compared to the current one. We'll not be buying another Espace after this one because I fancy something a bit less 'middle-aged dad' and a bit more 'active family man'. I don't think the S-Max does it for me, I actually prefer the look of the Galaxy personally. The Sharan/Alhambra is so utterly out of date that it shouldn't feature on anyones list without serious discount. The six seaters are just too wide and not especially comfortable for elbows and Mercedes has never managed to produce anything worth considering (did someone say Vaneo? Purlease!)

I'll be going for a 4x4 probably but which one I don't know. The Q7 is the size of a small caribbean island, the Disco and the XC90 are getting on a bit now and the Nissan Pathfinder is just a bit, well, tonka? I don't need a 4x4 of course but I want something that doesn't resemble a wardrobe on wheels. They should put bonus seats in more cars like they do the C-Crosser and Outlander. Why don't Volvo do that in the V70? I'd have an A6 Avant in a flash if it had bonus seats in the boot. Oh well.

kerrecoe:

I'll be going for a 4x4 probably but which one I don't know.

new X5?  that has 7 seats also?

kerrecoe:

I'll be going for a 4x4 probably but which one I don't know.

You'll be put on Jon's sh itlist immediately if you do. If you buy a 4x4 then you must be a twat in his book. Automatically labelled. [Can't disappoint my public. Had to comment. Couldn't help myself.]

kerrecoe:

The Q7 is the size of a small caribbean island, the Disco and the XC90 are getting on a bit now and the Nissan Pathfinder is just a bit, well, tonka?

I had the same thoughts before I went for the Disco. Anything German costs a small fortune. Minimum £40k. Land Rovers are better value and of course buying British feels good (unlike Jon who selfishly bought Italian - is there any limit to that guy's churlishness ? Sheesh.) I did look at the Merc Viano too. Really cool, I reckon. Captains seats in the back and you can spec a DVD player in there. I thought about getting it Brabus'sed (if that's a verb...bloody should be) too. Uber-cool. Just my thoughts. No doubt Jon'll be commenting soon. Light the blue touch paper......

Went round the Brabus factory in Bottropp, really worth a visit for any performance enthusiast.

James, I actually like the Viano, you should get one and take it to Brabus.

Not too keen on your language Timothy.

 I am a bit late to this but a Mazda 5 is good, plus I looked at a Verso at the weekend for reasons best know to a member of my family...J