THE Fiat Doblo is one of a number of MPVs on the market at the moment that are basically vans dressed up as people carriers.
Having the basic design and shape of something originally meant for a working environment has two benefits.
Firstly there's loads of interior space with the Doblo's seven seats offering ample room with a light airy atmosphere.
And secondly its solid construction makes it as tough as old boots allowing it to survive almost anything that is thrown at it.
The Doblo is intended as a workhorse so the cabin plastics are resilient if unappealing and the materials that line the luggage bay look, and are, hard-wearing.
The latest model has benefited from a face-lift and is longer, wider and higher than its predecessor - but this doesn't mean it's a walrus around town as it is still compact enough to make parking and manoeuvring anything but a chore.
Two large sliding doors allied to raised seating positions make it particularly easy to climb in and out of.
The third row of passenger seats slide and fold to give the car good flexibility when it comes to carrying luggage or shopping.
The top-hinged tailgate rises above your head giving great access to the rear while also providing shelter from inclement weather.
As far as driving, the Doblo is concerned we are firmly in van territory.
The seating position is more minibus than anything else while the wing mirrors are on the large side of enormous so there is no problem seeing what is going on behind.
The accelerator and brake pedals are a bit close together so for anyone wearing anything other than slim fit shoes you have to be precise when braking.
It is pretty nippy thanks to the willing 120bhp, 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine that takes the Doblo from 0-62mph in a shade over 12 seconds - not bad considering its size.
It's also easy on the juice returning a decent average fuel economy figure of 46mpg.
The suspension soaks up plenty of punishment dished out by the roads in this country but I can't say you would buy this car for either its handling or the quality of drive on offer.
Rather the selling points of the Doblo are the dimensions and perhaps more importantly price.
Ranging from £9,595 to £12,395 the Doblo does make a strong value for money case in a highly competitive market with radio/CD player and 15-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard.
Also included are anti-lock brakes and twin front airbags, while security is taken care of by an immobiliser although there's no alarm or deadlocks.
The Family version adds front fog lights and colour coded bumpers.
I did have a slight problem with the radio as it has an annoying habit of rendering itself near-silent when you switch it on. Thus you have to find and press the volume button - no mean feat as it is small and fiddly to get hold of - to return the sound to the audible level you switched it off at.
On the plus side my two children seemed to like the novelty value of the Doblo's shape and it offers all the space and versatility any family will ever need.
Fiat offers the Doblo with a high roof option making it ideal for use as a taxi or Motability vehicle for people with special needs.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Doblo 1.9 MultiJet 120 Family 5dr
Price: £12,295
Mechanical: 120bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 12.2 secs
Combined mpg: 46.3
Insurance group: 5
CO2 emissions: 160g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust