IT LOOKS like a van, it drives like a van and it's got the sort of name that Mr Bean would enjoy pronouncing slowly and emphatically, with a wry wiggle of his eyebrows.
But for all its eccentricities, Fiat's box-like Doblo is a winner in terms of price and versatility.
No other people carrier offers seven seats for under £11,000, and its frugal engines are another boost for larger families feeling a little strapped for cash.
True, there's a back-to-basics feel about the high roof and no-nonsense fittings, and you might question a few of the livelier paint options, like Brazilian - and that means bright - yellow.
But when it comes to packing in the kids, the Doblo makes sound economic sense, with even the flagship turbodiesel costing a mere £11,295.
Prices kick off at a whisker over £9,000, but you'll find the basic 65bhp petrol engine struggling a little with heavy loads.
The common-rail 1.9-litre 105bhp diesel mixes enviable fuel economy with a much perkier performance, but don't overlook the mid-range 1.3-litre diesel, which can be quicker on the uptake than its relatively humble 70bhp suggests.
It's not particularly quiet in the cabin and equipment is practical rather than sophisticated, but space all round is generous, with two large sliding side doors providing access to the rear seats.
All-round visibility is one bonus of those big windows, although the car has a gangly look and its 88mph top speed means it's certainly no Tarmac scorcher.
But it boasts combined fuel economy of nearly 50mpg, which should compensate a little for its speed limitations.
Storage space is good, and of course if you don't have a full complement of passengers, that airy cabin can soak up all kinds of awkwardly-shaped objects.
Luxuries like heated door mirrors, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and even, God forbid, a CD player, are all optional extras, but the list of standard equipment does include electric windows, power steering, tinted windows and remote central locking, so it's not all bad news.
It's not pretty, it's not fast, but it IS practical. And pound for pound, that means it's a hard package to beat for larger families on the move.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Doblo 1.3 Multijet Family
Price: £10,595
Mechanical: 70bhp, 1,248cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 88mph
0-62mph: 16.1 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 5
C02 emissions: 152g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust