ONE of the problems which accompanies modern levels of safety is that the roof pillars are stronger to give more protection in case of a roll.
This means the pillars are thicker and they can obstruct the driver's view.
One car in which this was noticeable was the excellent Fiat Idea mini multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) but there are a number of others.
The Idea is a direct competitor to Renault's Modus and the Vauxhall Meriva but in fact it's better than either, with a range of qualities which put it ahead of most superminis.
Just two engine options are available - a willing, very economical but fairly slow 1.3-litre 16 valve turbo diesel and an excellent 95bhp 1.4 petrol.
The gear change has to be stirred to get the best out of the petrol but it will still pull happily from tickover in fourth and fifth.
It makes the Idea nippy and responsive, smooth and reasonably quiet and produces better than average performance for its size.
It's also comfortable and has good handling and road holding.
Interior
Inside, it's very practical, with clever seat fold options to make the best of the space and loads of storage.
The cabin is airy, with plenty of space for four and enough luggage space for all their gear.
Central instruments work well and the electric power steering takes all the slow work in its stride.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Idea 1.4
Price: Pay about £2,680 for an '04 04-reg Active, £3,460 for an '05 05-reg Dynamic or £5,750 for an '07 07-reg Eleganza
Mechanical: 95bhp, 1,386cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 12.9 secs
Combined mpg: 42
Insurance group: 5
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Vauxhall Meriva.