IT went on sale just over a couple of months ago, and if the latest version of Fiat's Multipla MPV isn't exactly swan-like, it is at least no longer the ugly duckling of the motor world.
It's the second generation of the roomy motor with its unique three front seats, three in the back, and plenty of room left over for family motoring.
It's still no oil painting but Fiat's radical revamp will stop the fingers being pointed when it makes an appearance.
Its quirky interior, especially the angled dash, still takes a bit of getting used to but overall the Multipla looks better from the changes to the exterior shape.
Fiat is now offering the Multipla in a six-model line-up priced from £13,295 to £16,495, and there are three new trim levels - Dynamic, Dynamic Plus and Eleganza.
Choice of engines is greater with a lively 1.6-litre, 16-valve 103bhp petrol unit, or Fiat Auto's reliable 115bhp 1.9-litre JTD common rail direct injection turbodiesel. Both have been fitted with slick five-speed manual gearboxes.
Nearly all the seats are movable, or completely removable depending on what you need to use it for. Luggage space, even with the seats in place, is a class-leading 430 litres, extending to 1,900 litres of flat loadspace with the rear three seats removed.
I tested the oil-burning version of the Multipla and this time I didn't feel that everyone was staring and chortling about its looks. Fiat has retained most of its interior looks but the Multipla has undergone significant exterior styling changes.
It has a brand new front end with large headlamps, a new chrome grille and a deep air dam beneath its colour coded bumper. Overall the new Multipla has a smoother more conventional shape which should prove a major selling point.
The engine, which produces 115bhp, is sufficient to give the Multipla a reasonable bit of pace and I managed to achieve around 42mpg over the week's test, which is excellent for a motor this size.
It handles pretty well around town and on the motorway, although on some twisty country roads it tended to wallow a tad on bends.
It offers good visibility all-round and, with a large sunroof on top, the cabin has a light and airy feel.
Safety is well taken care of with front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes, fire prevention system, foglights, Isofix attachments on rear seats and pretensioned seat belts.
Equipment levels are good on even the base Dynamic model with power steering, immobiliser, height-adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, electric front windows and mirrors, remote central locking, electrically adjustable driver's seat and CD player.
The latest Multipla is a step up the ladder for the Italian MPV which in its previous incarnation picked up no fewer than 14 major UK media awards.
It could well be in line for some more gongs.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Multipla 1.9 JTD Eleganza
Price: £16,495
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,910cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 12.2 secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 170g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust