THE large Fiat Ulysse people carrier is built in the same factory as the Citroen Synergie and the Peugeot 806/807.
It’s a model which didn’t sell in huge numbers here so one that you might have overlooked.
It uses the French 110bhp diesel engine which is excellent, giving 35miles per gallon with care.
I can still remember driving the 2.0-litre JTD diesel, and remarking how good its performance and economy were.
The fuel economy is amazing considering it is about as aerodynamic as a garden shed.
The ride is comfortable over all surfaces and the handling quite acceptable, but the driving position is not as car-like as in some others.
Between 2003 and 2006, other engines include a more powerful 2.2-litre diesel with 130bhp and a 2.0-litre petrol which has 136.
This one really is, along with its siblings, every bit as good as the Ford Galaxy or Renault Espace.
Interior
It has seven individual seats, and the front pair swivel to face the rear. Each of the five seats in the back can be fairly easily unhooked but their weight makes this a hefty task not to be undertaken lightly.
Equipment includes everything most families would want.
FAST FACTS
Fiat Ulysse
Price: Pay about £3,800 for an ’03 03-reg Dynamic, £6,300 for an ’05 05-reg Prestige automatic
Mechanical: 109bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving the front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 108mph
0-62mph: 13 seconds
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 10
CO2 emissions: 186g/km
BIK rating: 22%
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Ford Galaxy