TOYOTA calls it the intelligent transport solution. To me the Previa MPV is just first class travel all the way.
Previa is one of the longest running and most trusted names in the world of people moving and Toyota has not rested on its laurels to produce a people mover for 2005 that is as smooth a silk.
Previa is one of the polished acts in the halls of multi-purpose vehicles. You never hear a vast amount about it because it rarely has any trouble.
But it does the job perfectly. I hear some interesting stories about very high mileage Previas that have never had a hitch. Not surprising really when you consider Toyota's excellent overall reliability record.
But I am writing about a brand new Previa T Spirit 2.4 seven-seat automatic which is towards the top of the range and is priced at £24,955.
For the driver, the Previa is a miniature luxury coach with car-like handling qualities. The auto gearchange selector is mounted on the column and there's no tunnel between the two front seats.
Also the seven-seat model features five fully-adjustable and removable individual rear seats for a totally flexible solution to family transport requirements.
The 2.4 VVT-i engine features intelligent variable valve timing and is capable of 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds in automatic form and returns on average around 26.2mpg.
Put it to the family test and there are few moans. For young and elderly alike, the generously wide sliding doors provide easy access and there is a 10 out of 10 vote for rear seat comfort.
It may not feature the electric sliding doors of one of its main competitors, the Chrysler Grand Voyager, but the Previa makes up for this with its smooth and utterly family friendly approach.
My test car may be towards the top of the tree, but it is possible to own a Previa brand new for £20,405 by opting for the 2.4 VVT-i T2 manual.
One of the big plus points about the T Spirit version is the number of bells and whistles you receive. Standard on this model is the satellite navigation with electronic traffic avoidance. An optional extra is a full-map DVD-based satnav with rear view parking camera and park assist.
One very impressive feature is the 18 different cabin storage points, taking away any excuse for leaving the vehicle untidy.
Toyota is now light years ahead in MPV design. A sweeping statement you might say but anyone who drove the original Model F of the 1980s before pressure limiters were built into the brakes will know what I mean.
Previa is a long way from the rather angry handling qualities of the Model F, featuring modern technology such as electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist as standard on all models.
I'm not 100 per cent convinced by the styling because I think the previous, more rounded model had the edge on looks. But times change and so do styles and the car-buying public goes with the flow.
I, for one, am waiting to see the next generation Toyota large MPV. If the advances on the current Previa are anything to go by it will be a cracker.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Previa T Spirit 2.4 auto
Price: £24,955
Mechanical: 154bhp, 2,362cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 4spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 112mph
0-62mph: 11.4 secs
Combined mpg: 26.2
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 259g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust