VOLKSWAGEN had ample time to assess similar products from Citroen, Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall - and pick up on any criticisms - before launching its mid-MPV the Touran.
The scaled down people carrier promised value for money through top notch standard spec, unrivalled flexibility and advanced and economical engines, something it has succeeded in delivering.
But if the Touran's interior is at best drab - its minimalist charcoal dash and fascia is interrupted only by a thin aluminium effect strip along the inside of the door and above the glovebox - it is certainly clever.
Rather than commit themselves to seven seats like Vauxhall's Zafira or strictly five like Renault's Scenic and the Ford Focus C-MAX, Volkswagen opted for a conventional five-seater with the £500 option of a third row in the boot.
A lack of headroom and raised floor realistically confine the rear pair to kids, but at least owners are given that alternative.
If you want extra boot space, the seat backs of the third row fold flush into the floor of the luggage compartment.
The boast is more than 500 interior variations. All well and good if things are kept simple.
Thankfully, they are. Folding down and tumbling middle row seats is not always as easy as it should be, but in the Touran's case you just lightly pull a reinforced fabric loop.
The seats also remove easily too and, while they are solidly-made, you don't need a winch to hoist them out.
Storage is also more than reasonable with a central box, moulded cup holders, door bins and individual cup holders in the back.
Five engines, all new to the Volkswagen stable at the 2003 launch, give buyers the choice of 1.6-litre, 1.6 FSi and 2.0 petrol units or a pair of turbodiesels.
Range-topper is a 136bhp two-litre TDI, which uses the acclaimed Pumpe Duse unit injector technology.
This may not be the quietest engine, but it's powerful, smooth and progressive, while delivering an average fuel consumption figure that's close to 45mpg.
It works beautifully in the Touran, a car that is also a treat to drive thanks to its rigid bodyshell and new four-link independent rear suspension, a system that also features on the latest generation Golf.
Overall the range offers a strong and versatile package, and all versions are well specified to include the expected safety features, air-con, electric windows and CD player.
Prices new are from £14,530 for a 1.6-litre five-seater - slightly more than the equivalent Scenic and C-MAX - and you should be able to pick one up in basic S trim privately for around £9,700.
Expect to pay around £12,400 (£18,520 new) for the higher spec 2.0 TDI PD SE on a 2003 '03 plate. Seven-seat models command a £600 premium.
FORECOURT FACTS
Model: Volkswagen Touran.
Driving: Relaxing, with a raised driving position, precise steering and terrific road manners.
Performance: Pretty decent all round - more than adequate for most people carrier work.
Economy: Only reasonable from petrol models, though 1.9 diesel should average 47mpg and 2.0 around 45mpg.
Safety: All models have side/curtain airbags, ABS and traction control.
Good points: Great versatility, rock solid build, largely smooth power delivery.
Bad points: Drab interior, lack of space with seven seats in place.
Recommended buy: Touran 1.6 S.
Also consider:
Citroen Picasso
Stylish looking MPV that has sold well thanks to aggressive marketing and some attractive deals.
Been around since 2000 so there are plenty to choose from now in a range that comprises three petrol and two diesel engines.
Not the sharpest car of its type to drive, but good value.
Vauxhall Zafira
Versatility and practicality are what makes the seven-seat Astra-based Zafira so attractive, its trump card being the Flex7 folding seat system.
When not in use the seats can be folded easily away into the floor leaving a vast luggage area.
Fine driving position, strong residuals and wide choice of engines.