MOST people who opt for a people-carrier put a heavy emphasis on space for passengers and luggage.

As a consequence, it's almost inevitable that refinement and driving characteristics slip down the list as a top priority. Which is why I was happily surprised when I got behind the wheel on the current Vauxhall Zafira Tourer.

With seven seats, a squarish shape and massive boot it certainly fits the bill as a capacious family holdall, but the frugal 1.6-litre diesel developed by GM and first installed two years ago, shows it's possible to have your cake and sixpence.

So quiet and smooth is the 134bhp high pressure commonrail unit, that several passengers of mine didn't believe it was a diesel. That familiar metallic rattle that gives away an oil-burner is virtually banished making the Tourer a relaxed and sprightly drive.

As well as being unusually refined, the engine is exceptionally flexible being able to pull strongly without sign of judder from 20mph in fifth.

Sharper than average steering which is as direct as many warm hatches adds to the driver satisfaction of this practical five-door.

Economy is obviously a vital factor for young families and the Vauxhall acquits itself well here with an official average of 68.9mpg which corresponds with meagre CO2 emissions of 109g/km meaning that road tax is just £20 a year.

During normal cut-and-thrust town driving plus a percentage of motorway running, most owners will top the 45mpg mark as I did. A big 58-litre fuel tank means that it is good for well over 650 miles between fill-ups.

Fleet users, who account for around 70 per cent of sales, will also appreciate the low Benefit in Kind rating.

Despite impressive economy, it has the pace to match many two litre rivals, with 62mph coming up in 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 120mph.

A six-speed gearbox with well spaced ratios and a long legged top gear for quiet cruising completes the equation.

Passengers sit fairly upright allowing ample legroom in the front two rows of seats. The boot with the final row of seats folded is enormous, boasting a capacity of 710 litres.

With two rows flat, the cargo area is no less than 1,860 litres. And even when all seven seats are occupied there's space for 152 litres of luggage. The final row of seats is probably best reserved for children, but the middle row can comfortable take three abreast with ample head and legroom.

The cabin, while smart and well made, is a tad clinical and unimaginative thanks to lots of black plastic and muted tones. There are however countless places to store oddments and stow water-bottles. In all, there are about 30 trays, cubbies or bins available. And I loved the panoramic windscreen design (£600 extra) which allows the driver to slide back the roof section sufficiently to give an almost helicopter-like vista.

The Elite version comes as standard with climate control, heated mirrors, MP3/iPod connection, parking sensors and rain sensing wipers.