WHY, oh why can car makers not build a heating and cooling system that works properly?

In the summer, when you have the air con on just through the dash vents, far too many systems still send freezing air down to the footwell, leaving us with freezing feet.

It is hard to believe now, with the rain lashing out of the heavens, but a month ago, I was still using the air con in a Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and it happened again.

Surely it cannot be beyond the wit of man to design a ventilation system that puts the heat or cold where you want it and nowhere else.

I was driving the medium people carrier in SE trim powered by Vauxhall's truly excellent 1.6 'whisper' diesel.

It really is just about the quietest and smoothest four cylinder diesel on the market. It will pull away from tickover in fifthof six gears without a murmur of complaint - tell me another diesel four to match that.

It will trickle through town at under 30mph in fifthgear too, but when you want it, there's plenty of urge under the right foot.

There's not much acceleration under 1,500 revs because that's when the turbo begins to do its stuff, but there's an easy answer to that if you're in a hurry - keep the revs up a little.

Driven carefully its very economical, reaching an average 68mpg in the official figures and it also comes with low emissions.

Comfort is excellent in front and back over all surfaces - even a rough country road at speed - helping to make it very relaxing to drive.

And even though there is some roll, it can take the corners fast, with good grip but not much feedback from the steering.

Equipment in SE spec includes alarm, alloys, audio remote, climate, cruise, parking sensors, part leather seats and traction and stability control.

The boot is huge with the rear seats down and they lift up fairly easily out of the floor. The centre row are adjustable to give more legroom when needed.