WHILE it might not be very sleek or stylish, the Citroen Berlingo Multispacemakes a marvellous family holdall, with huge space for five and a gargantuan boot.

The tailgate is very useful for loading and unloading in the rain, because it makes such a good cover, but don't park too close to walls or other cars because you won't be able to open it.

Despite the fact that the most recent Multispace model looks like it's based on a van, it has a car chassis and it doesn't feel anything like a van to drive. It's also cheaper than most other MPVs year for year.

The spacious, practical interior is loaded with family-friendly features and there is storage all around.

The whole cabin has an airy feel, with big windows and a good view out from all the seats - always important for children.

However, air conditioning is optional on all but the range-topping models if you go back far enough.

Electric front windows are fitted across the range and noise in the cabin is very well suppressed.

The raised driving position offers a great view all around and high seats make access easy both front and rear.

The interior design is quite plain, but it's also hard wearing and that's always good with a family car like this.

It is also an easy car to drive and all the controls have a solid feel.

A major update in 2015 gave more equipment, better safety, more efficient engines and a new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Petrol engines are 1.6 90bhp or 110bhp but the former is very slow taking 15.3 seconds to reach 62mph from rest.

Most available secondhand will be diesel but be warned, there is a non-turbo with 75bhp and it's to be avoided because performance is pedestrian.

On up the scale there are 90 and 110bhp versions of the stalwart Citroen 1.6 and either is lively enough to keep up with the flow of traffic. All have a five-speed manual gearbox.

Despite the height of the body, cornering is composed and stable but there is some lean as you would expect.

Good grip is helped by a wider track and longer wheelbase and these also help towards a very comfortable ride over most surfaces.

Petrol economy is likely to be around 35-40mpg while the diesels should manage 50-55.

Cheapest VT models are pretty sparsely equipped, with audio remote, front electric windows and split folding back seats.

VTR adds remote locking, height adjustable driver's seat and electric mirrors, while XTR gets air con.

Pay about £4,400 for an '11 11-reg VTR 1.6HDi 90bhp, or £9,500 for a '15 64-reg HDi XTR.