LET'S be honest, the Citroen Berlingo Multispace isn't the most eyecatching vehicle on the road.

If you were buying a car on looks, then this model would be tucked away with the also-rans.

But then it is based on a van, the same as similar models from French rivals Peugeot and Renault.

It's not the most dynamic performer on the road either - a bit lethargic in acceleration and positively labouring when faced with an uphill stretch.

This is where the negative vibes end though, because there's far more to recommend the Multispace than there is to slate it.

For starters it is both practical and family friendly with sliding rear doors, lots of hidey holes and the feel of a big car, despite officially being a compact MPV.

The range comprises a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 90bhp and a trio of HDi diesels with 75, 90 or 110bhp and trim grades of VT, VTR and XTR.

Prices are very tempting too, starting at £11,785 for the VT petrol model and rising to £15,465 for the flagship 110bhp diesel in XTR spec.

Occupying a spot just right of centre in the line-up is the tested 90bhp HDi VTR, a car with plenty of kit to go with fuel consumption that saw me returning just a couple of miles per gallon below the official 47.9 average figure.

The Berlingo's trump cards though are its fine amount of interior space and sensible layout. The cabin is bright and airy with good visibility for all passengers and plenty of legroom.

Only when you specify the optional seven seats via an £825 Family Pack do things become a bit tight with only just enough space between the second and third rows.

The Multispace works much better as a standard five-seater and in that mode offers an outstanding amount of storage space as well as four concealed wells in the floor and extra stowage above the sun visor. And a large tailgate with independently opening window adds to the versatility.

Out on the road the Citroen is very pleasant to drive - smooth and quite silent on the faster roads, perfectly civilised and able to cope comfortably with frost-damaged road surfaces, though there is some body roll through bends.

While there's plenty of standard kit, you have to pay £635 extra for air-conditioning while the useful safety feature ESP (electronic stability control) costs another £585.

You do, however, get the likes of remote central locking, powered door mirrors, automatic headlamps and wipers, steering wheel-mounted sound system controls and aircraft-style folding tables on the front seat backs.