LONG journeys with kids are often a bit of a trial, so it was with some trepidation that I set out on a 200 mile journey to visit relatives.

Even the sat nav seemed to take a sneering satisfaction in my anxiety - telling me ominously to "stay on this road for a long time" as we joined the motorway.

It was a phrase we would hear more than once as we navigated our way across country and then south.

But the expected eruption of grumbles, squabbling and cries of ‘are we there yet' from the back seat never came.

Millie, aged seven, and her six-year-old brother Rory were, you see, far too busy exploring the delights of the Volkswagen Touran's people carrier to get bored and grouchy.

Hidey holes in the roof and under the floor to store their games consoles, Polly Pockets, Moshi Monsters and all manner of trinkets were a novelty which didn't wear off with this versatile family wagon.

Even the simple inclusion of flip down tables on the back of the front seats proved a winner - not only meaning they could eat mum's packed lunch without dropping it all over the seats but also providing somewhere stable for them to draw and colour in.

These are just some of the touches which will ensure the latest Touran maintains its status as a firm favourite with families.

The cabin is spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to meet even the most demanding clan's needs.

Five will fit in with ease and, if grandma and granddad want to come too, the third row of seats are simplicity itself to flip up from their hideaway folded flat under the boot floor.

The three separate second row seats can all be removed, folded up or slid forwards and backwards individually to allow access.

Creature comforts are also generous with aircon, cruise control, front seats with height and lumbar adjustment, electric windows all round and a touchscreen audio system with aux-in and USB sockets as well as cables for iPod connection and operation all included.

The sat nav is a £1,600 extra but was slick and easy to use - offering a choice of routes to our destination before we set off and incorporating a 30GB hard drive and reversing camera.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine is very willing and provides ample pull throughout the rev range while managing to offer some impressive economy - with average fuel consumption of more than 55 miles per gallon being good news for the family coffers.

Performance was nimble in traffic for a large car while motorway cruising was a doddle and the Touran coped admirably with most lumps and bumps in the roads while showing impressive body control for such a high vehicle.

Road and wind noise were also pretty well contained - meaning that there was little to distract Millie and Rory from their hand-held gaming, drawing, eating or just generally chilling out and taking in the view.