THE Kia Carens, like all cars in the company's range, comes with a seven year, 100,000 mile warranty that's transferable to new owners.

Vauxhall shouts about its lifetime warranty but it only applies to the first owner of the car and cannot be transferred.

The Carens starts off with a price advantage over most other midi-MPVs and so, a few years down the road, can be very reasonable second-hand.

It has been available with five or seven seats since 2006 and with 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol engines.

Diesel power is also available in the form of a 2.0-litre, or latterly a very good 1.6.

All are easy to drive, comfortable and reasonably refined. The diesels are the best bet because of much better economy.

The ride is comfortable and the handling and road holding both good enough for most people.

There is not much boot space with seven seats in position but there is good storage all around the cabin.

The driving position has plenty of adjustment and equipment is excellent compared to any other people carrier on the market at the price.

They can be easily folded to make more space, and the middle row have sliding adjustment.