ONE of the problems which accompanies modern safety is that the roof pillars are stronger to give more protection in case of a roll.

But this means they have to be thicker and so they can obstruct the driver's view.

If you are aware of this, it's usually easy to look round them, as it is in the excellent Fiat Idea mini-MPV built between 2004 and 2007.

The Idea is a direct competitor to Renault's Modus and the Vauxhall Meriva but in fact it's better than both of them, with a range of qualities which put it ahead of most superminis.

Just two engine options are available - a willing, very economical but fairly slow 1.3 turbo diesel with either 70 or 90bhp and an excellent 95bhp 1.4 petrol.

The gearchange has to be stirred to get the best out of the petrol but it will still pull happily from tickover in fourth and fifth.

It makes the Idea nippy and responsive, yet it's also smooth and reasonably quiet. Comfort is good and so are handling and road holding.

The cabin is airy, with plenty of space for four and enough luggage space for their gear.

Central instruments work well and the electric power steering takes all the slow work in its stride.

It's very practical, with clever seat fold options to make the best of the space, and loads of storage.