THE Toyota Previa seven or eight seat people carrier has a host of other names on unofficial imports, including Estima, Lucida and Emina.

These were used in Japan and in other countries but underneath the skin they are all the same and they are all Toyotas.

That means they should be superbly reliable as long as they have been serviced properly but avoid the four wheel drive versions, which are rare here and for which some spares are almost impossible to get hold of.

The Previa has a vast interior with seatbelts for all and comes with good looking styling and high quality build and finish.

It was the only eight seater people carrier available apart from van-based models although some versions have more room with only seven seats.

Comfort is excellent and, for such a big vehicle, so is the handling and road holding.

Engines are either an economical 2.0-litre diesel or a fairly thirsty 2.4-litre petrol. Many of the petrols come with a five-speed automatic-gearbox while diesels all have a manual.

The interior feels spacious and light, equipment leaves nothing lacking, there is good legroom for all and refinement on the move is excellent.

Seats are very comfortable and there is more luggage space than in many other MPVs with all of them in place.