THE Vauxhall Zafira makes an excellent family car with seven easy fold seats as standard, two of which lift up from the boot floor.

There have been a bewildering number of different models since 2005 so it's worth checking around to find the best price, and don't buy without full service history. It should be complete even if it's not from a dealer.

Engines are 1.6, 1.8, 2.0-litre turbo and 2.2-litre petrol, but the best bet would be the 1.7 or 1.9 diesels with 110, 120, 125 or 150bhp.

The top 2.0-litre turbo petrol is the one for enthusiasts, with no less than 197bhp on tap.

All drive the front wheels through a five-speed gearbox but the 103bhp 1.6 is slow and the 1.8 struggles too.

Zafiras have good handling and hold the road better than some others in the midi-MPV class. The ride is comfortable and the whole car is quiet and refined.

As well as the folding rear seats, the middle row also folds and slides forward. It is very family friendly, and equipment in middle Active models includes aircon, four airbags, electric windows and mirrors, height and reach adjust steering and height adjust driver's seat.

There's plenty of space for five, and a good boot with rear seats down.