JUST about the best VW Touran midi-family mover in the range is almost certainly the 1.6 TDI.

The 1.2 petrol turbo is cheaper and very economical but the diesel beats it hands down in everyday driving and in Bluemotion spec, also comes with low emissions.

It's never going to set the road alight, with just 105bhp in quite a large vehicle, but performance is not what most families want. They want economy, space and comfort, and that they get in spades.

In the gears, the engine has decent grunt so that there is enough acceleration for overtaking occasionally. And it pulls smoothly from a low 1,500 revs without a murmur of complaint.

A standard six-speed gearbox helps towards that economy and also makes for relaxed cruising on the motorway. On a long fast run, I found it comfortable, agile and fun, and it returned a real 46 miles per gallon, meaning that most people would get well over 50.

I drove the S, which has enough kit for most people, including seven seats, cruise, air con, electric windows, remote locking, stability control and loads of airbags.

Rear legroom is excellent and with the third row of seats down, the boot is vast and has a roller blind cover. Big discounts are available so don't take the ticket price.