THERE'S no denying it...the trusty VW Sharan is a box on wheels.

As with most MPVs, common sense must come before style. How else could a designer produce a seven-seater with the luggage capacity of small lorry - 2,300 litres to be precise?

Yet despite the brick-like shape and upright stance, the Sharan powered by VW's ubiquitous 2.0 diesel engine is rather special to drive.

Measured against its rivals, a top speed of nearly 120mph and acceleration to 62mph in 10.9seconds is nothing particularly special, but the engine's smoothness and ready torque coupled to an easy-going, fluent six-speed DSG automatic gearbox give it a relaxed competence that's unusual to find in such a practical, all-purpose vehicle.

So, although you might buy the Sharan chiefly for its carrying capacity you soon uncover a more dynamic nature which makes it rewarding to drive.

Practicalities first... it's a true seven seater that even allows up to 300 litres of cargo space with a full passenger complement on board.

The rear seats fold flat at a flick of a button to convert it into a five seater with no less than 711 litres of luggage room. Those centre row of seats also split and fold separately to allow various passenger/luggage permutations.

The square shape allows you to make full use of the height if you are prepared to restrict rear visibility. Floor of the cabin is flat so legroom is unimpeded and generous front and back.

The cloth covered seats are well shaped and supportive and there are loads of cubbies, drink-holders and lockers to allow families to travel in comfort.

There are also a number of flat surfaces within the cabin - handy if you stop for a picnic. Passengers in the back get their own mini picnic tables.

Sliding rear doors help allow easy access to the final row of seats and also make sense when exiting in town or tight car park spaces.

Petrol versions are available but prove less popular than the diesel 2.0- litre, 138bhp model. There is also a more powerful 168bhp diesel but I was more than satisfied with the smaller version.

Bags of torque is available and a sport mode allows you to hold gears longer when required. You don't really expect a full-on MPV to score highly in the handling department, but the Sharan acquits itself well with agile steering and relatively roll-free cornering despite being able to cope excellent with our pock-marked roads.

My average over 500 miles of mainly fully laden motoring was an impressive 43.4mpg. The official combined figure is 49.6mpg. The BlueMotion badge means you get fuel saving tweaks such as stop-start and low rolling resistance tyres.

Standard equipment on the SE model includes, air con, parking sensors, Bluetooth preparation and cruise control. The test car also came with a superb opening panoramic sunroof which I thought well worth the extra £985.

It possesses an overall build integrity that deserves to be the envy of some rival manufacturers, an aspect that adds both to passengers' comfort and the driver's satisfaction.