THE Fiat Doblo is big and boxy with enough room in the back to provide a home for a family of bears.

The top-hinged rear tailgate is enormous requiring room to open and strength to close - but it accesses a van-like loading bay, which is appropriate as a commercial vehicle is what this MPV most resembles.

The 790-litre boot is cavernous but should the bears' relatives need to visit it can be expanded, via some clever seat folding, to a class-leading 3,200 litres.

There are sliding doors, which make entry and exit from the Doblo a cinch, and the option of seven seats.

This leaves it able to cope with almost anything that is thrown at it, passengers and luggage-wise, while also being able to double as a van when larger items need to be catered for.

The cabin is light and airy thanks to the large windows while the seats are comfortable and there's plenty of headroom thanks to the Doblo's height.

Generous door bins, a large lockable glovebox and a large shelf above the windscreen capable of holding a variety of items means a family's odds and ends are easily accommodated.

Good looks and spaciousness rarely go together and there are some compromises to make when taking on Fiat's giant which nevertheless looks business-like and modern.

Step inside and you're met by an interior that is neat and well put together with the gearlever placed high on the dash for ease of use.

The six-speed gearbox aids and abets the 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel engine in the range-topping Eleganza model I tested.

The 105bhp power pack pulls well and responds quicker than a 0-62mph time on the slow side of 13 seconds would suggest.

Fuel economy is also impressive for a motor this big with an average consumption figure in excess of 50 miles per gallon.

An automatic start/stop system - standard across the range - helps achieve this figure as does Fiat's eco:Drive - which gives fuel consumption information and help on how to drive the Doblo economically.

The diesel unit is sandwiched between the Doblo's other engine choices - a 1.4-litre petrol option and a 2.0-litre oil burner.

Despite the large dimensions Fiat's MPV is surprisingly nimble to drive with an efficient suspension offering protection from the humps and hollows that litter roads these days.

There are good levels of grip and, while body roll is unavoidable in a motor this size, corners can be taken with confidence.

Safety is taken seriously with front and side airbags as well as crumple zones designed to protect passengers in the event of an accident.

An electronic stability programme is fitted as standard on all Doblos while a hill holder function also helps take the pressure off the driver. Fiat throws in electronic brake distribution that helps bring you to a halt quicker.

The generosity is carried on with the fitting of climate control, parking sensors and cruise control, while a leather multi-function steering wheel, electric front windows, a radio/CD player and remote central locking are also given access to the party.

Optional extras include Blue&Me TomTom connectivity and sat nav which features a colour touch screen providing access to the car's various information and entertainment systems.

More than a million Doblo's have been bought since launch proving the MPV's popularity with families seeking a value-for-money able all-rounder.