I'VE really enjoyed driving various VW Tourans over the years because they are such good all rounders.

They feel just like the Golf they're based on despite the extra bulk, with a ride that's firm but always comfortable and road holding and handling to match the best.

The steering and other controls are superb, with a light clutch, a sweet gearchange and marvellous brakes.

Petrol engines start with a 100 or 113bhp 1.6-litre, then comes a 1.4 turbo with 140bhp and the range topper is a 2.0-litre with 147bhp. Diesels include a 1.9 with 88 or 103bhp and a 2.0-litre with 138 or 167bhp.

Best engine, although more expensive, is the 2.0-litre diesel, which is smooth, reasonably quiet and offers very good performance with excellent economy.

It's a gem, with enough 'pzazz' for most enthusiastic drivers - who says you can't have your cake and eat it. The Touran is a family holdall for the driver who loves driving.

Inside, it is versatile and spacious. It will seat seven in comfort and even cope with two adults in the third row seats, although they are more suited to kids.

The third-row fold flat into the floor to leave a large load area and the middle row tips or folds and can also be removed altogether to create enough space for a small bowling alley.