IS there a more versatile MPV around than the Citroen Grand Picasso?

Fancy a kip? No problem, recline the front passenger seat and extend out the powered footrest and have 40 winks.

Want to carry seven people? Flip up the rearmost pair of seats or if you want to carry loads to the tip, fold them away and push forward or remove the middle three.

Citroen call it the loft concept, with the large interior supposed to recreate the ambience of a loft apartment.

Marketing speak it may be, but I've seen lofts with less room.

Using Citroen's new EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) and lighter materials to reduce weight by 140kg, efficient engines and more slippery design, fuel consumption and emissions have been cut.

Importantly in the light of the recent nitrogen oxide emissions scandal, NOx emissions have been cut by 90 per cent thanks to a new diesel particulate filter.

Versatile and good looking and packed with standard equipment at a competitive price, it has a futuristic light signature with two daytime running LEDs above the headlights and 3D-effect LED lights at the rear. Also on this model, there is a huge panoramic glass roof, and one of the most stylish sets of 18-inch alloy wheels on the market.

It has a huge glass area with a steeply raked windscreen and sun visors which move back to allow light to flood into the cabin, making it pleasant place to be, particularly on longer journeys.

Even the A pillars have glass inserts to allow for extra visibility.

With the longest wheelbase in its class it also has class leading space, with up to 2,181 litres of load capacity with five rear seats flat.

Even with the second row of seats in their upright position there's still 632 litres of boot space with storage compartments and pockets throughout the rest of the cabin.

The modular interior is a doddle to use with the rearmost seats being instantly lowered with just one hand, whilethe two outer middle seats fold up and slide backwards and forwards.

The rest of the interior also has that futuristic look with two information screens, including a customisable colour LCD screen in place of normal dials, two-tone dashboard surrounded by good quality soft touch finish, while satin trim gilds gear knob, multi-functino steering wheel and vents.

All models are well equipped and this range topper adds leather finish, powered and heated seats, parking camera, sat nav with excellent infotainment system.

On the road, the engine is a real surprise package. The 150bhp Blue HDi unit, as well being clean offers excellent acceleration combined with decent economy.

It races from 0- 62mph in under 9.8 seconds, almost warm hatch performance. Claimed economy is 70.6mpg, an incredible figure, which pans out at nearer 50mpg under normal conditions. Still mightily impressive for such a big vehicle.

For a tall, long vehicle, ride and handling is decent, with little evidence of body roll, while it grips well on corners. Safety kit is comprehensive with traction and stability control and a full complement of airbags.