THE Volkswagen Touran is a family holdall for the person who loves driving, with a range of peppy and economical petrol and diesel engines.

I've really enjoyed driving various versions over the years because they are such good all rounders.

They drive just like the Golf - on which they're based - 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 1.0-litre TSi turbo, which has 115bhp and is capable of no less than 50 miles per gallon. Who says petrol cars aren't catching up with diesels?.

This replaced a 1.2 turbo with 110bhp and that's just as economical and both have a decent turn of speed too, managing the zero to 62mph sprint in about 10.5 seconds.

The Touran built from 2015 first had a 1.4 turbo next up the list, with 150bhp and 0 to 62mph in an excellent 8.8 seconds.

This was soon replaced by a 1.5 with similar performance and economy - around 49mpg.

On the diesel side of - and these are the majority you are likely to find on the secondhand market - there is a 1.6 TDI with 110bhp at first and then 115bhp.

This takes 11.7 seconds to reach 62 miles an hour, so it's a bit pedestrian, but it is rated at 64 miles per gallon on the government economy cycle.

And finally there is the well-known 2.0-litre TDI fitted across the VW/Audi/Skoda/SEAT ranges with either 150 or 190bhp.

The lower powered model covers the 62mph sprint in a good nine seconds and of course the 190 lowers that by about a second, making it a real sporting diesel.

Both also have huge urge through the gears, giving excellent mid-range acceleration and they are capable of around 60 miles per gallon.

The best engine, although they hold their price well, is the 2.0-litre diesel, which is smooth and reasonably quiet and offers very good performance with excellent economy.

It's a gem, with enough pzazz for most enthusiastic drivers.

That said, all of the petrols also feel peppy and willing, pulling from low revs with a sweet and tuneful soundtrack.

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

This third-row folds 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.

Lower order models can be a bit sparse on equipment, but most will have had spec added by earlier owners.

All models have electric windows and remote locking, traction control, plenty of airbags, DAB radio with Bluetooth, and very good seat and column adjustment.

Mid-range SE adds air conditioning, parking sensors, audio remote, CD player, alarm and alloy wheels.

Pay about £14,000 for a '16 16-reg 1.2 TSi SE, or £19,850 for an '18 18-reg 2.0 TDI SEL.