IT'S large, it's spacious, it's packed with more storage compartments than you can dream of and so it's ideal for large families.

But sadly the much loved Citroen Grand C4 Space Tourer will bow out in July.

It was its predecessor, the C4 Grand Picasso that started the country's current love affair with these 7-seater people movers although Citroen has been producing MPVs of one form or another for more than 30 years.

And in that time it has sold 4.5 million of them around the world.

Now, however, despite a makeover just last year the decision has been taken to call it a day for the Space Tourer.

Its demise results from changing customer habits. The rise of the ubiquitous SUV apparently means that in 2022 people movers are not as trendy as they once were.

But a week with a Space Tourer recently reminded me just how good the current models are to drive and why it's an ideal vehicle for the school run, packing in loads of luggage for a staycation or just enjoying as a versatile everyday vehicle.

In the early days of the Grand Picasso it was always the economy of diesel power that was favoured more. And while you can still get diesel powered Grand Space Tourers the advancement of engines in recent years has seen a move to smaller petrol models which now not only have more than enough punch to pull these large vehicles but give spirited performance, not to mention excellent fuel economy.

The 7-seater Space Tourer had a 1,200cc, 3-cylinder engine producing 129 bhp. That's enough to give it a very respectable 0-62miles per hour acceleration time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 124mph.

And over some varied motoring this lovable leviathan averaged around 44 miles per gallon.

The current models with their sleek shape and contrasting aluminium roof bars which are extended to encircle the side windows give it plenty of kerb appeal. Dark tinted rear passenger windows and rear screen add to the visual effect.

Step inside and the first thing that strikes you is the dramatic all round vision thanks to its high stance, a windscreen that extends into the roofline and panoramic side windows.

A huge glass roof with an electric blind for sunny days adds to the light and spacious feel.

Beneath the vast windscreen a 12-inch display screen sits in a binnacle on top of the dashboard - midway between the two front seats - housing the onboard computer and digital speedometer so beware, your passenger is always going to know what speed you're doing. This screen also doubles as the display screen for the reversing camera.

Below is a 7-inch touch screen for the satellite navigation system and other on-board features.

The use of a column change for the eight-speed automatic gearbox frees up space on the floor for a vast central storage box with sliding lid and in front of it is a second storage box.

If that wasn't enough there's a storage unit under both the driver and front passenger seat as well as underfloor storage compartments beneath the feet of the second row passengers.

And all this is in addition to the 165 litres of luggage room beneath the electrically powered tailgate with all the rear seatbacks up which rises to a whopping 2181 litres with all the seat backs folded down.

The second row seats individually slide forwards and backwards to create either more legroom or luggage space while the two seats in the third row collapse easily into the floor to give a flat loading area. Not surprising then that large families love this car.

But despite its size the Grand C4 Space Tourer drives very much like a hatchback. Its light, easy to manoeuvre and has an enviable turning circle which makes it easy to park. But if parking is not your thing you can just press a button and let it park itself.

The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, hold you gently in place and will give you a massage on long journeys. Surprisingly however - given the latter feature - they're not heated.

On the road the C4 zips quickly and smoothly through the gears to help with economy while at the same time giving reasonable acceleration.

If you want to liven things up you can use the paddles behind the steering wheel which introduces a surprising sense of urgency and a nice throaty roar from the three-cylinder engine which buzzes with enthusiasm.

Eighth gear doesn't cut in until around 60 mph so acts very much like an overdrive gear to improve economy.