THE Volkswagen Touran MPV feels just like the Golf it's based on despite the extra bulk, with a ride that's firm but always comfortable, and roadholding and handling to match the best.

I've really enjoyed driving various models from the range because they are such good all rounders.

And of course, they are more family friendly than any hatchback, with seven seats and a gargantuan load area with them all folded.

That said, the rearmost two are only large enough for small children over any kind of distance, and my teenagers found them far too small - even though at first, they fought over who would sit there!

People carriers have fallen out of favour with many buyers, who have shifted sideways into SUVs.

But often, a people carrier of the same outward size will have more interior space and far lower running costs.

The Touran uses the excellent VW group power steering, which is about the best you can get for road feel.

And all the other controls are superb, with a light clutch, a sweet gearchange and marvellous brakes.

The automatic option is the excellent VW DSG twin clutch unit, which is available with most engines - but it does need to be properly serviced.

The latest model was launched back in 2015 and updated in 2019, with new engines and numerous other detail changes along the way.

Earlier versions of this model started with a 1.2 TSI petrol turbo that had 110bhp. Like the 115bhp 1.0-litre TSI that eventually replaced it, it's good for 51mpg and covers the 0 to 60 miles an hour sprint in 1.0.9 seconds.

Then comes a 1.4 TSI as used in many other VW Group cars, with 150bhp and a sprint of 10.1 seconds.

It's rated at 49mpg and was eventually replaced by a 1.5 that also has 150bhp, sprints to 60 in a much quicker 8.6 and can do 51mpg.

The two diesels are a 1.6 with 115bhp and a 2.0-litre with 150. The 1.6 reaches 60 in 11 seconds and can do 61mpg, while the larger engine brings the sprint down to 9 seconds and yet can still do 64mpg.

Inside, it is versatile and spacious with a good looking dashboard and firm but very comfortable seats in the German tradition.

The third-row fold flat into the floor to leave a large load area, and the middle row also tips to create enough space for a small bowling alley!

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

There are five basic trim levels plus a few special editions, and the mid-range SE comes with heated mirrors, loads of airbags, roof rails, alloy wheels and traction control.

It also has air conditioning, audio remote controls, an alarm and a large touchscreen to control the DAB radio and Bluetooth.

This is one of the safest MPVs you can buy. It scored a top five stars in its 2015 Euro NCAP crash test, and automatic emergency braking is available on all but the lowliest S.

Pay about £16,600 for an '18 18-reg 1.2TSI SE, or £23,350 for a '20 20-reg 1.6 TDI SEL.