Grand plan

Due here in January, the ΂£18,000 Grandis may be proof that the company can build hit cars. The front still wears the split grille and three-diamond emblem, but the large headlights are distinctly European. However, unlike rivals, which battle for supremacy with clever seat arrangements, the Grandis offers unique styling and enviable engineering.

The console is futuristic, with easy-to-use features, and the gearshift per-ches on its edge. Meanwhile, the flat floor provides easy access, as do wide-opening doors. But the cabin is cramped for a people carrier and, although it's a seven-seater, the tight rear has chairs which can only slide or recline.

As the newcomer weighs a hefty 1,600kg, its 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine won't blow your socks off, yet the car is still capable of keeping pace with its rivals. When accelerating, the unit is noisy, but it does boast strong torque right up to its 6,000rpm red line.

The four-speed auto box is smooth, while the car's newly developed 4WD system can be switched to 2WD for greater economy (around 26mpg). A firm ride helps control body roll, while the steering is very light at low speeds, but gains weight rapidly as the MPV moves faster, and straight-line stability on motorways is superb. Overall, this is an impressive package which is already big in Japan. Can it repeat that here?