The MPV - Chrysler Grand Voyager

Ian and Karina Wilcox settled on their Chrysler Grand Voyager five years ago – but not before they had conducted detailed research into exactly what model would suit their family’s needs.

“The clincher was the Chrysler’s boot,” said Ian. “It’s huge, even with all seven seats occupied. We looked at a Kia Sedona and Renault Espace, among others, yet nothing matched the room, quality and affordability of the Chrysler.”

Karina is equally keen – and it’s she who drives the car most, usually with all five children on board. “It’s been very reliable,” she explained. “While it gets through batteries fast, the interior trim is still intact and everything works well.

“The seats are heavy to lift in and out, there’s no air-con for the middle or rear benches and it would be nice if the back door windows opened. But the new Grand Voyager addresses all this – and we will replace our car with one later this year.”

Before then, the Chrysler will be filled with camping gear – as Ian and Karina drive Alex (16), Daniel (15), Sophie (11), Olivia (9) and Harry (7) on a 2,000-mile European round trip for their annual holiday. It has taken such journeys in its stride for the past few years, and shows no sign of letting the family down now.

RIVAL: Renault Espace
They clearly love their Grand Voyager, but the Wilcoxes could get more style from an MPV by choosing an Espace! The fourth generation arrived in 2002, and early cars are now yours from only £4,000.

Spend double this, and you can get a low-mileage high-spec 06-plate 2.2 dCi, which is a great cruiser. To get the space they need, a Grand Espace would be the order of the day – and they start from around £4,500.