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There's plenty of space inside for six, though adults may find legroom a touch tight. The boot is big too but the untouched dash is looking dated now. Modern and swoopy when new, plastics are cheap and old-fashioned, and switchgear cluttered. The driving position is reasonable and the dash-mounted gearshift works smoothly. A small model range sees all variants apart from the base car well-equipped; the entry model lacks air con, essential in a vehicle with so much glass. Just two engines, either a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.9-litre turbodiesel. The diesel is best, and well worth the extra outlay, proving punchy and smooth, if a touch noisy at motorway speeds due to the need for a sixth gear. The 1.6-litre needs working hard, where it becomes noisier still, and such use will see economy dive. But the Fiat's biggest problem is its rivals. It still drives as well, with nimble handling and a pleasing ride quality, but the dated interior and still-unusual styling means buyers will still probably turn to Renault Scenics and Honda FR-Vs, particularly as they're likely to be safer in a crash, too. It's still clever enough to deserve a look, but only if the price is right.
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