Skip advert
Advertisement

Fiat Ulysse

Family comes first at Fiat. The historic Italian firm has one of the widest MPV ranges on the market. With the new Idea, practical Doblo and facelifted Multipla, there is a people carrier to suit most budgets.

With a high cabin specification, good carrying capacity and well matched engine and transmission, the Ulysse has plenty to offer buyers in the market for a full-sized people carrier. But the quality and more modern design of rivals, such as Renault's new Espace, could convince potential customers to look elsewhere.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Family comes first at Fiat. The historic Italian firm has one of the widest MPV ranges on the market. With the new Idea, practical Doblo and facelifted Multipla, there is a people carrier to suit most budgets.

However, it's easy to forget these models' big brother - the Ulysse. The full-sized MPV is no spring chicken, sharing proven technologies and design elements with the Citroen C8 and Peugeot 807. But that doesn't mean it is without appeal. A constant programme of improvements has lifted it from the bottom of the class to a point where it is well worth a look, particularly the range-topping, six-seat Prestigio.

Starting at £24,950 and sporting goodies including air-conditioning and satellite-navigation, the car offers impressive value for money in the class. Inside, it is well equipped to cope with busy families. Clever and useful touches such as the child-surveillance mirror and removable waste bin make carrying several passengers easier.

With plenty of leather and Alcantara trim, the Ulysse's luxury intentions are clear. Some plastics aren't up to rivals' standards, but it all looks good and the high-mounted gearlever and central instrument binnacle put you in the middle of the driving experience.

The six individual seats, complete with armrests and adjustable backs, fold, slide or can be removed altogether for maximum carrying capacity. Beware that they are heavy, though, while with all six in place there's only 324 litres of luggage space.

On the road, the Ulysse is a capable cruiser. New for this model, the 2.2-litre JTD diesel has 314Nm of torque, and combined with the decent six-speed manual box, it makes for brisk performance. At speed, the engine feels refined and on motorways can return 38mpg.

The suspension balances acceptable ride and body control during cornering, although its stiffness spoils progress when compared to newer rivals. In fact, it's ultimately the steering and chassis that betray the car's appeal, rather than its fit and finish or styling. Still, the price and engine are hugely tempting; both should ensure the model remains part of the Fiat family for some time to come.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,364 off RRP*Used from £9,500
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £13,000
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025