Citroen C8 2.2 HDi

You hardly ever see the words style, sophistication and space used together when describing full-size MPVs, but they sum up the C8 well. It’s classy looking, roomy and car-like to drive, with good refinement and proven reliability. It uses the same floorpan as the Peugeot 807 and Fiat Ulysse, but decent cashback offers made it a shrewder choice new, and this has filtered down to the used market. It also has more kit, so you can expect dual zone air-con, ABS and other safety features, such as full-length curtain airbags on most models.

There’s seating for seven, 2,264 litres of space with all the chairs folded flat and twin sliding doors for easy access. The seating/luggage arrangement is also very flexible, so you can slide the second and third row of seats to suit. The 2.0-litre petrol engine is eclipsed by the punchy 110bhp 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre HDi units, the latter 130bhp option being our favourite – especially if you’ve a full complement of passengers on board. And if you thought you would have to sacrifice performance and economy in the quest for space, how does 0-62mph in 12.6 seconds, a top speed of 115mph and 38.2mpg economy sound?

Trade bible Glass’s Guide claims a 52-plate 2.2 SX should retail for £5,600, so you will easily pick one up privately for £4,700. Reliability is better than it used to be, but watch for poor running as a result of diesel pump issues and glitches with the complex electrics, which can afflict the instrument consoles.