28 May 08
Fiat Multipla
4Car rating: 4 stars
Price: from £13,935
For: Short body-length; easy to drive; six-seat layout.
Against: Small boot; not as comfy as some rivals.
Shame Fiat lost its nerve and toned down the styling: the Fiat Multipla used to be so distinctive, but now it's just another big Fiat disappearing off car buyers' radar.
Still, the original's strengths remain: the near-unique six-seat layout (shared only with the Honda FR-V) allows for a body which is wide rather than long, allowing the Mutlipla to park in city spaces other big MPVs can only dream about. And the seat layout also allows two kids to sit up front, solving many a family argument.
The 1.9 JTD diesel engine (120bhp) is the better choice, but there are some big discounts on offer (check out independent forecourts and car supermarkets) with the perfectly adequate, if uninspiring, 1.6 petrol. Good value for money, and a very competent family holdall.
