Citroen's C8 MPV replaces the the square-cut and dated Synergie with a roomier, curvier and much more stylish creation. It's longer than before, to the benefit of luggage space, and is as adventurous in design as its predecessor was staid. Highlights include an open-plan facia incorporating (as before) the gear lever, myriad stowage opportunities and electric power for the sliding doors. The new car is loosely based on the platform of the old one, but the structure is much stiffer (it needed to be), the rear suspension is new and the front suspension is modified. The engine range has been expanded, too, with four choices: 2.0i 16v (138 bhp) and 2.2i 16v (160 bhp) petrol units and 2.0HDi (109 bhp) and 2.2 HDi (130 bhp) diesels. The most popular engine choice is likely to be the 2.2 HDi, which delivers a strong 232 lb ft of torque.

As with the Synergie, the C8 is one of an MPV family which also contains Peugeot (807) and Fiat (Ulysse) versions. Each has its own nose and tail styling, more differentiated between brands than it was with the Synergie/806/original Ulysse and helped by the use of plastics for the unique front wings, rear wings and tailgates. The project is a joint Fiat/Peugeot-Citroen venture, and the cars are made in the SevelNord factory in Valenciennes, northern France along with various joint-venture vans. There's also a Lancia MPV, the Phedra, but this luxurious variant isn't to be sold in the UK.