Car of the Year 2004 - Compact MPV

Winner
VW Touran 1.9 TDi
100bhp S 7st

Generous space and versatility are top priorities in this class, and no car rises to the challenge better than Volkswagen’s Touran.

Not only is the Touran one of the few compact MPVs to offer seven seats, the rearmost seats can be folded into the floor in one swift action to provide a flat cargo bay, so you don’t have to leave a couple of seats in your garage or hallway.

Should you wish to turn your Touran into a weekend van, the middle three chairs can either be flipped forward or removed completely. They can also be slid fore and aft independently.

Further versatility comes courtesy of 39 storage areas, including under-seat trays, three fold-down ceiling-mounted cubbies and a large under-floor bin that can hold several pairs of muddy trainers.

Clinching the deal are top-notch cabin trim, a comfortable driving position, a full complement of airbags and a superb drive. Thanks to sophisticated independent suspension, there’s none of the nausea-inducing body roll that afflicts many lesser rivals, and the Touran has plenty of grip.

Of the five engines on offer we recommend the 100bhp 1.9-litre TDi. Its wide swell of mid-range muscle makes it suited to load-lugging, while it also returns 42.1mpg and low CO2 emissions.

All Tourans come well equipped, and our chosen entry-level S model provides electric front windows and mirror adjustment, traction control, anti-skid brakes and air-conditioning.

Highly recommended
Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 16v Design
£15,595
Vauxhall Meriva 1.6 8v Expression
£9995
Renault Scenic 1.9 dCi (120) Expression
£16,600