Car of the Year 2004 - Large MPV

Winner
Citroen C8 2.2 HDi 16v SX
£22,400

This was one of the most hotly contested categories, but one large MPV fulfilled our needs more than any other, and that’s the Citroen C8 2.2 HDi 16v SX.

It impresses with its many practical touches. The large sliding side doors make access as easy as pie in tight parking bays, and they can even be opened remotely from the plipper when you have armfuls of shopping or children.

There’s a comfortable driving position and superb all-round vision. A flip-down secondary rear-view mirror lets parents keep an eye on the kids without having to crane their necks.

Seven people can fit in the C8. The three seats in the middle do a fine job of accommodating adults, but the rearmost pair are better reserved for children. All five rear seats slide fore and aft to vary legroom. With a full house, luggage space is limited, but the C8’s seats are easy to remove to turn it from people-carrier to luggage-hauler.

The 2.2 HDi turbodiesel engine is one of the best on the market and its 130bhp is underpinned by 232lb ft of mid-rev punch. A soothing ride and only a small degree of body lean through bends make the C8 a decent drive.

It’s also easy on fuel and carbon dioxide emissions, but the real financial clincher is the big discount Citroen offers. At the time of writing, Citroen is paying your VAT by knocking 17.5% from the price. We expect similar special offers to continue for the time being.

Highly recommended
Renault Espace 2.2 dCi Expression
£24,810
Mazda MPV 2.0i TD
£20,000