Secret MPVs of 2006 - Other secret MPVs arriving in 2006

What?: Skoda Roomster When?: Autumn 2006 How much?: From £10,000 (est)
Skoda will strike out in a bold new design direction this autumn when it launches a new mini-MPV called the Roomster.

Based on the concept car of the same name, it will be priced to compete with models such as the Renault Modus and Vauxhall Meriva, yet is said to offer similar cabin space to the larger and more expensive Renault Scenic.

The Roomster concept’s dramatic front-end styling and unusual wrap-around windscreen are likely to be retained, and these design cues will then spread across the rest of the Skoda range as part of the company’s new family look. The concept’s sliding side door, on the other hand, will be replaced with a conventional hinged design.

What?: Citroen Picasso When?: Late 2006 How much?: £13,400 (est)
The replacement for the ageing Picasso will come with both five- and seven-seat versions. Renault offers a similar choice with its Scenic and Grand Scenic, and Citroen will follow suit with a third row which can be folded into the floor when not needed.

Citroen hasn’t confirmed whether the Picasso name will be carried over, but this seems unlikely. Whatever it’s called, though, the car will be based on the same mechanicals as the C4 hatchback, so interior design is also likely to be similar.

What?: Volkswagen Sharan When?: 2007 How much much?: From £17,000 (est)
The new Sharan won’t arrive in UK showrooms before 2007, but VW is expected to unveil the car towards the end of 2006. It will have seating for seven, be more spacious and flexible than the current car, and is likely to spawn a new version of the Seat Alhambra.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.