What Car? Q and A - What's our best diesel MPV option?

Q: We currently have a Chrysler Voyager 3.3 LX Auto which is guzzling petrol. We would like to replace it with a diesel MPV. The only equipment my wife insists on are sliding doors, preferably electric, and an automatic transmission.
Tim Lucas

A: The first and most obvious option is the diesel-engined version of the car you've already got. You'll see fuel economy improve by more than 30% by switching to the diesel, even though it's not the most efficient you can find – and also benefit from the updated interior of the Voyager.

This includes a new seat design, which allows them to be folded away into the floor. When they're not hidden away you can use the space they would have taken up for added stowage. It's so clever, we made it our full-sized MPV of the year in 2005.

Beyond that you've got a couple of options that we like – and could fit the bill – the Citroen C8 and the Peugeot 807.

The Citroen and Peugeot are essentially the same car, using the same chassis, engines and transmissions. They're roughly the same size as the Chrysler, and are all available with sliding electric doors and automatic transmissions.

The diesels aren't as powerful as the Chrysler's, but they do a decent job and return far better economy – 10mpg better in fact. Fiat also does a version called the Ulysse, but you can't specify an automatic with the diesel so it's not for you.

Of the two, we think the Citroen offers the best value but, if you want something with a bit more style, the Peugeot might be the one to go for.