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Which small MPV offers lots of space, good visibility and comfort?

We have had very satisfactory service from our Fiat Multipla JTD ELX which is now 10 years old, has covered over 140,000 miles and, although running well, should perhaps be replaced. We do about 12,000 miles a year with plenty of long runs. We like the flexible space, excellent visibility, comfortable seating, and the economy the Multipla has afforded and would appreciate your thoughts on a suitable replacement in a similar price range.

Asked on 28 April 2012 by CM, Radlett

Answered by Honest John
The best competitor was the Honda FR-V, also a 3+3, but it went out of production several years ago. Best engines were the 2.2iCTDI (no DPF), 2.0i or 1.8i, all chain cam. The belt cam 1.7-litre version is a poor fourth.

New, your best alternative is a Mazda 5 1.6D TS2. I had one for a year and it was brilliant. It was incredibly comfortable, with excellent ride quality on rough roads and it handled well too. It needs to be the TS2, not the Sport, to get it on comfortable 205/55 R16 Toyo J46 tyres.
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Clever way to carry 6 in 2 rows, like a Multipla, but with Honda quality. 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 all chain cam engines.
Seven seats. Sliding side doors. Compliant suspension is superb on poor road surfaces.
 

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