Used MPV shoot-out
We take our pick from Touran, Grand C4 Picasso and 5008
Buyingcars Which of these handsome MPVS offers the best package for transporting your family?
Volkswagen Touran
Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI SE Family
Years: 2015 to date Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 108bhp Ins group: 12 Official econ/co2: 64.2mpg/116g/km Why? The Touran is straightforward and the best to drive of the three cars here, with sharp handling Prices from: £17,950
VW’S Touran keeps things conventional and straightforward in a class where rivals cash in on quirky looks, with cleaner, simpler lines than the Peugeot and the Citroen. It’s a similar story in the cabin, too, with a dashboard layout largely inspired by the Golf.
What sets the Touran apart from its rivals most of all, though, is the way it drives, with balanced steering and sharp handling for an MPV. However, it’s less roomy than the Citroen, offering 1,857 litres of space with the seats down. The Touran didn’t feature in our 2017 Driver Power surveys, but VW as a brand was ranked 14th of 27 makers.
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 Bluehdi Flair
Years: 2016 to date Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp Ins group: 21 Official econ/co2: 68.9mpg/105g/km
Why? The versatile Citroen offers good practicality, space and comfort, all in an eye-catching package Prices from: £17,500
AT the other end of the scale to the Touran is the flamboyant Grand C4 Picasso. Facelifted in 2016, it’s more eye-catching than ever, although the big Citroen’s versatility impresses most, with seven usable seats and 2,125 litres of space with them folded.
On paper, it’s the most economical of the three, while offering strong performance. It’s also the most comfortable here, benefiting from typically fine Citroen ride quality. It’s no surprise it was our 2017 MPV of the year in our annual New Car Awards. A 42nd-place finish in our Driver Power 2017 new car survey placed it in the middle of the pack.
Peugeot 5008
Peugeot 5008 1.6 Bluehdi Allure
Years: 2014 to 2017 Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 118bhp Ins group: 19 Official econ/co2: 64.2mpg/114g/km Why? The big Peugeot can compete on practicality and fuel economy, while it’s a cheap option, too Prices from: £12,470
PEUGEOT has moved away from the MPV market with the latest 5008, but the previousgeneration model is popular on the used market thanks to its affordable prices.
Fuel economy, performance, practicality and equipment levels are respectable, but the 5008 feels old-fashioned in the company of the impressive Touran and the space-age Citroen. It lacks the behind-the-wheel appeal of the other two as well, not being as sharp as the VW to drive or as comfortable as the Citroen. The 5008 MPV didn’t feature in Driver Power 2017, although the Peugeot brand was voted 13th in our makers’ chart.