Strikingly different MPV is a big surprise

monitor’s theme in much the same way you can change the Windows one on a PC.

The auto box is controlled by a lever on top of the steering column, and the wheel itself is as multi-function as it’s probably possible to get.

Indeed the equipment levels in this car are nothing short of dazzling.

The model I had boasted everything from active cruise control, electric, heated and massaging front seats to Bluetooth, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay, all-round parking sensors with park assist, a reversing camera and climate control. This is a hugely practical machine. To start with it has seven seats. OK, the back two are definitely aimed at children, but the middle row are all equally sized and certainly very comfortable for adults.

The extra two pop out of the boot and then fold away flat into the floor unleashing a decent load space of nearly 700 litres.

With the middle row down, the back of the car is transformed into a cavernous load lugger offering nearly 2,200 litres of space.

Although the Citroen has more than its share of flair, it’s at heart a very practical car and the driving experience is secondary.

Having said that, the 150bhp, 2.0 litre diesel that I drove had an urgency not usually associated with an MPV.

Indeed, according to Citroen’s spec sheet, where legal it can propel this seven-seater to nearly 130mph.

Not sure I’d fancy that, but with 60mph reached in a shade over 10 seconds, it’s certainly nowhere near sluggish.

And the ride is comfortable with soft suspension absorbing the worst our region’s roads have to offer, even with the 17-inch alloys that came with the Flair package.

Certainly there’s the sort of body roll you’d expect with such a forgiving ride, but really nothing excessive even when the car was fully loaded.

The steering is light and somewhat vague but the car has more grip in corners than you’d expect. Engines start with the road tax-free 1.6 litre, 100 bhp diesel which is good for 109mph and 13.1s to 62mph but only available as a manual.

There’s also a 120bhp version of this engine which comes with manual or auto and then the 150bhp 2.0 litre that I tested.

There’s also a turbocharged threecylinder petrol option – the PureTech 130 which produces 129bhp.

The Citroen figures for the 2.0 diesel I drove claim a combined consumption of 64mpg.

With all the extras on the test car – including full leather, fancy paint, xenon headlights and a driver assist package, the price for this model is £32,700 but without the options the on the road price is £28,630.

Just remember though, you might have to upgrade your wardrobe.