Can I have a people carrier that will seat eight, please? A £10,000 budget.
MARK PEARSON I don’t like to think of this as an eight-seat MPV; I prefer to think of it as a family man’s NSX. Yup, you see, for starters there’s that lovely 2.4-litre VTEC motor under the bonnet, a typically clever Honda automatic gearbox and irreplaceable double-wishbone suspension all round. It’s a rigid old Hector, too, and has a low centre of gravity. Its luxo interior will cut quite a dash on the school run also. What you got, Felix?
FELIX PAGE Like you, Mark, I have cast my eye eastward, but not quite so far. Because who are we kidding? When it comes to hauling vast families, football teams or rock bands around in relative comfort, ’tis the three-pointed star that lights the way. This Benz is discreet enough to detract attention from any famous passengers, has all the tech wizardry of your average 2012 E-class and will be flamin’ frugal to boot.
MP Um, yes, but it does look just like a van, whereas you must admit that my 2010 Honda is one hell of a sexy beast. And if you have as many kids as the buyers of these cars do, that’s clearly a very important factor!
FP Every self-respecting enthusiast knows that driving a van is just about the most fun you can have on public roads. Besides, at the weekends, I can remove the rear seats and stick a couple of dirt bikes back there. Way more fun than any VTEC, no?
MP No, don’t be silly. There’s dirt involved, and manual labour, so no fun there.
FP It will be far less tiring than you telling all your neighbours why you didn’t just buy a Ford Galaxy.