VW’s Touran is a roomy, seven-seat MPV that has a solid feel and is well-finished.

Although perhaps not as stylish to look at as some rivals, both inside and out, the ride is more compliant and comfortable than most, (assisted by well-upholstered seats) and it absorbs quite severe bumps and holes well without bouncing around, though occasionally a bit noisily on some surfaces.

There’s a broad spectrum of engine variants, with a choice of 1.4TSi and 1.6-litre petrol units and 1.9 and 2.0-litre diesels in 105, 140 and 170ps variants.

The two-litre TDi Sport 140ps diesel engine as tested is a fine unit with plenty of torque (236lb/ft at 1,750rpm) for overtaking.

The throttle is nicely responsive from around 1,500rpm and the flexible engine and sensible gear ratios allow frugal use of gears. Cruising is a relaxed affair, with 70mph costing a modest 2,200rpm, and it will just as happily toodle along at 45mph in sixth.

The Touran handles well for an MPV with body roll in bends well controlled and feeling nicely balanced. The wind and road noise on a run are well suppressed.

The steering is well-weighted and accurate, with moderate feedback, the gearshift clicks positively into its six slots and I thought the brakes a little sharp initially but then good and progressive.

The Touran is easy to drive and surprisingly manoeuvrable, with a sensible turning circle, and there’s decent visibility from the slightly elevated seating, although the front ‘A’ pillars are pretty hefty and the door mirrors are on the small side for rear vision.

There’s plenty of seat and wheel adjustability for the driver and the instruments are easy to read.

Switchgear is clear and well positioned though some of the symbols were a little small.

Standard equipment is good with all models benefiting from a CD/MP3 player, remote central locking, tinted insulating glass, alloys, halogen headlights and roof rails. There’s also an integrated aerial, air-con, electric mirrors, fully adjustable wheel and front seats and an onboard computer.

As with most VWs there’s extensive standard safety equipment, including stability systems, curtain airbags, active front head restraints, three-point restraints, three-point seatbelts all round, traction control and an electronic differential lock.

The model supplied boasted the Sport specification which is near the top of the range. This adds goodies like leather trim and uprated upholstery, cruise control, all-round electric windows and climate control.

As a seven-seater, the Touran is one of the best. Although the rear-most seats are understandably restricted, there’s more legroom there than most of the opposition. Adults won’t want to travel far there but small people are reasonably well catered for.

There are many options when it comes to seating arrangements, and most of them are easy to pull up or fold down.

The middle three are roomy and, with five-up and the rear seats folded flat, boot space is impressive. Overall, stowage space varies from 121 litres to a vast 1,913 litres.

Altogether, the Touran boasts 39 storage areas in the cabin and the large glove compartment passes my camera test, swallowing a digital SLR with zoom lens easily.

The Touran may not be quite as contemporary as some of its opposition, but it’s one of the most comfortable, pleasant to drive and well-built in the seven-seat segment and looking decent value too.

Retail prices range from £16,225 for the base, 1.6S petrol, to £23,745 for the Match 170DPF TDi; the test car is £22,870.

Emissions range from 156-182g/km - that’s £150-£175 VED.