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Rating

Verdict Practical interior, utterly uninspiring to drive

At first I thought the Grandis was about the size of a Vauxhall Zafira. It’s styled in such a way that it seems small and convenient. But then, in a London underground car park, I discovered that it’s not small and convenient at all. It was so huge, in fact, that it simply wouldn’t fit in my regular space.

Another surprise. Under the bonnet there’s an unusually large 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine. Quite why they’ve chosen such a configuration, I have no idea. Even so, in the automatic, 0-62mph takes nearly 12sec, which is very slow.

You might not care about this sloth, but you will care about the quality of the power delivery, and the gearchange and the suspension, all of which feel as if they’re made from MDF.

But wait, the back seats can be erected so they face forwards or backwards. That way you have somewhere comfortable to sit, under the shade of the tailgate, while you try to sober up a bit. If this doesn’t work, the interior can be converted into a giant bed.

You can tell I’m struggling, can’t you. Reviewing this car is like reviewing central Canada. How many different ways can you say there’s a lot of wheat?

The Grandis, then, is a one-trick pony. It is exceptionally good at being a seven-seat family car. And not much else.

Current price (Warrior model) £22,349

Price when tested (Oct 2004) £22,999

Engine 2378cc, four cylinders

Power 162bhp @ 6000rpm

Torque 159 lb ft @ 4000rpm

Transmission Four-speed automatic

Fuel/CO2 28.2mpg (combined) / 237g/km

0-62mph 11.7sec

Top speed 118mph