The Honda FR-V is a masterpiece of clever packaging: shorter than a BMW 3-series and narrower than a Ford C-Max, it can accommodate six, and has a boot about 90 litres larger than that of a Volkswagen Golf.

It is the perfect car for families who want the space and practicality of an MPV without the bulk and fuel costs of such vehicles.

The FR-V was launched in November 2004 and was an instant hit. Under the bonnet, Honda initially offered just two petrol engines: a 1.7 litre and a 2 litre producing 125bhp and 150bhp respectively. Expect to pay some £850 more for a 2 litre than you would for an equivalent 1.7 litre.

In September 2005, the long-awaited 2.2 litre diesel engine appeared. Producing 140bhp and just 167g/km of CO2, at the time it was among the cleanest and most refined diesels money could buy. With more than 250 lb ft of torque available from just 2000rpm, it is also perfectly suited to propelling a heavily laden vehicle with ease.

However, the diesel’s desirability is also reflected in second-hand prices; so expect to pay £10,000-plus for a three-year-old example — that’s £2,500 more than for a similarly equipped 1.7 litre petrol model.

In spring 2007 the 1.7 and 2 litre petrol units both made way for a 1.8 litre producing 140bhp, which is probably the petrol engine of choice.

The unique character of the FR-V becomes apparent only when you slip behind its wheel. Three individual front seats are mirrored behind, and Honda has moved the gearstick and handbrake from the floor to the dash to liberate space. While none of the seats can be removed, the rear ones stow into the boot floor — increasing boot space to more than 1,000 litres — and the front middle seat has a huge amount of fore and aft adjustment.

In the world of people carriers, the FR-V is something of an oddball, but none the worse for it. Combining a decent drive with plenty of space, and with residual values that look strong, it could be a sound investment for cash-conscious families.

Need to know

FACELIFT Post-2007 cars have a dark chrome finish to the grille, an auxiliary jack for a music player on the stereo, and soft-touch fabric on seats and doors

FRONT SEAT Folding forward the front half of the centre-seat base cushion reveals extra storage space

OIL No warning light for low oil means level needs frequent checking

RECALL Some 2007-registered diesels had to have a new emissions control valve fitted

Vital statistics

MODEL Honda FR-V 2.2 i-CTDi SE
ENGINE2204cc, four cylinders
POWER140bhp
TRA N S M I SS I O N Six-speed manual
FUEL 44.8mpg (combined)
CO2167g/km
ACCELERATION 0-62mph: 10.1sec
TOP SPEED 118mph
COST NEW (2006) £16,802
ROAD TAX BAND E (£170 a year)

The one to buy

A 2006 56 Honda FR-V 2.2 i-CDTi SE with 20,000 miles on the clock. Pay £11,650 at a Honda dealer or £10,500 privately

Or for similar money

2006 56 Ford S-Max 1.8 TDCi
2007 07 Toyota Verso 2.2 D-4D T2
2007 56 Citroën C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 HDi Exclusive
2007 57 Renault Grand Scénic 2.0 dCi Privilège
2007 57 Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi Design

Values

MILEAGE 10,000 20,000 40,000

2005 (55) Trade £9,600 £9,125 £8,225
Retai l£11,195 £10,750 £9,825
2006 (56) Trade £10,600 £10,050 £9,100
Retail £12,195 £11,650 £10,695
2007 (57) Trade £11,700 £11,100 £10,050
Retail £13,295 £12,695 £11,650