When it comes to moving people, six is the magic number. Anyone with two children will understand my point. Picture a family day out to the zoo. My older child Olivia wants to take best friend Hannah; my younger daughter Poppy wants to take pal Beatrice. Our family of four becomes six. The same thing happens on Sunday trips to the pub for lunch with the grandparents. I need to carry six people. Not five. Not seven. Six.

A family saloon won’t do the job, a people carrier will, but a spare seat and an extra couple of feet are a lot to lug about. What most people with two kids need is a car with six seats. What we all need is a Fiat Multipla.

The Fiat has been around for just over three years so used examples are appearing in increasing numbers and with prices starting at £5,500 it could be a relatively cheap way of solving the family transport problems.

So much has been said about the way the Multipla looks that I am not going to bother. If you like it you like it; if you hate it then nothing I say will change your mind.

What is undeniable is the car’s Tardis-like quality. It has three seats in the front, three in the back and a usefully large boot, yet the Multipla is a full 6in shorter than a Volkswagen Golf. Sure, it is a bit wider than most but with a commanding driving position, short overhangs and great visibility it is remarkably easy to thread through traffic and sneak into parking spaces.

Choose from a 100bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine or a 1910cc turbodiesel. The diesel’s output has increased since the Mulipla first appeared: early cars had 105bhp but this was soon increased to 110bhp and in summer 2002 it gained a further 5bhp.

The diesel is the nicer to drive, too: not only is it more powerful, the extra torque is very welcome, especially if the car is heavily loaded. Petrol consumption is in the mid-30s but expect over 40mpg from the diesel.

The Multipla’s unusual styling continues inside: large rounded binnacles house the essential dials and the doors and dash are covered in a fabric similar to nylon. The cabin may look a little flimsy but high-mileage examples are wearing well. Unlike many past Fiats that were notorious for their electrics, the Multipla suffers no such problems.

The dash-mounted gearlever falls easily to hand and the clutch and steering are both nicely weighted.

The Multipla comes in SX and ELX trim. The SX sits on steel wheels but does have electric height adjustment on the driver’s seat, central locking and three front airbags. The ELX gains climate control, alloy wheels, twin electric sunroofs and folding door mirrors. The ELX is the better buy; expect to pay about £700 for the extra goodies.

Servicing is every 12 months or 12,000 miles and most jobs can be undertaken by local garages once the car is out of warranty.

Finding a used Multipla is getting easier but most remain within the dealer network so try a Fiat franchise first. Fiat-approved used cars also come with a comprehensive warranty as well as a guaranteed mileage and service history. If you buy privately you could save £750 but remember to run an HPI check on the car before parting with any cash.



VITAL STATISTICS
Model Fiat Multipla JTD 110 ELX
Engine Four-cylinder turbodiesel, 1910cc
Power 110bhp @ 4000rpm
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 44.1mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 60mph: 12.2sec
Top speed 107mph

CHECK IT OUT
Sunroofs Twin electric panels on ELX add to cabin's airiness
Dashboard Trim may seem flimsy but generally proves to be durable
Alarm Standard on ELX although all cars do get immobiliser
Colours Metallic blue and silver are most sought-after
Equipment ELX costs £2,000 more than SX when new, but second-hand you'll pay only £700 extra for the better spec
Maintenance Servicing comes round every 12 months or 12,000 miles
Gearbox Manual only, no automatic option available
Clutch Should be light, if not expect a bill
Styling New alloy wheels and minor face-lift to bumpers in summer 2002
Versatility All three rear seats can be removed completely, giving truly van-like space
The one to buy Fiat Multipla JTD 110 ELX, 2000 X with 30,000 miles. Pay £8,775 at a Fiat main dealer or £8,000 privately

VALUES Fiat Multipla JTD 110 ELX
Mileage 20,000
2000 X Trade £7,800. Retail £9,150
2001 Y Trade £8,425. Retail £9,775
2002 52 Trade £9,150. Retail £10,495

Mileage 30,000
2000 X Trade £7,425. Retail £8,775
2001 Y Trade £8,000. Retail £9,350
2002 52 Trade £8,750. Retail £10,095

Mileage 50,000
2000 X Trade £6,675. Retail £7,995
2001 Y Trade £7,325. Retail £8,675
2002 52 Trade £8,175. Retail £9,525