The Grandis is the replacement for the unremarkable Space Wagon. But where the Space Wagon was a small bus, the Grandis is a large car with all the accoutrements of an MPV.
Far from being upright and box-like, the Grandis is low, sleek and purposeful in appearance. It is longer than the average MPV, but lower, so headroom in the second and third rows is less, but the legroom throughout is excellent. The rear seats fold flat into the floor so they do not have to be removed to make luggage room.
However, this sleek design does detract a little from the 'multipurpose' bit of an MPV. Whereas Toyota's Preva can carry 2,900ltrs in the back with all the seats gone, the Grandis can manage a mere 1,500 -- less than a Mondeo estate. However, the rearmost seats swivel so that they can face backwards for sheltered viewing under the tailgate.
Two engines are available: a 162bhp 2.4ltr petrol unit and a 2.0ltr turbodiesel. Both are noisy when pushed. Choice of transmission is between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed auto.
The petrol engine is fairly thirsty, but the diesel can return 43mpg and emissions are good. Insurance is between groups 13 and 15.
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Mitsubishi GRANDIS.